Chapter 306 Daring to Bargain
Korbin Swann felt that he had already given Catherine Swann enough face. If Branden Duncan weren’t present, he would have already taken control of Catherine and taught her a lesson. She needed to learn her place, especially challenging the Swanns.
After hearing Korbin’s condition, Catherine smiled and fixed her chilly gaze on him. She calmly asked, “Dad, do you think this is a discount store? You keep asking to bargain.”
Bargaining was beneath Catherine’s dignity. She viewed it as a mockery of the situation. Korbin glared at Catherine with anger in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and said, “Catherine, don’t push it too far!”
Catherine crossed her arms casually, appearing relaxed but exuding an overwhelming arrogance. Catherine’s composure made her seem even more dominant compared to the furious members of the Swanns.
The atmosphere in the living room plunged to an icy low, and an intense standoff began between father and daughter.
When it seemed the situation was about to escalate further, the Swanns’ butler hurriedly entered the room. Korbin was somewhat displeased when he saw the butler’s anxious expression. He asked, “Is the sky falling? Why are you so frantic?”
The butler looked embarrassed after being reprimanded. He lowered his head and whispered, “Mr. Swann, two law enforcement officers are outside. They say they’ve come to see Mr. Johnathan.”
The speed of their arrival was astonishing. The expressions of everyone present changed with this news. Johnathan quickly realized the gravity of the situation and immediately grabbed Rachael’s hand, pleading for mercy.
“Mom, I don’t want to go to jail. Please, please don’t let me go to jail!” said Johnathan.
Rachael was also getting anxious. Her earlier composure was completely gone. She kept holding Johnathan’s hand and trying to comfort him.
“Johnny, don’t be panic. Mom won’t let you go to jail, absolutely not,” Rachael reassured him. Catherine looked at Rachael, who was comforting Johnathan, as her actions calmed him down.
She noticed and realized that not because they were lack of compassion but they didn’t care about her. Catherine’s gaze remained fixed on them, and she didn’t notice another pair of eyes watching her intently.
Catherine’s expression was calm and without a hint of emotion. Branden, on the other hand, sensed something different. He felt a trace of sadness for Catherine.
He thought that deep down, she must have yearned and longed for maternal love even though she had grown up isolated in the countryside. If not for her mother’s cruelty, she might not have developed this tough exterior.
It was truly heart-wrenching. Just now, even the once stern and unyielding Korbin had to give in when faced with this unexpected danger.
He knew that Catherine had come prepared, bringing along Branden as her powerful advisor. This meant that they had already lost the upper hand in this battle. Korbin had no choice but to comply. After all, he couldn’t bear to see his son imprisoned.
“If I agree to your conditions, can you guarantee that Johnathan will be safe?” he asked desperation in his voice. Catherine didn’t respond immediately. She raised an eyebrow and looked at him intently.
Korbin knew that he had no room to negotiate. If he didn’t accept Catherine’s proposal, his son would face the risk of imprisonment.
At least three years of studying in Dentler Academy seemed like a better alternative to him than going to jail. He believed that money had the power to move mountains. Once he dealt with Catherine, he would find a way to have his son withdraw from that wretched place.
He clenched his teeth and reluctantly agreed, “Fine, I agree. When this semester ends, I will send Johnathan to Dentler Academy.”
“Tomorrow!” Catherine coldly uttered and set a deadline.
“Tomorrow?” Korbin exclaimed in surprise as his eyes widened. Catherine nodded slightly and taunted, “Dad, you’re still in your prime. You shouldn’t have trouble with your hearing.”
She didn’t ask for tonight, which was already done a favor for the Swanns. Pushing for further negotiations would only lead to a prison sentence.
Korbin was truly livid, but he had no choice. He had to comply with Catherine’s demands. Frustrated and with no outlet for his anger, Korbin finally exploded when he saw Johnathan still sitting there.
“Why are you still sitting here? Don’t you want to pack your bags? Are you getting ready for prison?” he scolded. Rachael was startled as she had never witnessed Korbin lose his temper like this before. She hurriedly pulled her son away.
At the same time, Paxton Duncan also got up and headed outside to deal with the two law enforcement officers.
In the spacious living room, only four people remained. Korbin wore a scowling expression as he glared at Catherine, who sat across from him with an air of indifference.
“Catherine, you’re quite something, latching onto your brother’s mistake. You’re not worthy of being part of the Swanns,” Korbin accused.
Catherine slowly stood up. The matter had concluded, and she was tired. Thus, it was time to rest.
She didn’t pay any attention to Korbin’s accusations and looked at him with a cold gaze. “If someone at such a young age understands how to hire killers, considering it a hallmark of the Swanns’ education, then it seems like it’s a reflection of the values the Swanns have instilled. Perhaps it would be better if the Swanns ceased to exist, ” said Catherine.
Korbin’s face turned red with anger as Catherine continued to rebuke him. There was no denying that Johnathan’s actions had been foolish. Furthermore, his actions were also felt like an insult to the intelligence and reputation of the Swanns.
Catherine didn’t spare her father, and she even made a subtle remark that could be interpreted as criticism of how Korbin had handled Vicente Swann’s inheritance.
“The only silver lining in all of this is that Mr. Vicente passed away early. He doesn’t have to witness these disgraceful events. Otherwise, he might have risen from his grave in anger and strangled these unworthy descendants of the Swanns. If they won’t listen, that’s one thing, but they also engage in such foolish acts!” said Catherine.
Catherine’s words held a double meaning. While she openly scolded Johnathan, she indirectly criticized Korbin as well.
After all, it wasn’t just Johnathan who didn’t heed the words of the Swanns’ elders. Korbin also ignored Vicente’s wishes. This happened when it came to Catherine’s inheritance left by Vicente for her and refusing to let go.
As he was unable to out-argue Catherine, Korbin could only express his frustration with loud exclamations.
“You are such an unfilial daughter! You’re no daughter of mine!”
“Hmph!” Catherine Swann snorted coldly and turned her back on Korbin. She had stopped regarding him as her father since the moment he decided to send her to the countryside.
If not for the unchangeable Swanns’ genes she carried, she wouldn’t have even looked at Korbin properly.
Yet, he still behaved so indifferently, prattling on and on. Catherine had no intention of continuing to engage with Korbin. She turned around and greeted Branden, preparing to leave.
Branden held her hand and stood by her side. However, Branden didn’t immediately leave with Catherine. He stopped in his tracks, fixing his cold and icy gaze on Korbin.
“Mr. Swann, the one who I supported, not to be trifled with. Today, I’ll spare the Swanns out of respect for Catherine, “said Branden.
A cold gleam flashed in his eyes despite his seemingly gentle smile, and his voice was chillingly cold.
He continued, “However, mark my words, if there’s a next time, the Duncans will spare no effort in seeking justice.”
