Ronin's mental defenses crumbled, and the masked man gloated over his handiwork. He'd tormented Ronin for two days. He withheld food and drink and kept Ronin trapped in a dank, gloomy space. He knew well that Ronin was different from Catherine.Although Ronin had faced hardships since childhood, he hadn't undergone the excruciating training Catherine had endured. He couldn't endure such inhumane torture. Breaking through his mental defenses wasn't too challenging.The masked man pulled out some medication from his pocket and tended to Ronin's wounds. Watching Ronin's expression change, he felt immensely satisfied. "You don't have any grudges against me. There's no need for it to come to this. It's Catherine we're after, and she is the one we're dealing with. If you help us out, not only will I release you to recover, but I'll also ensure you receive a substantial fortune and let you go away."Ronin's gaze wavered, and his resolve weakened.Rather than pressuring Ronin, the masked m
Compared to the worried Withal, Catherine seemed much more composed.Although Withal was unaware of Catherine's thoughts, he was used to her calm demeanor after years of being by her side. "What's the plan, Catherine?" Withal asked.Catherine glanced casually at them and then focused on their wounds. "You two don't need to worry. Focus on healing those injuries first."Zobber pursed her lips. She disagreed with Catherine's decision. She wanted to help and not be idle.As Zobber attempted to speak, Withal intervened. He said, "We'll follow Catherine's orders. Whatever she says, goes."Facing Withal's persuasion, Zobber crossed her arms in frustration but dared not defy Catherine. Withal always obeyed Catherine's commands, and if Zobber persisted, he might step in."Rest up, both of you. Don't worry about me. The Duncans' forces in Loxton are now under my command," Catherine said.Zobber's expression eased after she heard Catherine's words. Though she wanted to assist, considering
Catherine hung up the phone and returned. She found Carlo and Francis looking incredibly odd. They stole glances at her and communicated only through eye contact. They didn't dare to speak.Catherine scanned the two of them with a cold eye before seating herself nearby. "Don't worry. I straightened things out with Branden. It's not on you."As soon as she said that, their tense expressions relaxed. Carlo let out a long sigh of relief. He looked at Catherine with gratitude. "Miss Swann, thank you.""No need," Catherine said coldly and shut down further conversation. She was about to leave when Francis's phone rang. She paused and planned to wait until Francis's call ended to inquire about the situation before leaving."Damn it! They're so cunning!" Francis cursed after ending the call. Seeing his disturbed state, Carlo signaled to remind Francis that Catherine was still there.Francis realized this and quickly apologized to Catherine, "Sorry, Miss Swann. I lost my cool earlier."C
Catherine had just entered the dormitory when her phone started to ring. She slid the button on the screen, and Branden's handsome face appeared."Have you arrived at the dormitory?" Branden's voice came through the earpiece. She wasn't surprised at all by his precise control over her whereabouts. Carlo must have informed him of her return to school. Judging by her pace, this time was enough for her to reach the laboratory or the dormitory building. His control over time had always been accurate. That was why she had just stepped into the dormitory when he called her. "I've just arrived," she replied."I'm almost done with things on my end. I should be able to return to Loxton the day after tomorrow," Branden said, his eyes fixed on Catherine's face through the screen, his words carrying a hint of probing.Catherine knew exactly what was on his mind. Leaning to one side, she looked at him with a smile in her eyes. "So, are you applying to return to Loxton?" she asked.At her word
Rylan waited long, but Catherine didn't show up. One of his men informed him that she had returned to the school. Based on Catherine's personality, she was unlikely to be in the laboratory. "Could she still be in the dormitory?" Rylan wondered, not wanting to wait. He decided to go and check the situation in the dormitory. Before he could leave, his phone buzzed. He took out his phone, stepped aside, and answered the call. "Speak," he said, his tone devoid of any emotion. The person on the other end said something to Rylan, and his eyes instantly darkened, his previously gentle demeanor totally gone. "Wait for me. I'll be there soon," he said before hanging up.The sparsely decorated room contained only a bed and a chair. Ronin sat in the chair, enjoying a delicious meal specially prepared for him. Ever since he shared the special means of contact with Catherine, his life here had been much better. What Catherine said was indeed true—one should learn to look after oneself. Althoug
When Catherine emerged from the laboratory building, the sky outside had already turned dark. If it weren't for Marshall urging her to leave, she would have planned to finish her work from the previous night.Glancing at the time on her phone, Catherine realized it was already past dinner time, and the curfew was approaching. Considering Isabella usually went to bed early, she decided to leave the campus to grab something to eat before returning to her apartment. If she had time, she planned to make a trip to see Connie.With Withal and Zobber likely recovered by now, Catherine could have them do some work to keep them from getting bored. Just as Catherine stepped out of the gate, she spotted the familiar black Bentley. It had been a while since she had seen it, and she felt a twinge of longing. She walked straight toward the car.Paxton had been keeping an eye on the gate. When he noticed Catherine's appearance, he promptly informed the person in the back seat. "Boss, Miss Swann
Rylan had been unable to find Catherine for two consecutive days. Finally, after investigating with her roommate, Amelia, he learned that Catherine hadn't returned to the dorm or the lab during these two days.With no other choice, Rylan decided to visit Catherine's apartment."Ding-dong!" When the doorbell rang, Catherine was still lounging on the sofa, eating fruit, and watching a variety show.Thinking it might be her food delivery, she was about to put down the fruit bowl to answer the door.Branden, however, was one step ahead. He had already set aside his laptop, stood up proactively, and confidently declared, "Wait here. I'll get it for you."With someone taking care of it, Catherine didn't need to exert any effort. She continued watching the variety show, her gaze fixed on the amusing scenes.As the door opened, both men were momentarily stunned. Branden stared at the cold-eyed man outside, assessing him from head to toe."You've got some nerve. I haven't even come to se
Zobber was bored in the room, so she found her way to Withal's room and promptly shut down his computer.Engrossed in a game and on the verge of winning, Withal exploded in anger. He threw down his game controller, glared at Zobber, and snapped, "What's your problem again? Can't you see that I'm playing a game right now? Don't bother me!""You're the one with the problem!" Although Withal was still furious, Zobber did not care and stuck close to him. "Withal, let's go out. I feel like staying here any longer, and I might end up with some illness."Withal shot her a disdainful look. "I'd go out if I could, but have you forgotten Catherine's orders?" He also thought the whole situation was boring. Otherwise, he wouldn't be playing games here. Catherine instructed them to rest at Connie's house and not go out for a while. Otherwise, Withal would have already gone out. Although he had some injuries, they were nothing he couldn't handle.Withal's response left Zobber helpless. She fea