Chapter 819 The Lab
Over the next while, Catherine dove into the tense and busy final stage. It seemed like everyone knew about Catherine’s situation. No one dared to disturb her.
Rylan occasionally showed up, but he never crossed paths with Catherine. He didn’t think much of it, because Branden did the same. Branden would come back once in a while, yet he couldn’t catch Catherine either.
Catherine practically lived in the lab. She put in all her time to smoothly finish the last phase of the experiment.
One noon, Branden showed up again. As he arrived at the lab building, he spotted Rylan waiting at the entrance. Branden glanced at him with a sharp hostility in his eyes.
Surprisingly, Rylan stepped forward and greeted him, “Mr. Duncan, quite persistent, huh? Sacrificing business for a student. Is it worth it?”
Hearing the teasing tone, Branden let out a cold laugh and replied, “Mr. Melton, if it is not worth it, why are you lurking around here day in, day out like a faithful lapdog?”
Rylan laughed and then replied, “Who is the real lapdog? That’s up for debate. But I see myself as the one who’ll win her affection.”
“Enough. Mr. Melton, quit showing off, “Branden replied. They mocked each other with no niceties.
Rylan attempted to say more, but Branden interjected, “The soup won’t taste good if it gets cold. I’ll be going, Mr. Melton.” With that, Branden strode straight toward the lab building.
At the entrance, the security guard stopped Branden. Rylan wanted to mock, but Branden intentionally raised his voice toward the guard and said, ” Family of Catherine here. Need to register? Or should I ask her to come down and escort me up?”
Marshall specifically instructed the security guard to allow Branden’s entry due to his special status. He was not just Catherine’s family but also the biggest investor in the lab. “Mr. Duncan, please proceed,” the security guard replied.
“Thanks.” Branden was polite, yet as he entered, he glanced back at Rylan with a look filled with provocation. He was seemingly mocking Rylan’s incapability.
This really irked Rylan waiting at the entrance. He had worked hard to befriend the security guard over these days. But Branden just strolled in and made Rylan embarrassed. Rylan grew increasingly agitated and immediately dialed his assistant. He said, “I don’t care how. Just make me the Styre Laboratory’s top sponsor!” Once Rylan successfully edged out Branden, he would promptly have the security guard remove Branden. Within a 100- yard radius of the lab, he didn’t want to see even a trace of Branden’s presence.
In the face of Rylan’s frustration, Branden strolled happily toward Catherine’s lab. On the way, he met Marshall, who was working late in the lab. Branden politely greeted him, ” Professor Hartley!”
Upon seeing Branden, Marshall smiled warmly. Despite the hard days, the experiment had progressed smoothly, which made him pleased. “Visiting Catherine?” he asked.
Branden nodded and lifted the lunch box in his hand. “Kathy’s not been well, missing meals. Thought I’d bring her something.”
Seeing Catherine’s hardship, Marshall was touched. Seeing Branden’s concern, he felt Branden might be reliable. Even though Branden was excessively wealthy, as long as he was willing to treat Catherine well, Marshall could overlook the rest. After all, not all capitalists were bad people. ”
Right. Go ahead and give it to her. Take good care of her. She’s been through a lot these days!” Marshall said.
“Sure thing!” Branden unusually responded obediently. After approaching the lab, he glimpsed Catherine deeply engrossed in her work through the glass window. She skillfully operated the machinery, and her beautiful face shone even more in the professional setting.
Perhaps sensing something, Catherine finished her task and subconsciously glanced back. Through the glass, she spotted Branden standing outside. After adjusting all the equipment to work autonomously, she removed her lab coat and stepped out. “You’re here. Why didn’t you call for me?”
Branden’s eyes softened considerably as he saw her. He walked up and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. ” You were focused. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Catherine indeed didn’t like interruptions while working, and Branden understood that about her. He knew her preferences well.
After leading him to a nearby break room, Catherine looked at the lunch box he carried with a resigned expression. “I’ve already had lunch.”
Branden didn’t mind Catherine’s refusal. “Miss Swann, dedicated work is good, but occasional breaks are necessary. Inside, besides the main meal, there are some snacks and fruits. Think of it as an afternoon coffee break.
Catherine looked at him with a hint of amusement in her beautiful eyes. “Do your employees know you give such advice, Mr. Duncan?”
Branden raised his brow and looked at Catherine in confusion. She quickly explained, “Don’t they say capitalists are evil, treating labor as machines to exploit? Do your employees know about your ‘work-life balance’ ideals?”
Hearing that, Branden shrugged at Catherine’s explanation. “Capitalists might be evil, but that evil isn’t directed at their lovers.”
Teasingly, Catherine remarked, ” Capitalists not only have evil methods but also silver tongues!”
Branden opened the lunch box and set aside the main meal since Catherine claimed to have eaten. He took out some light snacks and fruit and placed them in front of her. Since there was no table, he held them in his hands and made it easier for Catherine to eat.
Catherine nibbled on the snacks as she engaged in a somewhat aimless conversation.
“Is the experiment almost done?” Branden asked.
“Should be. It’s due for certification next Friday,” Catherine replied.
Though Catherine’s face didn’t betray any signs, Branden could tell she was weary. She endured such hardships. Branden felt for her, yet he knew he couldn’t halt her progress. This path was her own choice, and it was one he couldn’t take over. He could only accompany her through.
“When the experiment’s over, I’ll take you somewhere to unwind!” Branden said.
“Okay. Once things are settled, we’ll go for a break.” Handing back the empty box to Branden, Catherine said, “You should go back to work. I might be stuck in the lab for a while.”
“Alright. Let me know when you are done. I’ll come pick you up,” Branden replied.
