Chapter 183 Again and Again
The Duncans and the Swanns formed an alliance through their marriage arranged by Vicente. Sitting in the front, Triston laughed happily, saying, “Ha, Mr. Duncan, you’re doing a great job being so respectful to the elders. Well done, you can be considered a role model for us young people. I will learn from you!”
Branden kicked the back of the front seat with a handsome gesture. Triston immediately apologized, “My bad. I’ll shut up. I shouldn’t have spoken.”
After they finished their quarrel, Catherine replied lazily, “No need.” She added, “Besides, I haven’t even met her either. It might be even more awkward if you come along.”
With a simple explanation, everything became clear.
Branden instantly understood the situation. Catherine had been abandoned in the countryside since she was a child. She was only called back when she turned eighteen. She had little contact with the Swanns, let alone the Langs.
Since Catherine considered the birthday person unimportant, Branden naturally had no reason to meet her.
The next evening, after Catherine finished school, Liana, who always kept her distance from Catherine and didn’t want to have any relationship with her, suddenly blocked her way.
Catherine stopped and casually put her hands in her pockets, lazily looking at Liana. Before Catherine could speak, Liana hurriedly stated her purpose.
“Catherine, did Dad tell you Grandma is celebrating her birthday tonight? You must attend, you know?”
A hint of impatience flashed across Catherine’s face. Korbin had called her during lunch break, and she had already agreed. She didn’t expect Liana to repeat it.
It seemed that these people were afraid that she wouldn’t go. Why did they need to emphasize it over and over again?
Catherine didn’t bother to respond, her gaze slightly darkened as she stared at Liana. Perhaps sensing Catherine’s displeasure, Liana softened her attitude, and her voice became gentler.
“Catherine, our family’s car is here to pick me up, right at the entrance. Since we’re going to the same place, I can give you a ride!”
It was natural for Catherine, as the second daughter of the Swanns, to ride in the Swanns’ car driven by the Swanns’ driver. However, Liana’s tone made Catherine feel like she was being given a favor.
Ronin, who was standing aside, couldn’t stand it anymore. He pointed at Liana’s nose and cursed, “What the hell? How expensive is your family’s car? What kind of background does it have? And you’re offering to give my boss a ride? How audacious do you have to be to say such shameless words? My boss doesn’t need your car. With just one phone call, I can have a row of globally limited-edition cars wait for her!”
Ronin’s words were impolite enough, and his expression showed clear disdain towards Liana.
“Don’t embarrass yourself. I advise you to go back home right now, dumbass!”
he continued.
“Ronin, you goddamn little…” Liana’s face twisted in anger as she glared at Ronin.
But Ronin wasn’t buying into her act. He was even more aggressive than her. “So what? Aren’t you a princess? Are you ready to fight me? Fine, let’s do
this. I’ll tear off your hypocritical mask and let everyone see. How dare you act so arrogant in front of me? I can tear you to pieces and humiliate you
whenever I want! You think you’re a tough fighter because you know a little martial arts? Your tricks are only suitable for dealing with someone like Elena!”
When Elena was mentioned, Liana’s face instantly turned pale. She didn’t know what Ronin knew precisely, but she knew that if she continued to argue, she would be the one to lose out.
Frustrated, Liana stomped her foot and yelled at Catherine in a pitiful tone,” Well, kindness goes unappreciated. Catherine, I just wanted to offer you a ride, but if you don’t appreciate it, then fine, don’t take it.” After saying that, she left in a huff.
Watching her retreating figure, Ronin cursed in confusion, “Boss, this hypocrite woman stomped her foot before leaving. It’s infuriating. Next time, I’ll make her regret it.”
Catherine, bored, looked out the window at the falling leaves, listening to Ronin’s complaints, her mind drifting away. Ronin could easily defeat Liana without Catherine’s help.
After venting for a while, Ronin finally stopped and then asked Catherine seriously, “Boss, are you really going to that boring birthday banquet today?”
Catherine adjusted the backpack by her side, casually slung it over her shoulder, pulled out a hat and put it on, and nodded absentmindedly.
Seeing that she was determined to go, Ronin quickly exclaimed. “Then I’ll go with you!”
Catherine lowered her head, glanced at him, and said in a low, deep voice, ” Why are you going with me?”
“To serve you, of course!” Ronin said as if it was something natural. In his opinion, the Swanns and the Langs were not good people. Although Catherine had a high IQ, she might still be at a disadvantage in dealing with social matters. Ronin wanted to go to take care of her and help out.
Catherine stepped forward, bypassing Ronin, and casually patted his shoulder, whispering, “No need, all you need to do is study hard and prepare for the SAT!”
Ronin was speechless. “Are you serious, Boss?” he asked inwardly. ” The SAT?”
He wondered if Catherine had forgotten that he graduated early from Starford University at fourteen. When Ronin snapped out of his daze, he couldn’t find any trace of Catherine.
Catherine walked towards the school gate, ready to pick up her motorcycle, but she saw a red Beetle slowly approaching in the distance, heading towards the school gate.
She stopped in her tracks, waiting eagerly for the red Beetle to come closer until it stopped by her feet. After the car stopped, the window immediately rolled down.
Audrey, with a big smile on her face, looked at Catherine. Her voice was slightly louder, sounding somewhat excited.
“Kathy, luckily, I rushed here just in time after your school ended. I didn’t expect to run into you like this.”
Audrey’s appearance made Catherine’s face lose its usual indifference and gain a hint of coldness.
However, Audrey didn’t notice it and was still immersed in her own world, incessantly chattering to Catherine, You have no idea how congested the road was. I was so worried that you couldn’t catch a ride. You’ll have to take a taxi. The weather has been changing drastically lately, and it gets so cold at night. It’s also windy. If you stand by the roadside, you’ll definitely catch a cold! But luckily, I arrived just in time, right?”
Audrey looked up at Catherine with a happy smile, her eyes shining like stars. Catherine’s face returned to its usual indifference, and her voice sounded emotionless. “You rushed here to pick me up because you worried I wouldn’t catch a ride and get cold?”
“Yes!” Audrey answered without any hesitation. “What’s wrong? You seem a bit off.”
Catherine curled her lips into a faint smile, trying to appear as calm as possible. “Nothing!” she said and then opened the car door to get in.
