Chapter 139 Official Confirmation
Catherine, who was accompanied by Branden, walked into the Charm Bar. It was the top entertainment venue in Casier. For Catherine, it wasn’t her first time here. She knew her way around.
Today marked the birthday of Aidan Lane, a close friend of Branden’s. Moreover, the Lanes were once a famous wealthy family in Casier. Aidan had settled abroad with his family as the Lanes’ overseas business flourished.
This year, their business brought them to Casier. And it happened to coincide with his birthday. So, Aidan had gathered a group of friends to celebrate.
Even Branden couldn’t resist the rare occasion and made a personal appearance at the gathering. He rarely participated in gatherings within the circle.
The most luxurious room at the Charm Bar had been reserved for the occasion by Aidan. The people who presented were all his closest friends.
As everyone began to arrive, they noticed that Branden had yet to show up. Someone decided to ask Aidan directly. One of them asked, “Aidan, didn’t you say Mr. Duncan would be here today? Where is he?”
Aidan grinned confidently at the questioner and replied, “Don’t worry. He’ll be here. I just spoke to him on the phone, and he should be arriving soon.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the door to the private room swung open. Everyone instinctively turned to see who it was. It was indeed Branden, but he didn’t walk in immediately. Instead, he stood there holding the door like a service attendant..
Those who witnessed this scene were taken aback. They thought inwardly, “Wow. Is there someone even more important than Mr. Duncan? He is personally holding the door!’
Aidan thought inwardly, “Triston has climbed to such a position?” Catherine didn’t know the people inside the private room, and they were guessing about her identity.
The crowd held their breath and waited to see who the newcomer was. They never expected the person to step forward in front of Branden to be a girl. Moreover, she was a very beautiful girl.
This development surprised them once again. Branden, who usually kept his distance from romantic entanglements, was attending a gathering with a female companion. The crowd thought inwardly, “Could the rumors be true?
“Does Mr. Duncan really have a girlfriend?”
If this were true, it would be international news. Aidan was momentarily stunned. He finally realized the situation. He quickly stepped forward to greet Branden. He said, “Mr. Duncan, you’re finally here.”
After exchanging greetings with Branden, Aidan turned his attention to Catherine, who was standing nearby.
He gave her a quick glance. Then he thought inwardly, “This is Mr. Duncan’s first time bringing a female companion.” Moreover, Aidan didn’t know her identity. So, Aidan didn’t dare to take it lightly. Aidan politely asked, “Mr. Duncan, would you mind introducing her to us?”
Branden gently took Catherine’s arm and pulled her closer to him. Catherine didn’t resist and allowed him to shorten the distance between them.
Branden had a handsome face and dark, captivating eyes. He changed his usual cold demeanor. At that moment, he turned his head slightly and smiled at Catherine.
“This is Catherine, my girlfriend,” Branden said. This simple introduction sent a shiver through everyone present. They thought inwardly, “Who is this woman?
“She managed to make Mr. Duncan openly acknowledge her in front of everyone. That is not something to be taken lightly.”
Upon hearing Branden’s introduction, Aidan’s face lit up with surprise. He greeted Catherine with a smile and then teased, “Well. It seems my status has earned me quite a favor. We all thought Mr. Duncan was single, but it appears he had a girlfriend. It’s truly an honor to have you, Miss Swann, join us at the gathering today!”
At their age, it was natural to be somewhat influenced by societal norms. However, Aidan’s attitude was quite amiable. Catherine managed a polite nod in response and returned the courtesy.
Aidan was about to invite Branden and the others to take their seats when the closed private room door swung open once more. A strong perfume scent filled the air, and the charismatic Triston made his grand entrance.
Triston had a deeper connection with Aidan than Branden, as they shared common interests. Aidan, known as a playboy, was also a charismatic young gentleman.
“Mr. Lambert, you arrived later than Mr. Duncan today. Looks like the Lamberts are really on the rise lately, and so is Mr. Lambert himself,” Aidan teased. Hearing Aidan’s jest, Triston shot him a cold glance. Triston retorted, “Shut your mouth, or I might just make sure you don’t get any cake later.”
The two were used to bantering with each other, and neither took these jokes to heart. Aidan kept winking and making gestures toward Triston. However, Triston didn’t catch on.
Triston suddenly quipped. “Aidan, have you been indulging in too many beauties lately? Are your eyes playing tricks on you?”
In Aidan’s eyes, Triston was beyond help at this point. He shot Triston a disdainful look. Aidan said, “Damn it. You must be suffering from the consequences of excessive debauchery. You are clearly out of mind.”
Aidan didn’t bother paying any further attention to Triston. However, Triston turned his head and spotted Branden and Catherine sitting nearby.
This time, his focus was primarily on Catherine. When he saw Catherine, Triston greeted her with a cheerful grin. “Wow. Catherine is here too!”
Catherine gestured in response and offered a simple greeting. Aidan was left dumbfounded. He reached out and hooked his hand onto Triston’s shoulder. Then he stared at Catherine. Aidan asked, “So, you know Miss Swann?”
Triston misunderstood the situation and thought Aidan was interested in Catherine due to her looks. He quickly cautioned Aidan, “Yeah. I know her. But you should be careful. Don’t go fancying everyone you meet.”
Hearing this, Aidan’s face turned pale with shock. He anxiously glanced in Branden’s direction. When Aidan saw no change in Branden’s expression, it finally calmed his racing heart.
Then he glanced at Triston with disdain and retorted. “We’re friends, and you’re doing this to me? Miss Swann is Mr. Duncan’s girlfriend. Just for that, even if you gave me ten times the courage, I wouldn’t dare to fancy her. Triston, you have a wicked heart.”
Triston responded with a sly smile. And he replied with a playful glint in his eyes, “Well. Aidan, I’m impressed. It’s been only a short while, and you’ve already figured out the relationship between Mr. Duncan and Catherine?”
Aidan glanced at Triston with disdain. ” Mr. Duncan made it public the moment he arrived. How loyal of him. No need to guess or figure anything out.”
After hearing that, Triston was utterly astonished. He widened his eyes dramatically and looked back and forth between Aidan and Branden. “Aidan, are you telling me that Mr. Duncan publicly announced his relationship with Catherine when he arrived?”
Seeing Aidan nod, Triston immediately pounced toward Branden. Triston’s gaze darted back and forth between Branden and Catherine. His expression was funny. Even Catherine couldn’t help but find it amusing.
However, she remained silent and left Branden to handle the situation himself. Triston stared at Branden in shock. He raised his voice and asked, “Mr. Duncan, is this an official confirmation? Why didn’t I know about this?”
Branden let out a disdainful snort. He coldly stared at Triston with his clear eyes. Then he replied in a cold and low voice, “Since when do I need to report my love life to you, Triston?”
