Chapter 976 What Are You?
Just as Selene was about to turn and leave, she felt the cold press of a gun against the back of her head. A shiver of danger ran down her spine.
“Who’s there? Can’t we talk it out?” she said, her tone sharp but cautious.
An aged yet firm voice commanded from behind, “Hands up and turn around.”
Realizing this was no laughing matter, Selene complied, her hands rising slowly as she turned to face the source of the command.
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when Selene saw who it was. “Si- Simon? What are you doing here?” she stuttered.
Simon looked at her with cold eyes, his voice stern. “After all the Duncans have done for you, you repay them by harming Miss Catherine. How could you?”
Selene, caught in the act, found herself without a defense.
Desperately, she argued, “But Simon, with Branden being such a catch, the Duncans have plenty of better matches. Why settle on Catherine? She’s not right for Branden; she’ll only drag him down.”
Hearing her stubbornness, Simon couldn’t help but feel regret. He had watched Selene grow up, never expecting her to become so narrow- minded and vicious.
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the air. “What do you think you are?”
At the sound, Selene’s heart skipped a beat. Looking up to see Karl approaching, she immediately knelt, overcome with fear.
“Mr. Karl,” she whimpered.
Karl snorted disdainfully. “Don’t pretend we’re that close.”
Selene didn’t dare to look up. Everyone who had lived with the Duncans feared Karl. They had never seen him angry in all these years.
Now, with Karl making his entrance, Selene knew precisely the gravity of her situation, and her heart sank further.
Karl fixed Selene with a cold glare and said seriously, “Get her out of here.”
Refusing to be taken down without a fight, Selene prepared to make one last stand. After all, she had brought a significant force with her, and this was her turf.
But before Selene could make a move, Simon, reading her intentions, delivered a swift kick that sent her sprawling at Karl’s feet.
“How dare you defy Mr. Duncan!” Simon chided. He hadn’t physically engaged with anyone for over a decade, only stepping in now because of Catherine.
Coughing up blood, Selene lay before Karl, who stared at her solemnly. “Your struggle is futile. I’ve dealt with your men. Now, just wait for your punishment.” he said.
Selene’s eyes bulged in disbelief. ‘No way. I brought my elite team. How could they vanish without a trace? And with the Duncan forces tied up with Black Robe, how could Karl have a backup?’
Karl saw right through her, dismissing her thoughts with a scoff. “Girl, you’re too young. Being old doesn’t mean I’m helpless. The loyalists from my days are still around.”
With a gesture from Simon, a group of sturdy men stepped forward and restrained Selene effectively.
As the front door opened, Karl immediately stood up, his demeanor shifting.
When Simon attempted to assist him, Karl brushed him off. “Why help me? Check on Catherine. Is everything ready for her?” Karl barked.
Simon nodded earnestly. “The ambulance is right outside. I’ll see to it.
The tension was palpable as everyone awaited news on the trio’s condition. Moments later, Catherine emerged slowly from the door, her white clothing soaked in red, followed by Scott carrying Thomas.
As Karl saw this, his eyes reddened with compassion. “Don’t be afraid, Catherine. I’m here.” He reached out instinctively but stopped midway, remembering Catherine’s preference not to be touched.
Catherine grabbed Karl’s hand for support, reassuring him. “Mr. Karl, it’s not my blood. I’m okay.”
Relieved, Karl sighed. “Thank goodness. You’re safe.”
Simon quickly arranged for a stretcher, urging Catherine to lie down.
“Let’s get you to the hospital. Don’t worry. I’m here for you.” Karl assured her.
Catherine nodded, her strength fading from the severe exhaustion and the slight poisoning despite Thomas’s medicinal protection.
Clinging to Karl’s hand, Catherine urged, “Mr. Karl, don’t tell Branden.”
Karl hesitated, knowing full well Branden’s temperament. Keeping this from him could turn the world upside down.
“Promise me,” Catherine implored weakly.
Moved by her plea, Karl comforted her. “Don’t worry, I know what to do. I promise.”
With Karl’s words, Catherine finally relaxed, allowing herself to be taken to the ambulance.
Catherine couldn’t risk Branden knowing about this. His love for her was so fierce he would overturn heaven and earth for her sake.
Just as things were being settled for Catherine and Thomas, Simon approached Karl with a grave expression.
Karl felt a weight in his heart. “What’s wrong? I’m old, not fragile.”
Simon hesitated, then murmured, “Sir, there’s been an incident with Mr. Branden.”
