Chapter 669 The Ward
With Shane’s prompting, someone eagerly passed the microphone to Catherine. Without hesitation, Catherine confidently reached for the microphone and shared her thoughts on the earlier question.
Her viewpoint was fresh. She offered unique insights peppered with professional jargon, which left the students from the economics department in the audience wide-eyed and impressed.
As a student from the EIE department, she responded to an economics query more astutely than those who had been studying in the economics department for years.
Those who had initially anticipated amusement found themselves deeply impressed by Catherine. They thought Catherine was a genius who could excel outside her field with remarkable achievements.
Catherine succinctly finished speaking and set the microphone down.
On the stage, Shane voluntarily applauded Catherine. Soon after, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. It was a testament to their admiration for Catherine. Her insights garnered such appreciation.
As the applause gradually died down, Shane raised the microphone once more. “From the applause I’ve heard, it’s clear we all resonate with Catherine’s insights. Like you, I agree with her. In my entire teaching career, there’s only been one student. She is so outstanding that it made me very proud. And that student is right here among us today. She is Catherine Swann.”
The room erupted into a buzz. Everyone understood Shane’s significance. To be his sole student was an incredible honor, and it was evident that Catherine was destined to be a leading figure in the field of economics.
Nobody expected this person to be Catherine, nor did they anticipate her belonging to Styre University’s EIE department instead of the economics department.
Even Ultan, who sat beside Catherine, was surprised. He wondered what kind of prodigy their institution had acquired. Catherine seemed to have connections with many prominent figures.
As the meeting adjourned, Catherine’s name once again dominated the school forum’s hot topics, and she was widely discussed.
However, Catherine herself appeared unfazed, as if nothing extraordinary had occurred during the meeting. As soon as it concluded, she rose from her seat and exited the room.
As she stepped out of the elevator, she encountered Shane coming down the stairs. He looked at her with a gentle smile. “Care for a cup of coffee?”
Catherine didn’t refuse and accompanied Shane to the nearby campus café.
Shane took a sip of the coffee Catherine had ordered for him. Then he furrowed his brow and put it down. The instant coffee here didn’t suit the finance bigwig.
However, Catherine didn’t mind and continued sipping away. She had drunk water straight from rivers in the primordial rainforests. This was nothing compared to that.
“Why help me?” Catherine asked.
Initially, Catherine hadn’t been clear about Shane’s intentions. But when the microphone came her way, she understood. Shane was preparing to clear the air for her.
Rumors are the hardest to dispel. She hadn’t cared initially. They couldn’t harm her. But Shane went out of his way to participate in Styre University’s activities just to set the record straight most directly and effectively.
When Catherine questioned him, Shane raised an eyebrow with a smile. His reason was simple. He replied, “Some things I can do that others can’t!”
Catherine was his protege whom he had personally mentored. He couldn’t allow others to defame her.
Shane continued, “Cassie, come back with me. If you don’t want to marry my nephew, you can choose someone you like, and I’ll still let you inherit the fortune of the Breens.”
Catherine looked up and glanced at Shane with a meaningful look. This was the first time she’d seen Shane compromise. For someone who always emerged victorious in the business arena like him, compromise had never been in his vocabulary.
Shane understood Catherine’s gaze and her meaning. He replied, “Only you!”
His special treatment was reserved solely for Catherine, whom he regarded as his daughter. Catherine’s capabilities warranted such treatment.
However, Catherine didn’t give Shane the answer he desired. She said, “Sorry.
I don’t need it.” With that, she stood up and left.
If she inherited the fortune of the Breens, her life would be confined. What others saw as treasures were worthless to her.
Shane looked at the coffee left on the table by Catherine with a cold smirk.
Since that was how it was, he would have to kick off the war. In his view, he had never lost in his life, and this time wouldn’t be any different.
After parting ways with Shane, Catherine didn’t head to the lab. Instead, she took some time off with Marshall.
“Go ahead. Give my regards to your sister!” Marshall said.
“Thank you, Professor!” Just as Catherine was about to hang up, Marshall’s hesitant voice chimed in.
He asked, “Catherine, is Shane really your mentor?”
Catherine didn’t hide it from Marshall. She replied, “I studied by Shane’s side for five years.”
During those five years, Shane personally guided her through the business world. In some way, Shane, indeed, was her mentor.
Marshall muttered to himself, “Why are you so incredible in all aspects?” Suddenly, he felt a bit anxious. He wondered whether being Catherine’s teacher might bring her shame.
“Professor Hartley, if there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.” Catherine politely ended the call and headed to the hospital.
Inside the ward, Audrey sat on the bed with a gloomy expression. It was evident that she was not happy.
Triston sat beside her and held a bowl. He tried hard to cheer her up.
Both of them were a bit excited when they saw Catherine arrive, and Triston spoke first.
He said, “Catherine, you’ve come at the right time. Try persuading your sister. She’s lost a lot of blood this time, but she refuses to eat pig’s liver or even her meals!”
Facing Triston’s complaint, Audrey retorted, “I’ve eaten twice as much as usual today. He wants me to eat pig’s liver! Isn’t he the one with a brain injury?”
Being in the entertainment industry, Audrey was conscious of her appearance and had always kept her weight below 90 pounds. She didn’t want to leave the hospital only to have the media capture pictures of her looking overweight.
Everyone had their say, and Catherine shrugged indifferently. “You guys continue.” Then she turned and walked out of the ward.
In the corridor, Catherine sat on a bench playing games on her phone and waited for the situation inside to settle.
Suddenly, a crisp sound echoed. The sound of high heels hitting the floor caught Catherine’s attention.
She glanced up to see a tall, elegant girl in a khaki trench coat making her way toward the ward. Catherine observed her, and the girl cast a glance at Catherine.
The girl spoke first as they looked at each other for a while. She asked, ” Where’s Ward 9?”
Catherine glanced at her. Ward 9 had only one bed, and it was occupied by Audrey.
Though the girl appeared polite, Catherine sensed a hint of hostility in her eyes. It was clear she wasn’t here for a friendly visit to Audrey.
Catherine gestured with her hand toward the left.
The girl smiled slightly and politely said, “Thanks!”
As the girl entered the ward, Catherine stood up, moved to the doorway, and watched from outside.
Once the girl entered the room, she stared at Triston. The atmosphere in the ward instantly changed.
Triston sensed someone behind him. As he looked back, he was scared and almost dropped the bowl in his hand.
