Chapter 360 Attack Using Other’s Strength
Faced with Aidan Lane’s reminder, Branden Duncan remained calm. He had never asked about Catherine’s past or arranged for anyone to investigate her life in the countryside.
He knew that Catherine had secrets, but he had never mentioned it. As long as Catherine didn’t tell him, he wouldn’t inquire.
“No need!” said Branden.
Branden straightforwardly rejected Aidan’s suggestion. Seeing this, Aidan could only put away his thoughts. He was extremely curious about Catherine’s identity and background, believing she was more than just a member of the Swanns.
However, since Branden had made it clear, he didn’t dare to investigate more toward Catherine, fearing that Branden would trip him up.
Anyway, he didn’t have the courage!
Aidan and Triston Lambert exchanged glances and could only give up on their suggestions.
Shermann Hotel, Room 603.
Liana didn’t join her friends from Oceanvile in celebrating. She had no time for friends. In front of an exquisite notebook, the flickering screen displayed a continuous stream of malicious comments, steadily increasing.
The smile on her lips grew more apparent as she watched. She closely monitored the online developments, and the scandal involving Catherine’s seduction continued to escalate.
Many posts, a mix of truth and fiction, had joined in. At this point, Catherine’s reputation online had become quite negative.
According to the posts, Catherine was portrayed as an academically lazy troublemaker who skipped classes, slept during lectures, and got into fights daily.
She supposedly used her looks to manipulate male classmates into doing her bidding. Not only that, but also attempting to seduce Grayson to secure her victory in the competition.
As she watched more posts cropping up, Liana’s mood grew increasingly joyful. She carefully observed the situation and noted no signs of posts being deleted.
Even if some individuals occasionally tried to defend Catherine, the angry fans would quickly shut them down. Catherine had become notorious, a pariah in the eyes of the public.
Liana believed that no one would come forward to defend her, as no one wanted to get involved and risk a tarnished reputation for the sake of one woman.
As for Catherine, Liana thought she might be agitated right now, so how could she have the time to delete posts?
With a satisfied smile, Liana continued to gaze at the heated posts on her screen. If Catherine liked fame so much, Liana was determined to ensure she got her fill of it.
After hesitation, Liana felt that the current situation was not enough. She needed Catherine to be despised by the world and unable to turn things around. Liana picked up her phone and made a call.
Ten minutes later, she arrived on time at the coffee shop downstairs at the hotel. The person she had arranged to meet was already waiting at their table. Liana gracefully approached and took her seat. “Emma, I’m sorry for being a little late.”
Emma Hazel glanced at Liana, noticing her meticulous appearance, and couldn’t help but roll her eyes inwardly. She didn’t say much in response.
Liana was indeed a master of pretense. The hotel was just upstairs, and only the two were meeting. Yet, she still needed to dress up carefully before coming downstairs.
People like her were exhausting to deal with. However, Emma had seen it all before. In their social circle, many people lived for appearances and prioritized looks above all else.
Some individuals never revealed their makeup-free faces in their entire lives. Emma and Liana were not close enough to share a sisterly bond, so they didn’t feel the need to be completely open. After Liana ordered her drink, Emma finally said, “So, what brings you here to talk to me?”
Liana put on a faint smile and pretended to be shy as she said, ” Emma, have you seen the posts online, by any chance?”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “You mean about Catherine?”
Emma immediately understood the purpose of their meeting after seeing Liana nod. She didn’t say anything initially, and Liana decided to take the initiative.
She looked at Emma with a seemingly aggrieved expression and said, “Emma, your performance today was amazing, truly stunning. I can’t believe that Catherine is so capable. Judging by how well-prepared she was, she must have known the exam questions in advance. She seems determined to win the championship!”
Emma maintained her composure on the surface and didn’t even blink. However, her hand resting by her side betrayed her true emotions.
At this point, she knew precisely what Liana wanted from her. She wanted to attack Catherine using the strength of her.
Emma would not have given them this opportunity if it were any other person. Liana was not qualified in her eyes, but the situation was too sensitive right now.
Emma wasn’t sure if Catherine had cheated through Grayson or not, but the timing of this scandal was highly precarious. However, those photos had infuriated Emma.
“How dare Catherine behave like this?” thought Emma. She even dared to let Grayson pack her bags for her. Did she deserve any of this?
Emma struggled to control her anger and reluctantly suppressed her urge to lash out. She forced herself to speak calmly, “Is there anything else you need? If not, I’ll be on my way.”
Liana watched Emma’s composed exit and smiled with an air of gentleness. She shook her head and said, “Since you’re busy, I won’t disturb you.”
Liana couldn’t help but admire Emma’s self-control as she sipped her coffee. She hadn’t expected Emma to remain so composed even in this situation.
However, she knew that Emma would never let Catherine off the hook. As she left, the bulging veins in Emma’s neck told her as much.
Liana had her reasons for involving Emma in this matter. Emma came from an artistic family with several relatives in the entertainment industry who were influential figures.
If Emma were willing to help suppress Catherine, a little family pressure would be all it took to ensure Catherine could never recover. Liana didn’t need to do anything herself. She could sit back and watch Catherine’s downfall.
Arbotte Laboratory.
The demonstration resumed, and every action had a ripple effect in science. Changing even a single piece of data meant overturning everything done previously.
Scientific rigor allowed no room for error.
Rodge Milton and Scott Theo weren’t afraid to start over. Catherine’s previous input had been crucial, and without her guidance, they would have been in real trouble. The sooner they discovered the problem and resolved it, the better.
It had been two hours since they left the Meadow Restaurant and arrived at the laboratory. Catherine had been locked inside the lab, continuously working through the problem.
Meanwhile, Rodge and Scott Theo were left waiting outside and increasingly bored. Scott glanced at Rodge and winked. ” Hey, bro, are you as bored as I am?”
Rodge let out a sigh of resignation with helplessness. “I’m not just bored. I’m frustrated. I can’t help with anything!” said Rodge.
He had lived a life of constant success and had always excelled. His outstanding achievements earned him recognition from everyone around him.
He used to think he was strong. However, when he encountered Catherine, he realized there were always greater heights to reach. True talents were in a league of their own, and he didn’t even have a chance to lend a hand.
