Chapter 523 Her Brother
After yesterday’s interrogation, Catherine received a substantial sum from Branden. She called it hush money.
The next day, Catherine felt significantly better both physically and mentally.
Audrey was now a rising star in the entertainment industry. She had a large following of fans.
If she accompanied Catherine to school today, it would surely attract attention, potentially leading to unwanted trouble.
Considering her unique status, Audrey decided to have Branden accompany Catherine for the enrollment at Styre University.
Styre University admitted only a limited number of students each year, unlike other schools.
Usually, it wouldn’t exceed 200 students, which was even fewer than the students in a typical department at a regular university.
That was why getting into Styre University was such a prestigious achievement, as rare things were often considered valuable.
Thousands of students took the entrance exams yearly, but only a handful could make it to Styre University.
Although their admission was limited, Styre University still held a lively enrollment ceremony.
As the car reached the university’s entrance, Branden got out, and Paxton followed. Then Paxton helped Catherine with her luggage.
Unlike other students carrying many bags, Catherine had only one suitcase.
Paxton stood straight on the side, waiting for Branden to enter the university.
Unexpectedly, Branden reached out his hand toward Paxton.
Paxton was momentarily taken aback until he saw a glint in Branden’s eyes. He was scared and nearly dropped the luggage.
At the next moment, he quickly and respectfully handed Branden the luggage.
With one hand holding the luggage and the other hand holding Catherine’s hand hanging by her side, Branden said gently to Catherine beside him, “Let’s go. I’ll accompany you inside.”
The constant buzzing of his phone forced Branden to stop and take it out.
In the WhatsApp group, Aidan was being playful.
He mentioned everyone, urging them to join the chat.
With his handle “The Charming and Dashing Mr. Lane,” Aidan mentioned everyone and texted, [My dear friends, I rarely wake up early in the morning. Let’s have a gathering!]
Triston replied, [Aidan, are you going crazy early in the morning? Is this ever going to end?]
The group of people chatted enthusiastically, but someone suddenly texted, [Where’s Mr. Duncan? It’s been a while since we’ve seen him.]
After Branden saw the message, he opened the camera function, took a photo, and sent it to the group.
People in the group were initially puzzled. After Aidan opened the photo, he couldn’t resist commenting.
He texted, [Who’s this? What lousy photography skills! Carrying a suitcase and a girl, what’s the big deal? Although that girl’s hand looks nice!]
Just as he sent this, Branden, who sent the photo, followed up with a text message.
[I’m accompanying my girlfriend for her first day at college!]
The group of people was stunned.
Triston was the first to react. He didn’t expect that Branden, who rarely chatted in the group, suddenly made an appearance and was openly displaying affection.
Under the mentions from the others, Aidan also realized the situation.
He realized that he had actually mocked Branden just now.
Looking at Branden’s photo and the tone of his message, it hit him.
He thought Branden was really mischievous.
Aidan texted, [Okay. I’ll skip breakfast this early morning. This display of affection is too much for me to handle. I’m leaving the group to digest!]
After he sent this, there were plenty of responses. All of them wished him well.
Aidan actually made fun of Branden and coveted his girlfriend’s hand. He was definitely asking for trouble.
Aidan wasn’t just leaving the group to digest. He was practically fleeing.
Catherine initially thought Branden was handling some work when he took out his phone, but his amused expression puzzled her.
“What’s so funny?”
Branden put away his phone.
His tone was tender, and his eyes twinkled as he said, “Nothing. I just watch Aidan act silly.”
The brief episode of Branden showing affection soon passed. The two of them strolled over to the enrollment area of the electronic information engineering department.
The senior students had been waiting for quite some time, and finally, a new female student arrived, or rather, a beauty.
Even though Catherine had her face mostly hidden beneath a cap, the small visible part revealed her exceptional appearance.
A few students couldn’t help but stand up. They smiled brightly as they warmly approached Catherine.
“Are you a freshman in the electronic information engineering department?”
Catherine remained calm as she reached into her pocket and handed her acceptance letter to one of them.
Seeing Catherine’s somewhat aloof attitude, the senior students didn’t take offense.
They understood that new students tend to be shy and reserved. After all, they had gone through the same experience themselves.
However, after Catherine handed over her acceptance letter, they confirmed that she was indeed a new student in the electronic information engineering department.
These senior students started cheering internally. After they waited for years, the electronic information engineering department at Styre University finally welcomed one of the few female students, and she happened to be so beautiful.
Several male students eagerly stepped forward. One of them said, “Come on, girl. We’re the senior students in the same department as you. Today, we’ll help you get acquainted with the campus.”
Another one asked, “Where’s your luggage? Leave it to us. We’ll take care of it for you.”
“Thank you, but there’s no need,” Catherine replied and took a step back.
Branden stood behind her for a while. He had been somewhat ignored in the crowd for the first time. At this moment, he finally gained some attention.
The senior students noticed Branden.
As they saw his face, they were shocked by his good looks.
They thought Branden brought pride to their male students. He was incredibly handsome.
His aura was simply astonishing and left everyone in awe.
One of the senior students enthusiastically stepped forward and politely asked Branden, “You’re her brother, right? Let me take the luggage. We’ll help!”
Branden thought inwardly, “Brother?”
Branden’s face immediately darkened, and his intimidating aura left the speaking senior student stunned.
Catherine, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
She initially thought Branden would explain or even lose his temper to deal with the tactless senior student in front of them.
However, his reaction turned out to be quite different from what she had imagined.
With a stern expression and a low voice, Branden directly refused the offer.
“No need.”
Hearing his response, the senior student finally snapped out of it. He chuckled awkwardly and tried to defuse the situation.
“You two are rather quiet, huh?”
These senior students led the group to the dormitory building.
Before they went upstairs, Branden swiftly snatched the key from the senior student’s hand and dangled it on his finger. He stared at the student with a cold expression.
“We’ll go up by ourselves.”
The look in Branden’s eyes terrified the senior student.
The senior student had fought hard for the chance to take care of Catherine. However, he didn’t expect that Catherine had a powerful brother. He realized that he might not even have a chance to show himself.
He could only stand in place and watch the freshman and her protective big brother leave.
Once they were upstairs, Catherine slowly turned to look at the man behind her. With a playful smile in her eyes, she lowered her voice and called out, “Brother!”
Branden was just stepping onto the stairs when he suddenly heard this, and his eyes instantly lit up.
He looked at Catherine with a passionate gaze, tightened his grip on her hand, and swiftly pulled her into his embrace.
Resting his chin on Catherine’s head, he whispered in a husky, low voice, ” Next time, save that for the bed!”
