Chapter 903 Conditions
Cloude was momentarily taken aback by her response, then chuckled. “Well, I didn’t expect you to be so patriotic, Miss Swann. It seems I really didn’t do my job well and almost misunderstood you.”
Catherine glanced at the time. It was almost four o’clock, and if she didn’t act quickly, it could disrupt the schedule for the press conference. “Mr. Cloude, if there’s nothing else to discuss, let’s get straight to the point.”
“Agreed.” Cloude immediately consented to Catherine’s proposal. His terms remained unchanged-he still demanded a fifty percent stake, with the rest open for negotiation.
Catherine agreed, but also presented her conditions. “First, help me find Professor Warner and bring him back.
Second, remove all online impacts on me. Third, regardless of how the lab operates, you must not intervene. You need to understand. I don’t need anyone meddling in my affairs.”
Upon hearing Catherine’s conditions, Cloude showed no surprise as if he had anticipated her requests. After assessing Catherine, he said seriously, ” I fully agree with the last two conditions. However, the first one may need some adjustment.”
Catherine raised an eyebrow and gave him a cold glance. “Adjust what?”
Cloude’s expression darkened slightly as he picked up his fork. “Not so fast. Let’s eat first and discuss later.”
Seeing that Catherine didn’t seem inclined to eat, Cloude explained, “Miss Swann, I’ve been waiting for you and haven’t eaten a thing. Can’t you even allow me a moment to eat?”
Catherine glanced at the time and gestured for Cloude to continue.
Cloude’s upbringing must have been exceptional, evident from his dining etiquette. His manner was particularly elegant, with a deliberate pace and a touch of grace.
Cloude noticed that Catherine hadn’t even touched her food and paused to look at her. “Miss Swann, aren’t you going to eat anything? Or do you have something urgent to attend to?” he asked.
Catherine seemed displeased, sensing that Cloude was intentionally stalling. ” You’re right. I do have something to attend to. If we can discuss it now, let’s do so. If not, we can do it another day.”
Cloude’s smile faltered, and he stopped eating. “In that case, let’s talk about your first condition.”
Seeing the seriousness in his demeanor, Catherine ceased her objections and entered negotiation mode. “What do you propose for my first condition?”
“We can only ensure Professor Warner’s safety. I can facilitate communication between you and him, but I don’t have the power to release him,” Cloude replied with a serious expression, his deep, inquisitive eyes fixed on Catherine.
From his gaze, Catherine could tell there was no room for negotiation. Not one to enjoy haggling, she felt it was enough and decided to leave. “Alright, let’s go with that condition. I have nothing else to discuss. I’m leaving!” She stood up and exited the private room. Cloude made no attempt to stop her as if letting her depart was part of his plan.
As Catherine took a few steps, a waitress rushed up and accidentally spilled food all over her. Her entire outfit was stained with sauce. The waitress, visibly frightened, continuously apologized to Catherine, who remained cold-faced, “I didn’t mean to do it. I’m sorry! I’ll cover the dry-cleaning expenses. Is that okay with you, Miss?”
Catherine didn’t take it to heart in the first place, assuming it was an accident. However, when she glimpsed the waitress’s hands, any remaining sympathy vanished. Her hands were even softer than Catherine’s. How could a waitress have such delicate hands from regular work?
Catherine seized the waitress’s hand and coldly stared at her. “No need. You don’t have to compensate. Please step aside.”
The waitress seemed surprised by Catherine’s leniency and smiled, saying, “I know you’re kind-hearted, but please allow me to pay for your dry cleaning. Even though I’m just a waitress, I understand the responsibility of making amends. Please give me this chance.”
Ignoring her, Catherine continued walking. But the waitress audaciously blocked her path. “Miss, please give me this chance,” the waitress insisted.
Catherine halted and gave her a piercing look. The waitress, intimidated by her sharp gaze, took a step back. “If I let you go, cherish the chance. Don’t provoke me,” Catherine warned.
The waitress attempted to speak, but Catherine cut her off, “Next time you pretend, make it more convincing. Soak your hands in water for a few days might help.”
The waitress instinctively tried to hide her hands, but it was futile. Catherine pushed her aside and left.
As the waitress watched Catherine depart, a hint of malice crossed her face. She wanted to use violence to stop Catherine, but a man’s deep voice intervened, “Don’t do that. You can’t stop her.”
The waitress felt reluctant but dared not defy him. “Just wait, Cloude. Next time, I’ll bring Catherine to you.”
After leaving the hotel, Catherine didn’t have time to change her clothes. She drove as fast as she could, realizing she only had twenty minutes left before her scheduled meeting with Branden at five o’clock. It would take over twenty minutes to get from here to the Duncan Corporation, and the time was incredibly tight, even without a traffic jam.
With little time to spare, Catherine had to constantly step on the gas, maneuvering her car through the congested traffic.
Meanwhile, the press conference was about to start, but Catherine still hadn’t arrived. Paxton was extremely anxious. However, he couldn’t muster the courage to approach Branden, who remained remarkably composed.
He had no choice but to wait until the time was almost up before finally gathering the courage to inquire Branden, “Boss, Miss Swann hasn’t shown up yet. Should we give her a call?
Branden remained calm, responding with just one word, “Wait.”
Paxton had to keep quiet, soothing the journalists and patiently waiting for Catherine to appear.
