Little did Catherine know that she would encounter a group of skilled intruders on her way back from the laboratory that evening. As she left the school gate, she sensed someone following her discreetly.Intentionally taking a detour through a side path, Catherine wanted to ascertain the identity and motives of the people following her.Reaching the corner, she paused and turned around to find no one behind her. "No need to hide, guys. Come out!" she called out.The next moment, four men dressed in black with masks emerged from the shadows. Though they hadn't engaged in combat yet, Catherine could tell they were formidable.The leader of the group, with a sharp and piercing gaze, locked eyes with Catherine. "Since you've spotted us, why not just come with us and save us the trouble?" he said.With a cold laugh, Catherine replied in a nonchalant tone, "Are you sure you can take me with you?"Her calm demeanor unsettled the leader, who had been aware of Catherine's formidable abili
Upon receiving the message, Finn immediately reported the situation to Black Robe, who sneered and sarcastically remarked, "Those fools tried to capture Catherine? It's ridiculous!"Finn also thought that the four men hadn't fully grasped Catherine's abilities. Although he had never faced off against Catherine, he knew her capabilities well."Do you need to find out the whereabouts of those four people, Boss?" Finn inquired."No need!" Black Robe coldly rejected Finn's suggestion, not believing that Branden would sit by in such a significant matter.Knowing Branden must have already arranged for someone to investigate, Black Robe decided to wait. If things went awry, it would implicate his people."I'm tired," Black Robe said."I take my leave." Finn left the secret room, still troubled by his doubts. For some reason, he felt that his boss had been acting strangely lately, appearing quite frail. He didn't dare to ask, not wanting to violate the rules.Not long after leaving the
Ronin and Withal arrived at the destination almost at the same time as Carlo. Luckily, they weren't in disguise or wearing masks, which could have led to a confrontation.Carlo frowned when he saw Ronin. "What are you doing here?"Ronin smiled. "I was about to ask you the same thing."Withal, standing nearby, grew frustrated and puzzled. "Since our goals are the same, why bother with the details? Let's work together and capture those four guys."Carlo's appearance here was clearly at the behest of Branden, while Ronin had come for Catherine. Withal was right—they did share a common goal.Ronin was about to retort but was stopped by Withal. "The bigger picture matters."After negotiations, both sides decided to act together. The four men who had attacked Catherine were already injured during their escape. They had underestimated Carlo, and they didn't expect Ronin and Withal to join forces. Despite their skills, the four men were quickly captured.However, a disagreement arose
Ronin shook off Withal's hand and was about to rush forward. Not far ahead, a man was chatting with a woman. Ronin didn't recognize the woman, but even with just a glimpse of the man's profile, he could tell it was Branden!Catherine was working hard in the laboratory, and here was Branden flirting with a woman. Ronin couldn't allow that to happen.Withal held on tightly, not daring to loosen his grip. Branden wasn't just anyone. If Ronin charged forward, it could lead to trouble. He had to stop Ronin."Ronin, don't be impulsive. What if it's a misunderstanding? Do you want Catherine to clean up the mess for you? She's been busy lately. Plus, you know how much Branden loves Catherine, right?"The last sentence gradually calmed Ronin down. If Branden hadn't treated Catherine well, Ronin would have confronted him right now. In his eyes, any man who had feelings for Catherine was bad. But if Branden had truly been faithful, that would be a different story.Frowning, Ronin looked at
Catherine followed Thomas to Aaron's courtyard, where they found Aaron and Rylan playing chess. Thomas recognized Rylan and glanced at Catherine. "What is he doing here?"Catherine casually replied, "He's the ungrateful grandson Aaron mentioned." Thomas frowned, surprised by this unexpected connection.Upon hearing Catherine's words, Aaron laughed. "Miss Swann is right; this is my ungrateful grandson." He then urged Rylan to give up his seat to Thomas."Please have a seat, Mr. Theo," said Rylan as he stood up.Thomas sat down and glanced at Catherine, who said, "I'll take a stroll. Aaron's courtyard is lovely."The courtyard, meticulously tended for generations, exuded charm in every detail, which Catherine appreciated. "Do you like this courtyard?" A deep, gentle voice came from behind her, quite pleasant.Catherine turned to Rylan. "It feels very comfortable to be here," she replied.Rylan agreed, "I like it too."As Catherine quietly strolled and admired the scenery, R
When Branden arrived, Rylan had just left. Hearing footsteps behind her, Catherine turned to see Branden walking towards her. "Why are you here?" she asked.His cold eyes softened. "I wanted to take you to dinner. I Heard you and Mr. Theo were here, so I came to take you back," he explained.Catherine, unfazed by his knowledge of their whereabouts, asked if he had eaten. After confirming, they left with Thomas.During the car ride, Thomas noticed Catherine's lack of intention to rest and chatted with her. "Are you taking the day off tomorrow?" he asked.Catherine jokingly replied, "Are you planning to make me play chess with you?" "If you're willing, that would be great. You're always cooped up in the lab, so it would do you good to come here and get some fresh air," Thomas said.Catherine, unable to refuse, agreed to consider it. "Alright, we'll see how it goes tomorrow," she said, glancing at Branden, who appeared quite content."Find something amusing?" she asked, her eyes
Branden hung up the phone and stepped out of the study, only to find Catherine standing blankly in front of the bathroom, with water droplets still clinging to her hair. Without her usual aloofness, she exuded a touch of homey charm."Why didn't you call for me earlier?" His voice brought Catherine back from her reverie. She turned with a vacant look, a hint of impatience in her expression and tone."I just came out!" she said.Her cold demeanor didn't faze Branden. After spending so much time together, he could read her expressions well. He knew she was tired and a bit impatient.Grabbing a towel, Branden lifted Catherine and carried her to the bedroom with steady steps. Gently placing her on the bed, he used the towel as a cushion behind her head. "Take a rest. I'll blow-dry your hair," he offered.Catherine was truly exhausted, and Branden's caring behavior wasn't anything new. She accepted it without a second thought.Her hair wasn't very long, so within less than ten minutes
Selene had initially assumed that Catherine was like everyone else, seeking to use her connections to meet renowned professors. However, Catherine's next words made her wish she could disappear."Not really. Six months ago, Professor Bieber emailed me, inviting me to be a visiting professor at Avon University. I was busy at the time and declined. Since you are Professor Bieber's student, I thought you could pass on my regards." Selene's expression froze. She believed Catherine wasn't lying. If Catherine was indeed lying about knowing Professor Bieber, it would easily be exposed and embarrassing. Catherine's confident statement indicated she truly knew Professor Bieber and had been invited to be a visiting professor.Selene, proud of her achievements as a Ph.D. graduate from Avon University, was surprised by Catherine's greater accomplishments."I have to go," Catherine said, turning away. Selene watched her leave, filled with jealousy. It seemed that Catherine not only had Brand