Chapter 584 Atop a Hill
Liana slunk away in frustration and curled up in a corner nearby. She couldn’t fathom why she’d lost to Catherine.
She thought, “Even if she had received a good education, could it compare to growing up in the Swanns’?
“How could Catherine be so successful while I can’t?”
Zain fretted about Liana’s well-being and stayed close by her side.
He was also shocked by the truth.
When he heard Bryan speak of knowing a girl who was more exceptional than Liana, he thought Bryan was exaggerating or seeing things through rose-colored glasses.
In Zain’s eyes, Liana was perfect. He didn’t believe there could be someone better. But upon seeing Catherine, Zain understood Bryan hadn’t lied.
Catherine was not only prettier but also far more outstanding than Liana.
Sensing the constant presence beside her, Liana no longer wished to hide her emotions. “Why are you still following me? Are you not satisfied with me being a joke? Am I not pathetic enough for you?” She snapped at Zain.
Zain was taken aback. He hadn’t expected such ruthless words from the gentle Liana. However, considering the blow Liana had just endured, Zain felt he should be more understanding.
He thought maybe Liana was just in a bad mood. Everyone had their off days.
“Liana, you’re an outstanding lady. You don’t need to compare yourself to Catherine, alright?”
Zain’s words cut through Liana like a sharp blade, hurting her pride.
She glared at Zain with her cold eyes. Shut up! Who do you think you are? What right do you have to judge me?”
Seeing the bewilderment in Zain, Liana stood and walked away from him.
In her view, Zain was such a useless man that he was utterly worthless to her. She had no use for him anymore.
Drake had been waiting outside the conference room until Catherine showed up. As soon as he spotted Catherine, he hurried over.
Catherine halted upon seeing him and looked at him coldly. “Need something?
Drake wasn’t entirely sure why he had stopped Catherine. He just wanted to see her again.
After hesitating, Drake murmured, I’ve been training hard lately. Soon, I might catch up to your shooting speed.”
Catherine gave a faint smirk and replied casually, “Congratulations.”
Drake felt a pang of disappointment. He was not disappointed with Catherine but with his inadequacy. He asked in a low voice, “Even if I could beat you, you wouldn’t join the team, would you?”
He recalled how confidently he’d invited Catherine to join the team before and even asked her to set her conditions.
Now that he knows how much power Catherine holds, he realizes how absurd he has been.
He thought Catherine must have seen him as a joke back then.
Drake couldn’t help but chuckle self- deprecatingly.
Seeing him like this, Catherine responded, “Wrong.”
Drake looked up at Catherine in confusion.
Catherine spoke softly, “I always keep my word.”
What she promised, she would deliver.
Catherine raised an eyebrow at Drake and winked. “Provided you beat me.”
At that moment, Catherine’s faint smile seemed to have cast a spell and instantly ignited hope in Drake’s lonely heart.
He nodded silently. “Alright. I’ll strive for it. I hope for a day when I can win against you!”
Catherine was the pinnacle to him, the goal he’d relentlessly pursue in the future.
He would continuously strive to challenge himself and surpass his goal.
“Go for it!” Catherine said before stepping away.
Drake stood there, and he was unable to snap out from watching Catherine leave.
“She’s not meant for you!”
An abrupt voice interrupted Drake’s thoughts. Turning around, he saw Jaxton behind him.
Drake spoke slowly but firmly, “Dad, I know. I’ll take her as a goal to strive for. She’s beyond reach, but I’ll become better because of her.”
Jaxton sighed in relief. Thankfully, his son had self-awareness and wasn’t too stubborn. Otherwise, the Claytons and the Spencers might be in trouble.
Jaxton thought, “Disregarding Catherine’s excellence, her fiancé, Branden, is a powerful figure. How could my son compete with Branden?”
Jaxton had no idea about the limitations of Branden’s capabilities as the latter was enigmatic.
However, he knew that the Claytons were not a match for the Duncans. Even if they teamed up with the Spencers, they would still be soundly defeated.
After saying goodbye to Drake, Catherine prepared to leave.
When she reached the door, she spotted Branden leaning against the railing.
Right now, Branden, with his long legs crossed, stood casually. The usually formal suit he wore had been loosened, with his tie hanging loose and a few buttons on his shirt undone.
He exuded a lazy yet charming aura. Nonetheless, he captivated everyone’s attention like an elegant prince.
Catherine approached slowly and was irritated by the gazes surrounding him. She didn’t like to share her man with others.
To everyone’s surprise, she grabbed Branden by his tie and dragged him out.
When Paxton saw them, he immediately drove up.
Catherine opened the passenger door and tossed Branden, who allowed her antics, in. Then she looked up and signaled to Paxton.
Paxton hesitated but eventually succumbed to Catherine’s powerful aura. He stepped out of the driver’s seat.
Catherine sat elegantly in the car and slammed the door shut.
With a firm press on the gas pedal, the luxurious car shot off like lightning.
Paxton was left standing by the side.
As the car sped on, with one hand propped against the car window, Branden enjoyed the wind and Catherine’s perfect side profile.
The car accelerated continuously. Çatherine drove fast yet steady. The surroundings grew desolate, and the streetlights diminished.
The car finally halted on an empty spot atop a hill.
Amidst the darkness, the faint light inside the car illuminated.
Catherine turned to Branden beside her and looked at him with her beautiful eyes. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll bury you in a secluded place?”
11 Branden chuckled and calmly replied, Just call me when you need a hole dug. Don’t hurt your hands!”
Catherine raised a playful smile. Then, she smoothly maneuvered to straddle over him and half-laid across Branden.
With his deep eyes, Branden gazed affectionately at the charming Catherine above him.
His voice was low and attractive as he asked, “Fair lady, aren’t you planning to bury me? Are you intending to torment me differently?”
With a light laugh, Catherine deftly undid Branden’s belt buckle.
Hearing his words, Catherine adopted his demeanor and leaned in to whisper playfully in his ear. “Yeah. It irks me to see you being so flirtatious everywhere. So, I plan to punish you and set an example!”
