As the scheduled start time of the press conference approached, there was no sign of activity from the Duncan Corporation. This made the journalists present anxious, sparking a stream of discussions about what was going on. Some even started causing trouble.Someone asked, "By now, the lights should be dimmed, and we should be getting ready for the start. Could it be that the Duncan Corporation's press conference is just a sham, a ploy to drive up their stock prices?"Though these thoughts were not openly expressed, they all thought it made sense, especially since the announcement of the press conference had indeed caused a spike in the Duncan Corporation's stock prices.Paxton wanted to address these rumors but found that any explanation seemed to only make things worse. He looked turned towards Branden for guidance, but Branden remained unfazed, checking his phone briefly without finding any updates before returning to his previous calm demeanor.Meanwhile, Catherine rushed to th
The atmosphere at the press conference became increasingly tense. Paxton, unable to calm the reporters down, approached Branden for advice. "Should we ask some reporters to leave first?" he suggested. They had identified several troublemakers, and removing them might calm things down."No need!" Branden rejected Paxton's proposal. He knew that trying to cover it up would only make things worse.Looking at Catherine, he noticed a stain on her neck and gently wiped it off with a handkerchief. "What did you have for lunch? How did it end up on your neck?" he asked.Catherine, unsure of what to do, was surprised when he reached out toward her chest in public only to help her remove the stain.Catherine smiled helplessly. "I bumped into a waitress in a rush, and the food spilled on me," she explained."Why didn't you change your clothes after getting stained?" Branden frowned, knowing Catherine well. Though she was unconventional, she had a sense of propriety and wouldn't act recklessl
Branden held Catherine's hand high and displayed the image of them holding hands. He held a microphone and looked firmly at everyone, finally fixing his gaze on the female journalist who had just asked a question."Murder is a serious crime, and whoever commits it will naturally face legal consequences. If you have evidence or clues, please submit them to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. I believe you will get a satisfactory answer. Spreading rumors carries legal responsibility. My fiancée and I reserve the right to hold you accountable," he added.The warned journalist turned pale with fear. She had only wanted to pressure Branden to answer the question while everyone was present. It was a potential breaking story, not only increasing newspaper sales but also potentially propelling her career to new heights. Otherwise, she wouldn't have taken the risk.However, she never expected Branden not only to boldly respond to her question but also to issue a warning.The journ
In the lounge, Catherine sat bored on the sofa, undisturbed by the commotion outside.Paxton found the journalist's information. Although she wasn't a spy, her reputation was bad, known for exploiting others. She had even driven a poor student to suicide for the sake of publicity.After reviewing the information, Branden ordered, "Send this to the public relations department and release it all."Upon hearing the command, Paxton hesitated. "Shouldn't we just leak the information to some other journalists?" The female journalist was insignificant, yet involving the public relations department would make it a big deal. Paxton worried about the public perception of bullying a journalist.Despite Paxton's persuasion, Branden insisted, "Do as I say."Paxton, obedient to Branden's unwavering attitude, promptly carried out the order. Catherine was Branden's Achilles's heel, and anyone who messed with her would face dire consequences."Alright, I'll see to it," Paxton said after arranging
Zobber has been repeatedly watching the video from that evening. Catherine's cruelty was truly impressive, even for someone like Zobber, who was accustomed to dealing with tough situations. Just thinking about Catherine's gaze in the video made her feel uneasy. Back then, Catherine was just a child, and if she was that formidable then, it was hard to imagine her strength now.Zobber wasn't watching the video to marvel at Catherine's capabilities, but to uncover the mastermind behind it and help Catherine resolve the situation. Seeing Withal casually scrolling through his phone, Zobber became annoyed and kicked him in frustration. "Can't you do something useful? Why are you acting like it's no big deal?"Withal slowly raised his head, as if moving in slow motion. "Even Catherine can't figure it out. Why do you think I can? You're overestimating me."Zobber retorted, "Just because you can't find anything doesn't mean you won't do anything! When did you become so useless?"Withal,
The next day, a clarifying video appeared online, causing a stir. The person who posted it claimed that the video circulating on major websites was a fake, created using AI face-swapping technology to frame Catherine. He admitted to his wrongdoing and voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.Local law enforcement reposted the video and issued a statement to clarify the situation. Catherine, tired of being repeatedly woken up by phone calls, reluctantly answered, throwing the phone aside after putting it on speaker."Hello?" she said in a hoarse voice, instantly calming down Ronin's excited mood.Carefully, he asked, "Catherine, were you sleeping?" Catherine, irritated by the sudden disturbance, replied, "Do you really want me to tell you?"Ronin could sense the underlying anger in her words, and he became extremely cautious. "Catherine, it's really important. I've sent you the news. You can check your phone. If you're tired, you can check it later."Ronin quickly hung up, see
When the three of them arrived at the fifth cafeteria, they immediately attracted people's attention. People discreetly focused on Catherine, being cautious not to disturb her.Catherine, unfazed by the surrounding gazes, took a seat at the spot Ronin found.Ronin and Rylan were in charge of buying food, while Catherine held the table. In reality, she didn't need to do this—with a single glance, she made sure no one dared to occupy the seats she had her eyes on.Ronin soon returned with the food, purposefully sitting across from Catherine and leaving the seat next to her for Rylan."Catherine, the fish today is particularly fresh. Have a taste," Ronin said. Catherine glanced at the fish, her brow furrowing instantly. Sensing her discomfort, Ronin moved the plate away. "It's okay if you don't like it; there's some chicken here," he said, trying to offer an alternative. However, Catherine continued to frown.After a few more attempts, even Catherine felt she was being too picky an
Zobber woke up and saw Withal sitting alone on the couch, playing games on his cellphone. Seeing his expressionless face, Zobber couldn't help but furrow her brow."What's wrong with you?" Knowing Withal well, Zobber sensed that something was bothering him.Withal glanced at the laptop in front of him and coldly said, "The results are out. Take a look for yourself." Zobber couldn't help but wonder if there was something unexpected about the results. Filled with suspicion, she pressed a key. As the screen lit up, it displayed the results of Withal's investigation.The moment Zobber saw the results, she was furious. "Damn it! It's him! I'm going to grab him. If I don't give this traitor a good beating today, I won't be able to calm down."Zobber stormed off in anger, about to leave the apartment, but Withal grabbed her. She glared at Withal. "The evidence is clear, and you still want to stop me?""I'm not trying to stop you. I'm going with you!" Although reluctant to believe it,