Chapter 795 Their Hideout
Compared to the worried Withal, Catherine seemed much more composed. Although Withal was unaware of Catherine’s thoughts, he was used to her calm demeanor after years of being by her side. “What’s the plan, Catherine?” Withal asked.
Catherine glanced casually at them and then focused on their wounds. “You two don’t need to worry. Focus on healing those injuries first.”
Zobber pursed her lips. She disagreed with Catherine’s decision. She wanted to help and not be idle.
As Zobber attempted to speak, Withal intervened. He said, “We’ll follow Catherine’s orders. Whatever she says, goes.”
Facing Withal’s persuasion, Zobber crossed her arms in frustration but dared not defy Catherine. Withal always obeyed Catherine’s commands, and if Zobber persisted, he might step in.
“Rest up, both of you. Don’t worry about me. The Duncans’ forces in Loxton are now under my command,” Catherine said.
Zobber’s expression eased after she heard Catherine’s words. Though she wanted to assist, considering the injuries they were carrying and the adversary’s intimate knowledge of their situation, she realized they might inadvertently complicate matters for Catherine.
Knowing Branden had redirected his forces to Catherine, Zobber felt more relieved. Although she had often criticized Paxton and his crew, their skills were commendable and were on par with Withal’s. Having them around would be a great help.
“Catherine, call on us anytime. We might not fight directly, but we can handle online tracking and other digital tasks,” Zobber said.
Seeing her eagerness to take on tasks, Catherine sensed Zobber’s pent-up frustration. Catherine thought if it were her being manipulated like that, she’d be eager to expose the mastermind behind it and give him a good reckoning. “Understood. There’ll be tasks for you when the time comes. No rush!”
Catherine finished briefing them and emerged from Connie’s place. She intended to reach out to Francis to arrange their tasks. Unexpectedly, before she could dial, Francis called her.
Francis asked, “Miss Swann, we’ve been attacked. Is everything alright on your end?”
Catherine’s face instantly turned serious. She emitted a strong, unmasked aura of danger. “Where are you?”
Francis provided an address. After half an hour, Catherine rode her motorcycle there. A man she didn’t recognize approached her and looked at her respectfully. “Miss Swann, I’m affiliated with Branden and work under Francis. Francis instructed me to wait here for you. Please come with me.”
Following him, Catherine entered a residential complex and ascended a flight of stairs. After they opened the door, a strong stench of blood hit Catherine. Francis lay bandaged on the bed, with Carlo nearby, who was also seemingly injured.
“Are you both alright?” Catherine asked with concern.
Carlo rose immediately. “Miss Swann, don’t worry. We’re fine.”
Francis nodded, and his face was pallid from blood loss.
The man who had led Catherine in brought a chair for her to sit. She complied without hesitation. After sitting down, she scanned everyone with her cold gaze. “What happened? Explain.”
Francis glanced at Carlo and let him speak. Seeing Francis’s severe injuries, Carlo disregarded any animosity and briefed Catherine.
Carlo had traced some leads from the surveillance footage. He contacted Francis, and they decided to investigate. However, their opponents were more formidable than anticipated.
However, they were underprepared and outnumbered. Their years of coordination saved them from dire consequences. Francis suffered two deep cuts to his back, causing substantial blood loss. Carlo only received a minor cut on his arm.
“Miss Swann, it seems we found their hideout. We’ve informed Mr. Branden, and he’ll handle it. He asks you not to worry. He’ll give you updates,” Carlo said.
Listening to Carlo’s rushed words, Catherine almost chuckled. She hadn’t mentioned going to see for herself, yet he was anxious ahead of her. Since Branden had taken charge, Catherine felt relieved to leave it in his hands.
Carlo had worried earlier about what they’d do if Catherine insisted on going. Surprisingly, Catherine showed no intention, instead inquiring about Branden’s whereabouts. She asked, ” When will he arrive?”
Carlo was unsure of how to respond. He turned to look at Francis and exchanged a glance with him.
Francis had more insight than Carlo. He realized that Catherine was undeniably their future mistress. For them, it was better to offend Branden than Catherine. Francis said, “Miss Swann, Mr. Branden should arrive tomorrow.”
Catherine had anticipated it. After such an incident, Branden would undoubtedly worry about her safety and set aside his tasks to rush to Loxton. “Is the situation in Casier settled?” Catherine asked.
No one dared to respond to Catherine’s question. Carlo signaled Francis to continue since he had started speaking, but Francis ignored him and remained silent.
Although Catherine hadn’t uttered a word or altered her expression, her presence was domineering and stifled their breaths.
Finally, Carlo reluctantly spoke up and detailed the situation. He said, “The Breens have been causing trouble everywhere. The situation in Casier is grim. There’s much to handle. Mr. Branden intends to pass the matter to Paxton. Then he will come to accompany you.”
“Understood.” Catherine stood and left after her reply.
Francis desperately gestured at Carlo, who coldly stared back. Carlo asked, ” What do you want now?”
“Why don’t you go check on her?” Francis pointed toward the direction Catherine had left.
“Why don’t you?” Carlo retorted and rolled his eyes.
Francis gestured at his wounded back, shamelessly saying, “If not for me taking this hit for you, I’d go myself.”
“You’re dreaming!” Carlo cursed under his breath. Despite his words, Carlo stood up and obeyed Francis’s command. He owed Francis this time. Francis had taken a hit from protecting him, so he had to comply.
Catherine walked to the end of the corridor after leaving. She pulled out her phone and casually sat down.
Soon after dialing, someone picked up and called out, “Kathy.” As Branden pronounced her name, he elongated the second syllable with a softness that was particularly pleasant to hear.
“Are you planning to come to Loxton tomorrow?” Catherine asked.
Branden furrowed his brow. He knew Carlo and Francis must have leaked the information. He was considering how to reprimand them when he heard Catherine say casually, “I forced them. They dare not disobey me, let alone offend me.”
With those words, Branden quietly dismissed the thought of revenge that had just appeared in his mind.
