Chapter 958 Fate Is Unfair
Catherine and Branden walked hand in hand out of the courtyard. Thomas noticed them first. He nudged Karl and said with contentment, “Karl, you might not be much, but your grandson is quite nice. He matches well with Cassie.”
Karl felt a bit displeased. He was about to retort. But upon careful consideration, he thought Thomas’s words, though not pleasant, were somewhat accurate.
Uncharacteristically, he didn’t argue and instead nodded in agreement. “
Catherine is exceptional. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to Vicente’s proposal so readily and made the betrothal for Branden early on,” Karl said.
Karl’s words irritated Thomas. He knew Karl’s business acumen was sharp, never engaging in unprofitable deals. Unexpectedly, Karl was just as discerning in judging people. When Catherine was still very young, Karl had already set his sights on her and chosen her for Branden.
Reflecting on it now, Thomas became even more unwilling and retorted, “You old rascal, at that time, Cassie was just a few years old, and you were already thinking of her becoming your granddaughter-in-law. You are so cunning.”
Karl coldly snorted and replied, “You’re just jealous!”
As Catherine and Branden entered, they heard the two old men bickering. Catherine shook her head helplessly.
Branden lightly patted her hand to ease her. He asked, “Has dinner started?”
Thomas’s attention was immediately redirected. He smiled at Catherine. “
Cassie, are you hungry?”
Catherine, in cooperation with Branden’s hint, nodded. “A bit.”
Thomas promptly stood up. “I’ll go to the kitchen and urge Aaron. I’ll also lend him a hand.” And so, Thomas left.
With no one to play chess with and no one to banter with, Karl found it boring. He could only focus his attention on Catherine and Branden.
Branden pulled out a chair for Catherine and poured her a cup of coffee.
Watching Branden’s attentive behavior and the proficiency with which he served, Karl couldn’t bear to look. He found it hard to believe this was his proud grandson. Thankfully, the one being served was Catherine. Otherwise, he might feel frustrated.
After dinner, they sat in the courtyard to rest. Due to Aaron’s presence, Rylan remained silent throughout, not drawing much attention.
Karl, having not seen his grandson for a long time, began chatting with Branden. He asked, “What have you been busy with lately? I see you leave early and return late. Don’t neglect Catherine. Otherwise, I’ll be cross with you.” After saying this, he cast a glance in Rylan’s direction.
It was only after arriving here that Karl learned Branden’s love rival was Aaron’s grandson. He thought it was truly a coincidence.
Branden stared at Catherine affectionately. He grasped his grandfather’s meaning and replied, ” I’ve been busy with the affairs of the institute recently. The results of the experiments will be out next month.
Once that’s done, I can be completely free to spend time with Catherine.”
With the vast Duncan Corporation relying solely on Branden now, Karl could understand his hardships. “As long as you have plans for yourself.”
Unnoticed by everyone, when Branden mentioned the experimental results, Rylan’s expression changed. Rylan suddenly spoke up and drew the attention of everyone. “You have no time for your fiancée, but plenty of time to meet other women.”
As the words fell, the gazes of the three elders shifted between Branden and Rylan.
Thomas looked somewhat unpleasant, while Karl’s expression was even more grim. Karl would never allow Branden to betray Catherine. If such a thing happened, Karl would be the first to drive Branden out and cut ties with him.
Karl turned to Branden with a stern expression. “Branden, explain yourself. What’s going on?”
Branden sneered, and his eyes darkened as he stared at Rylan. ” There’s nothing to explain. It’s just regular business dealings.”
Rylan wanted to say something, but he was stopped by Aaron.
Aaron said, “Rylan, matters between the couple are none of your concern.”
The words “couple” pricked Rylan’s heart. He wanted to say something more but swallowed his words back.
Even though Rylan didn’t press further, Karl didn’t intend to let his grandson off easily. He thought Branden’s explanation was not enough. Karl turned to Catherine and asked, ” Catherine, what do you say?”
Catherine remained composed and said calmly, “Most of the news on the internet is exaggerated. Mr. Karl, you know her. It’s Miss Miller whom we met the day before yesterday.”
“Miss Miller?” Karl pondered for a moment before realizing who Catherine was talking about. After grasping the situation, he chuckled and continued, “So, it’s the young lady from the Millers. This matter is absolutely baseless. I know that girl, and there’s nothing between her and Branden.”
Back in her childhood, Selene used to follow Branden around, but he paid her no attention and even scared her to tears a few times. If there was something between them, Catherine would have no chance to be with Branden.
The topic deliberately brought up by Rylan was treated as a joke by everyone, and the conversation quickly moved on.
Rylan felt uneasy and couldn’t shake the belief that there was something more between Branden and Selene. From Selene’s attitude, it was clear that she was hiding some secrets.
After some time, Catherine began to feel drowsy. Seeing her squinting, Branden stood up and pulled her along, preparing to take her back to rest.
As they were about to leave, Thomas and Karl naturally couldn’t stay behind for more idle chatter. Besides, considering their age, staying up late wasn’t an option.
Once they left, Rylan’s face darkened.
Observing this, Aaron sighed silently and consoled him, “Rylan, some things cannot be forced. If it’s not meant to be yours, let it go.”
Rylan tightly pressed his lips, remaining silent. He never believed in fate, and he was unwilling to accept the course of destiny. All fate brought him was pain. He couldn’t accept what he desired to be destined to belong to someone else. Since fate was unfair, he would strive for it on his own terms.
Inside the apartment, Zobber, who had just played a few games, was drifting off to sleep. She planned to doze off in that position. Suddenly, a ringing sound echoed. It startled her and caused her to sit up abruptly.
She instantly opened her eyes and became alert. Glancing at the unfamiliar number on the screen, she instinctively knew it probably wasn’t some telemarketing ad. She answered the call, bringing the phone to her ear.
A deep, ominous voice came from the other end. “In a month, the Duncan Corporation’s showcase is your time to strike. Wait for my signal!” Before Zobber could fully grasp the situation, the caller hung up.
Zobber was perplexed. Withal lightly nudged her. “What’s going on?”
