Chapter 242 Ronin’s Absence
After Audrey realized the situation, she expressed her gratitude to Branden. Audrey learned from Branden that Catherine had already gone to sleep in the guest room. Although Audrey wasn’t as clever as Catherine, she could discern Branden’s intentions from his words.
It seemed he had no intention of letting her take Catherine away. To put Audrey at ease, Branden had even generously invited her inside to check on her sister.
Audrey cast a quick glance at the sleeping Catherine from afar to ensure her safety. Then she returned to her own room. However, after that, Audrey’s heart was still unsettled. She didn’t have the courage to disturb Branden.
After all, Branden had done nothing wrong. He had kindly taken in her sister and provided her with a guest room. It would be ungrateful for Audrey to appear overly suspicious. She had a sense of ingratitude.
Then Audrey struggled the entire night, being half-awake, half-asleep. She held out until Catherine finally rang the doorbell.
The sound of the doorbell startled Audrey awake. After she rushed to open the door, she was relieved to see Catherine safe and sound. “Kathy, were you okay last night?”
Catherine didn’t quite understand Audrey’s meaning. “Why wouldn’t I be?
Audrey carefully observed Catherine’s condition, which seemed perfectly fine. Realizing that this topic might not be friendly to Catherine, who was still a student, Audrey didn’t press further.
She awkwardly smiled and waved her hand. “It’s nothing. I’m just asking casually. It’s getting late. You should change clothes quickly. I’ll make you some breakfast, and you have class later.”
Catherine stood up and walked toward her room without looking back. “No need to make breakfast. Branden already prepared it.”
The sound of the bedroom door closing made Audrey instantly alert. She realized that Branden made breakfast for her sister. Branden had personally cooked despite being the head of the Duncans.
Audrey was surprised. After living with Catherine, she seemed to receive an endless series of heart-stopping surprises. Audrey was shocked from time to time.
After breakfast, Branden personally drove Catherine to school. Audrey carefully stood by the window and watched their every move. Seeing Branden help Catherine into the car, Audrey had a strange feeling.
Even though they were just neighbors across the hall, they seemed like a newlywed couple. They went in and out together every day. No wonder Triston and the others had misunderstood and thought they were living together.
At school, Branden accompanied Catherine out of the car and was attentive toward her all the way.
“Go inside for your classes, and I’ll pick you up in the evening,” he said. Catherine responded with a nonchalant acknowledgment. Then she turned to walk toward the school’s entrance.
Branden didn’t immediately get back into the car. Instead, he stood in place and watched her leave for a moment.
Paxton, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart. He thought Branden was becoming increasingly indulgent toward Catherine. Once Catherine arrived in her classroom, she settled into her seat with her backpack.
Ronin’s usual seat next to her was empty. There was some business at the base. Catherine asked him to go back and handle it for three days. He had already taken a leave of absence from school. In Ronin’s absence, Bryan had taken on the responsibility of looking after Catherine.
“Boss, would you like some breakfast? I’ve prepared ham sandwiches and rose liqueur.”
Before Ronin left last night, he told Bryan that Catherine liked to drink rose liqueur and let Bryan prepare it in advance.
Catherine curtly declined. She replied, ” No. Thanks.” Then she adjusted herself into a comfortable position. Seeing that Catherine wanted to rest, Bryan didn’t dare to disturb her. He quietly sat beside her.
Catherine didn’t actually intend to rest. With one hand supporting her face, she used her long fingers to twirl a pen as she was deep in thought.
It was the first time she had slept so peacefully in someone else’s private space, and she hadn’t even known when Audrey had visited yesterday.
What impressed her the most was Branden, who had managed to create such a strong sense of security in her. By the time Catherine had come to her senses, she was already ensnared in his sphere and found it difficult to break free.
“Boss, it’s time for class.”
Bryan reminded Catherine. Catherine still had her feet up and looked rather casual. She replied, ” Alright.”
She continued to ponder the unresolved issues in her mind. Being in such a comfortable environment made her a bit sluggish.
Branden had masterfully catered to her personality and habits. He created a comfortable and tranquil environment for her, which made her unwittingly sink deeper into it. Branden was quite formidable. Even Catherine couldn’t help but want to praise him.
He was a master of psychology. The time for relaxation passed swiftly. By the time Bryan spoke again, the school bell had already rung, which signaled the end of class.
“Boss, class is over. Would you like something to eat? I can go get it for you, Bryan asked. Loyalty Academy was unlike other schools. It was a prestigious institution with a large supermarket and a five- star restaurant right on campus to cater to students’ needs.
Ronin used to handle this. Now that he was on leave, Bryan naturally took over. After hearing what Bryan said, Catherine replied calmly, “No. Thanks.”
After she spoke, George exclaimed in a loud voice.
“Bryan, there’s someone waiting at the entrance for you.”
Catherine turned her head to look at Bryan and said, “Go ahead.”
Having received Catherine’s permission, Bryan stood up and walked out. To his surprise, Yesenia was standing at the entrance. Bryan frowned and looked at her. ” What are you doing here?”
Yesenia smiled and stared at Bryan with excitement. “Never mind that. Tell me. Is Catherine in this class?”
Hearing that, Bryan instantly understood her intent. Having Ronin around was already enough, and now having Yesenia around too would be more than Bryan could handle. So, no matter what, Bryan couldn’t let Yesenia get close to Catherine.
“She’s not here. Go back and study. Otherwise, I’ll call Branden, and he’ll have his people come and take you away.”
Hearing Bryan mention Branden, Yesenia felt a bit apprehensive. The fearless Yesenia from the Duncans was only afraid of Branden.
She reluctantly glanced at Bryan and said with disdain, “Fine. I won’t ask. Your attitude is so terrible. Next time, I’ll go tell Grandpa about you.”
Bryan playfully reached out as if to smack her, which scared Yesenia off. After Yesenia had completely left, Bryan turned around. As he saw George at the entrance, he said, “From now on, if that girl comes to our class looking for someone, just tell her that the person is not here, especially when she is looking for Catherine.”
After Catherine’s rise to fame during the school celebration gala, her classmates in Class 8 admired her greatly. There were also many fans from their school chasing after her and essentially making her a star.
After all, Catherine had both exceptional abilities and good looks, not to mention her connections with many top-tier celebrities. George nodded in understanding.” Don’t worry, Bryan. I’ve got this.
“I promise that no one will disturb Catherine.”
