Chapter 972 Troubles Coming
The Duncan Corporation’s big day arrived. Branden had sent out invites well in advance, including to notable figures like Marshall, Thomas, and Aaron.
Though Karl and Thomas were meant to depart together, their ongoing rivalry meant Thomas opted to wait for Scott, instead.
Karl, respecting their wishes, left for the venue alone.
As Karl left, the observers in the shadows quickly relayed the change to their superiors. “Change of plans. Mr. Theo is alone, and Mr. Duncan is not with him. Shall we proceed?”
After a brief pause, the command was clear, “Proceed. Target Thomas.”
“Got it!” came the immediate response.
Half an hour later, Thomas and Scott finally left, bickering playfully.
“Dressed to the nines for what? It’s not even your big day,” Thomas chided.
“Well, you wouldn’t go with Karl, and now you’re giving me grief for being slow. I have to look sharp. I’m representing our side at my future brother-in-law’s event.” Scott shot back.
Their banter continued until they were suddenly surrounded by black vans, the tension skyrocketing.
Scott, cool as ever, prepared for the worst, hiding a dagger and telling Thomas to run if things went south.
Thomas, however, was unfazed. His focus is solely on Scott’s safety. “Look after yourself. Our family’s future is in your hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Catherine received a disturbing call about Thomas’s kidnapping right as she was heading to the exhibition.
“Mr. Theo is with us. Want him alive? Come find us.” The call ended abruptly, giving Catherine no chance to trace it.
Soon after, she got a text with an address. It was from the kidnapper. With only half an hour to the exhibition, Catherine paused for a second before making up her mind.
Catherine quickly informed Branden and turned around, determined to ensure Thomas’s safety over attending the event.
‘Nobody is going to clip Thomas’s wing while I’m around.’ Catherine thought determinedly.
At the exhibition, Branden became anxious as Catherine failed to appear. After learning from her message that she had left her apartment, he realized something was off.
Karl, noticing Branden’s unease, couldn’t help but chide him. “Haven’t I always taught you to keep your cool? Cassie might just be downstairs by now. Don’t worry. She’ll be back soon.”
Karl’s words somewhat calmed Branden down.
As the exhibition was about to start, and all plans were in motion, Branden considered delaying the start to wait for Catherine.
Karl reassured him that Carlo was on the case and advised Branden to start without delay. “Cassie said she would be late because of an urgent matter. You have to trust her,” he counseled.
Despite his concerns, Branden knew the show must go on.
The event kicked off with the room plunged into darkness.
Zobber, poised backstage with a champagne cart, received a nod from Paxton.
Removing her mask, Zobber looked towards Paxton. “Paxton, Catherine sent me. Can I go up now?”
Seeing it was Zobber, Paxton’s expression softened. “Wait here on the side.”
Unaware that Catherine hadn’t arrived yet, the crowd was filled with anticipation for Branden’s speech.
Then, suddenly, Carlo rushed in through the main entrance, urgency etched on his face. Instead of approaching Branden on stage, he went straight to Karl. “Sir, there’s trouble,’ he said, tension in his voice.
He handed Karl two videos; one captured Thomas and Scott in captivity, and the other showed Catherine executing a swift U-turn on the road.
Karl, with a stern expression, issued orders without hesitation. “Carlo, assemble a team and reinforce Catherine. Once you’re in touch, follow her orders. Given her skills, she’ll manage with our support.”
Karl had immense confidence in Catherine’s abilities, considering her just as competent as Branden.
Yet, Carlo hesitated, burdened with sensitive information Branden had sworn him to secrecy. Reluctantly, he whispered to Karl, causing the elder Duncan’s composure to shatter instantly.
“Is that so?” Karl exploded, his gaze piercing through Carlo.
Carlo nodded, uneasy. “Branden wanted it kept under wraps, but Miss Swann is in danger,” he confessed.
Karl, seething with fury, contemplated storming the stage to confront Branden, thinking, ‘Branden dared hide such grave news? After I ensure Catherine’s safety, that boy will face the consequences.’
“I’ll deal with Catherine’s situation myself,” Karl decreed, his anger palpable as he stormed off, leaving Carlo behind.
Simon, quickly followed, struggling to keep up with Karl. It had been ages since he had seen Karl this incensed.’ What on earth could have provoked him this time?’ he mused, worry creeping in.
Sighing, Simon said, “Looks like the skies over Loxton are about to change.”
