Chapter 116 Korbin’s Plan
Catherine’s face turned chillingly cold when she heard Rachael’s hysterical outburst. In an instant, the living room seemed enveloped in a transparent barrier. It was suffocating.
Liana and Johnathan had been watching the drama unfold. At that moment, they felt an unsettling panic in the atmosphere. Rachael was stunned, her words dying on her lips because Catherine’s gaze was too unnerving.
Seeing the situation deadlock, Korbin, who had been sitting silently on the side all the time, suddenly spoke up. He said with a serious and deep tone, Rachael, that’s enough.”
Korbin was the current head of the Swanns. And Rachael dared not argue with her husband. Moreover, she realized she had gone too far in her anger.
For Rachael, although it was true that Catherine was a jinx, these words were not suitable to say publicly. After all, she was Catherine’s mother.
However, although Rachael recognized her slip of the tongue, she attributed all of it to Catherine’s lack of manners. She blamed Catherine for triggering her rage.
Rachael stepped back, and Korbin stepped forward. As a leader accustomed to managing situations, Korbin was skilled at reading people’s expressions when making decisions. He understood that Catherine’s current anger was entirely natural from his perspective.
To prevent Catherine from acting impulsively and making consequential decisions, Korbin sighed and continued, “Kathy, your mother just got overly upset. She said some odd things in the heat of the moment.
“She’s angry because she worries about you. You went off to record a show with Audrey without a word. In the Swanns, we already have one daughter who gets into the limelight and doesn’t focus on her responsibilities. And now, you joined her. Naturally, your mother is frustrated.”
Hearing Korbin’s words, Catherine lazily raised her gaze and coldly stared at him. Catherine seemed to understand why Audrey didn’t seek help from the Swanns, even though she endured mistreatment outside.
It was because even if Audrey asked for help, Korbin wouldn’t assist even though Audrey was his daughter.
In the end, it might even provoke mockery from Korbin’s side. After all, Korbin genuinely looked down upon the line of work his daughters were involved in. He even considered it a disgrace.
Catherine didn’t respond. Korbin continued. “Kathy, be obedient. Tomorrow, ask Audrey to withdraw from that show.”
“I can’t.”
Catherine coldly rejected, leaving no room for negotiation. Korbin hadn’t expected Catherine to challenge him in this manner publicly. He raised his head abruptly and stared coldly at Catherine with his sharp eyes.
He was the head of the Swanns. And his authority was not to be challenged. He could indulge Catherine to an extent, but his patience had its limits.
As their eyes locked, Catherine sensed the restrained anger in Korbin’s gaze. She realized that Korbin would likely resort to force if she resisted further. Catherine wasn’t worried about Korbin physically confronting her. He didn’t have that capability.
However, Catherine didn’t want to get into a conflict with Korbin. She had promised Vicente that she wouldn’t harm the Swanns, no matter the circumstances. Korbin composed himself and spoke calmly again, “Kathy, be good. You shouldn’t have joined that show.”
Catherine’s mind raced. She frowned and responded with a hint of annoyance. “Why are you and Mr. Bolton both against me being on the show? I am just accompanying Audrey for the recording, and it doesn’t interfere with my classes.”
After hearing that, Korbin was stunned. He had only heard complaints from his wife and daughter. They said that Catherine aimlessly hung out with Audrey and appeared on television. It damaged the Swanns’ reputation.
Now that Catherine had put it this way, it made Korbin realize it in time. Catherine’s words had directly awakened him.
Leonel and his backers wished to use Catherine to gain control over the Swanns’ assets and oust Korbin from his position. Leonel chose Catherine because Catherine was the most controllable candidate. Moreover, Catherine had the will left by Vicente. She was an ideal choice.
In Korbin’s view, Catherine had grown up in the countryside and had never seen the world. So she naturally enjoyed the limelight and the feeling of being a star adored by the public.
If Catherine became engrossed in the entertainment industry and couldn’t be manipulated by Leonel, Korbin could secure his victory in the previous bet. In the face of wealth, personal dignity seemed insignificant.
Korbin suddenly realized the situation. To avoid revealing his intentions too blatantly, he put on a facade of helplessness as he gazed at Catherine.
“Do you really enjoy it?” Catherine didn’t speak, nor did she deny it. She looked at Korbin with a calm expression. She observed the hint of a smile in his eyes.
After a moment, Korbin sighed and whispered. “Since you like it, go ahead. Consider it compensation for you. Just be mindful of your studies.”
Catherine remained indifferent. She had long seen through Korbin’s intentions, but she chose not to expose them. The best way to ruin someone was to let him indulge in corruption without a chance to rise.
Rachael had just returned to her seat. She widened her eyes upon hearing this. And she found it hard to believe as she stared at Korbin. Unexpectedly, Korbin gave Rachael a warning look, prohibiting her from making a scene.
Korbin smiled slightly as he waved at Catherine. He said, “You must be tired from just returning. Go rest.”
“Alright,” Catherine replied. After that, Catherine turned and left the living room. This time, no one stopped her. Just as Catherine walked away, Johnathan immediately exclaimed. ” Dad, how could you let that jinx go? She’s involved in damaging the Swanns 1 reputation like this. Why don’t you kick her out?”
Since Catherine had beaten him up last time, Johnathan held a deep grudge against her. He was determined to find a way to get rid of her. Finally, he had found an excuse, but he never expected his father wouldn’t take action.
Korbin gave Johnathan a cold glance. Korbin was extremely dissatisfied with Johnathan, who didn’t inherit his own intelligence and wisdom. “Use your brain and think about it. Even if Catherine participates in the show, how could she disgrace you?”
After being scolded, Johnathan instantly backed down. He sat on the side quietly without a word. Liana, who was sitting nearby, was the first to catch on. She had listened to the entire conversation, including Catherine’s words.
Initially, Liana couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t just kick Catherine out. Now, she seemed to understand her father’s reasons for not doing so. “Dad, the appointed time is approaching. Do you intend to let it be?
Korbin looked at Liana with appreciation. Among his children, Liana had the highest intelligence. But for Korbin, it was a pity that Liana was a girl.
“What Liana said is right. I know your thoughts. Just endure a bit longer,” Korbin said. Rachael had initially been reluctant to comply. But after hearing these words, she knew she had to endure it.
