Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 861

Chapter 861 Parasitic Fragrance

Catherine subtly turned her face away.

Simon resented her sudden appearance because it ruined his love affair.

Therefore, he hadn't visited even once, even though Catherine and Luna had been living in Hallsbay for over a month.

Catherine initially thought that a father was insignificant to a child, especially because he had never been a part of her daughter's life.

Ultimately, she was wrong.

A father's indifference would still wound a child's tender heart.

“Silly girl. It's not that your dad doesn't love you. He's just too busy dealing with things outside, that's all—”

Before Catherine could finish, Luna hastily wiped her tears and protested, “Mommy, I'm not a three-year-old anymore. Do you really think you can fool me with this act? I know he went to Moranta to win his girlfriend back. To him, we're nothing more than an accident. Once he calms down, he still chooses his love and abandons us.”

“Not necessarily,” a languid voice came from the door. “Your aunt said your dad only attended that woman's wedding. It's not about winning her back. You shouldn't jump to conclusions before the situation is clarified, little girl.”

Catherine promptly aimed her gaze at the woman leaning against the doorway.

After a moment of silence, she coldly uttered, “Bailey.”

Bailey faintly smiled, raising an eyebrow as she said, “Apologies for the intrusion and for breaking the lock on your door.”

Gently, Catherine withdrew her gaze, tucking her daughter into bed and instructing her to rest well for a while. Then, she sauntered towards the door. “Do you mind stepping outside to chat with me?”

Bailey smiled without saying a word, casually closing the door behind her.

After the two arrived at the balcony, Catherine took the lead and said, “Bailey, we have no grudges or grievances against each other. I set you up this time, so I owe you a favor.”

Bailey spread her hands with a playful smirk on her face. “You should know that's not what I'm interested in. Ms. Rogers, please tell me why you chose to do this, just as you said you would. As you said, we bear no grudges against each other. I truly can't fathom why you would scheme against me. Please, enlighten me.”

Catherine fell into deep thought. After a long silence, she said slowly, “Eight years ago, I was betrayed by a family member. I was in extreme pain, but I managed to escape to Hallsbay. That night, in a daze, I stumbled into a hotel room and had sex with a stranger. I suppose you already know who he is. After that, I became pregnant and gave birth to Luna.”

When Bailey heard that, the gears in her mind turned, and she had a faint inkling of Catherine's intentions. “I apologize in advance.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she swiftly gripped Catherine's arm tightly, her fingers resting on the latter's pulse.

Catherine was taken aback for a moment. Once she regained her composure, she couldn't help but laugh, saying, “As expected from you, Bailey. Your insight is truly unmatched.”

With a cold hum, Bailey probed Catherine's pulse for a full two minutes. Narrowing her eyes, she said, “There are no traces of any toxins in your body. Could it be...”

She didn't finish what she was saying, but her gaze fell on the bedroom door. The implication was clear as day.

Seeing that Bailey had figured everything out, Catherine couldn't help but smile bitterly. “Indeed, nothing can escape your eyes. Your guess is correct. The toxins within me have all been transferred to Luna, even seeping into her bloodstream and bone marrow.”

A jolt went through Bailey's heart. I was only speculating, but since she confirmed it, it means everything is already set in stone. “What poison is it?”

Catherine's countenance turned cold as she squeezed out two words through her clenched teeth. “Parasitic fragrance.”

Bailey looked up in surprise, her face full of astonishment as she stuttered, “P-Parasitic fragrance? H-How did you get affected by parasitic fragrance back then?”

If Soul Reaper was the forbidden poison of the Yablon family, then parasitic fragrance was the prohibited fragrance of the Rogers family.

Bailey was shocked because the parasitic fragrance was supposed to be the most taboo existence in the Rogers family. How could it appear so easily?

Catherine remained silent, seemingly lost in her memories.

After a few minutes of silence, she laughed bitterly and said, “It's all because of the inheritance. The family wants to pass on the best art of perfumery to me. My female cousin was envious of me and successfully managed to obtain the prohibited fragrance of the Rogers family. I thought my doom was sealed. After spending the night with Simon, however, the balancing energies surprisingly suppressed the harmful effect of the parasitic fragrance, saving my life. I thought this poison would lurk quietly within me, waiting for the right moment to devour my flesh and blood. However, I never anticipated that the toxin would mutate, transferring itself to the fetus through the placenta. Luna, she... She...”

At that point, she broke down in tears, unable to speak.

After a momentary hesitation, Bailey slowly reached out and held Catherine in her arms.

“Since Luna is Simon's daughter, even if you hadn't asked, I would have stepped in to help. However, the art of perfumery is not my forte. I rarely involve myself with it. However, it's fine. I've already cracked the Yablon family's Soul Reaper. I refuse to believe I can't synthesize a cure for the parasitic fragrance of the Rogers family. I am proficient in medicine, and Cameron is skilled in poison techniques. Perhaps if we work together, we can conquer parasitic fragrance.”

Catherine stared at her, frowning as she asked, “You agreed so readily? Without even discussing the terms with me?”

Bailey burst into hearty laughter. This woman, inexplicably, tickles my funny bone. Good heavens. To think there's actually such a pure and kind woman in this world. Simon is truly fortunate. “Does it seem a little redundant for you to go after Mr. Fletcher now?”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Catherine turned her head away, attempting to explain, “Simon doesn't want to acknowledge Luna. Hence, I thought you would share the same sentiment. After much thought, I've decided to use the dirt I have on you to force you to yield. I know that Mr. Yablon is your good friend. I thought that, as long as I dealt with you, I won't have to bother pleading with Mr. Yablon. Although parasitic fragrance is nominally a fragrance, it is essentially a poison, and I'm not particularly skilled at detoxification. If Mr. Yablon is willing to intervene, the chances of success will greatly increase. Bailey, I had no other choice but to set you up. I am truly sorry for that.”

Bailey slowly withdrew her smile and said seriously, “The men of the Luther family aren't irresponsible scumbags. I understand Simon's temperament. He went to Moranta because he wanted to sever his past ties. Give him a little time, and he will provide an explanation for you and your daughter.”

Catherine laughed nonchalantly. “As long as he acknowledges Luna, I won't bother him.”

Bailey initially wanted to offer some advice but decided against it upon second thought.

When it came to emotional matters, the people involved have to be the ones to solve them.

If there were no mutual attraction between two people, even if they ended up together, it wouldn't end well. “All right, I won't interfere with your affair with him. Get yourself ready, and then come with us to Moranta. Before you leave, you must give me the antidote. I need to dispel Mr. Fletcher's dream-tailoring skill.”

Catherine furrowed her brows, asking in a serious tone, “Luna and I have to go to Moranta with you? This doesn't seem like a good idea. Simon originally wanted to win back his girlfriend. If I bring Luna with me, won't I mess up his plans?”