Catherine emerged from the private booth, heading for the restroom.As she turned the corner, she felt a pair of eyes fixated on her from behind. Catherine halted and turned.She saw Adrien standing at the far end of the corridor, his gaze clearly sizing her up.He also noticed Catherine turn around.He initiated the greeting. "What a coincidence, us dining here?"He had clearly been standing there for a few minutes.Was it a coincidence? Not at all.Catherine gave him an indifferent look, then turned to leave.Adrien hadn't anticipated Catherine's reaction. He immediately tried to stop her."Catherine, we cross paths, and you can't even say hello?" he called out.Turning back once more, Catherine cast a nonchalant glance at Adrien and scrutinized him from head to toe.She dismissively uttered, "Hi, Adrien."Her expression seemed to question him."Is that enough?"Are you satisfied?"Adrien was growing more intrigued by his niece. She was certainly different from t
Before everyone knew it, the final exams were upon them, and this time, the school was placing a significant emphasis on these year-end assessments.Next semester, their cohort was scheduled to graduate. Loyalty Academy always had a head start on other schools, having completed the curriculum that other schools would cover in the latter half of the semester.In the upcoming semester, they would focus entirely on revision, preparing themselves as best as possible for their quest to secure spots at prestigious universities.Class 8 was renowned as one of the top-performing classes in the school. Class 4 next door was always eager to surpass Class 8. Recently, Class 8 had gained significant momentum and had become the target of jealousy for several other classes.The teachers from nearby classes couldn't help but mention Class 8 frequently, causing anxiety and insecurity among other students.Liana watched Catherine napping with her head on the desk and felt a sense of triumph.Th
Two days of final exams finally came to a close yesterday.At Loyalty Academy, unlike other schools, after the exams, all the teachers stayed late on the same day to release the rankings and results on the following day.On the second day after the exams, many students with dark circles under their eyes arrived at the school early, eagerly waiting for the results to be posted.Liana arrived early today, brimming with confidence that she had done well this time.In her quest to get the results faster, she discreetly inquired with her teachers.When the results were finally announced, they did not disappoint her.She ranked second in Class 8 and third in the entire grade.After learning her results, Liana immediately asked a teacher if Catherine was the first in the class. The teacher was very sure and firmly denied it.Thinking about this, Liana couldn't help but feel pleased and looked forward to the moment when the results would be made public. She would love to see Catherin
Branden went to pick up Catherine from school. After getting her homework, winter break had officially begun. The winter in Casier was a bit cold, so he planned to take Catherine to Oceanvile.Besides, the business of the Swann Corporation and the Duncan Corporation had been doing well there lately.The man had it all planned out in his mind, but he still needed to ask Catherine's advice."Do you have any plans for winter break? If not, how about I take you to Oceanvile for the winter?"Catherine might have regarded Branden's arrangement favorably if she hadn't taken the training mission to Scorpion Island.Rodge had messaged her a couple of times for help, and Dr. Dunn had been urging her to make a trip over there."No!" Catherine instantly rejected the man. "I've got to go to Alton to tutor those brats... I promised and took the money. It can't be refunded!"In her opinion, training those rookies was just like tutoring little kids!"For how long?" The smile on the man's fac
Branden took Catherine to the airport. Catherine was going to Alton.Branden gazed at her, his eyes filled with reluctance."Come back as soon as possible. I'll pick you up!"Catherine's name could be heard in the airport announcement, but Branden didn't intend to let her go."Alright, I'll try."After saying that, Catherine swiftly took the luggage from Branden's hand and ran into the security checkpoint."Gotta go, bye!"Watching her back as she ran away without turning her head, Branden helplessly chuckled."Well, that's very cruel of you," he murmured inwardly. "I showed so much reluctance, yet you could still happily leave without showing me mercy."After Catherine boarded the plane, she realized that Branden had booked her the entire first-class cabin.The flight attendant politely placed Catherine's luggage down and led her to her seat.Being able to book the entire first-class cabin exclusively for one person was enough to prove the man's wealth. He must be a big sho
Catherine sampled the food. Even though it did not taste as good as Branden's cooking, it was acceptable. "No need. This is good!" replied Catherine coolly. Since dinner was alright, Francis could continue with the rest of the arrangements."Miss Swann, do you have any special arrangements tomorrow? Otherwise, here is a list of nearby travel destinations. Why don't you take a look? If there is anywhere you are interested in visiting, I can make arrangements."Francis felt sad inside. He did not expect to see the day when he would become a mere tour guide!After waking up, Catherine received a text message from Ronin. He informed her that the client would contact her at night and she could make her way over tomorrow. Her time was very precious, so she did not have the time to travel. "No, thanks. From tomorrow onward, you don't have to follow me around. I have my own arrangements!"Hearing Catherine's rejection, Francis nearly lost control of his expression. He quietly inhal
Scorpion Island was a small island located in the central Patrific.It was surrounded by steep cliffs. Leaving this place without a sound was nearly impossible. Unless one happened to be the Sea King of Atrantis.Just ten minutes ago, the island's commander, Jon, sounded the alarm.It signaled the beginning of the training in earnest.As is customary, the special ops team members assembled on the training ground.Rumor had it that they had enlisted the world's top assassin as their instructor this time.Every three years, Scorpion Island arranged for a special training session, each time with a different instructor, but these instructors were always someone notorious for their brutality.There were casualties in every training, so they signed a life-and-death agreement before being selected to come to the island.Although the mortality rate was extremely high, those who managed to leave the island could rise to the top of the world rankings.So, being able to train on Scorpion
The first round had just ended. Then, the speakers above the training ground began to emit that chilling, devilish voice again."Round two begins!"The cold tone of the announcement caused even the famously tough individuals present to shiver involuntarily.The second round was relatively simple. It focused on physical tests.If one could complete the test within the allotted time, he would pass.Once the rules were revealed, a collective sigh of relief swept through the group.Despite the tight time constraint, their physical fitness was up to the task, so they believed they would all pass.Eight individuals had been eliminated in the first round, and nobody wanted to face the same fate. Everyone gave their all to complete the task.Even those who were initially holding back their strength had to show their true abilities under Anon's relentless scrutiny.The second round concluded, and the afternoon training was done for the day. Anon announced the dismissal through the loud