Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 960

Chapter 960 Why Do You Want Me To Leave

The butler's face revealed a moment of astonishment.

If news of Ms. Catherine going to the Forbidden Ground is revealed to the first branch of the family, they will undoubtedly attempt to stop her. In that case, Ms. Catherine might not be able to complete the transcription of the Fragrance Journal.

The butler expressed his concern, “Mr. Joseph, are you certain about this course of action? Ms. Luna's parasitic poison has already taken effect. If we prevent Ms. Catherine from copying the Fragrance Journal, there's a significant risk that she might not survive.”

Joseph responded with a cold snort, “That jinx, even though she carries the noble bloodline of the top-tier Luther family, she is still not a true Roger family descendant. I understand Catherine's character. She is indifferent to fame and fortune; the only thing she values is that child. Once the child is cured, she will leave the family. When she leaves, who will protect Harvey from overt and covert threats? Furthermore, I've heard that Mr. Simon is interested in marrying her. If she allies with the Luther family, won't the Roger family be in grave danger?”

The butler comprehended Joseph's intentions and replied, “I will make the necessary arrangements immediately.”

Joseph continued, “Ensure that the approach is subtle. Broderick must not suspect that I leaked this information to him. Otherwise, he might realize that I'm not genuinely supporting Catherine but using her as a shield. If he discerns my motives, he will turn his attention toward Harvey. Harvey is already in a precarious position, and any foul play against him would compound the situation.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Joseph. I have placed several informants within the first branch of the family. Some of them have gained Mr. Broderick's trust. I have instructed them to convey this information discreetly. I'm confident he won't harbor any suspicions.”

“Very well, proceed with the arrangements.”

At Broderick's residence, inside the study, Broderick was in conversation with a young man, Wilbur Rogers, the eldest son of the first branch of the family.

“Dad, what is Mr. Kurt's plan? Can he truly help us create an opportunity with the second branch of the family?” Wilbur inquired.

Broderick chuckled. “Don't worry, that young man is eager for power. Currently, he depends on our support. He won't make any moves. He has asked us to wait, so let's do just that. It's only a matter of a day or two. If he still can't provide us with an answer the day after tomorrow, we will take action.”

After a moment of silence, he added, “Your sister is with him now, and she can keep a close watch on his actions. If he dares to betray us or take any harmful actions, your sister will deal with him.”

Wilbur nodded and was about to respond when there was a knock at the study door.

“Come in,” Broderick said.

The door swung open, revealing a middle-aged man, one of Broderick's advisors.

“Mr. Broderick, Catherine has entered the Forbidden Ground, presumably to retrieve the Fragrance Journal.”

Upon hearing this, both Broderick and Wilbur stood up.

Wilbur's face displayed a hint of joy as he eagerly asked, “Is the information reliable?”

“Mr. Wilbur, I verified the information thoroughly before reporting,” the advisor affirmed.

Wilbur's joy increased. He turned to Broderick, raising an eyebrow as he remarked, “Our primary concern was that if we pushed too hard against the second branch, they might insist on supporting Catherine for the family head position, despite opposition. This situation is perfect. Catherine has entered the Forbidden Ground without the elders' union approval, which is a breach of clan rules. We can use this as a pretext to place her under house arrest temporarily.”

Broderick nodded with a smile, “You're right. Restraining Catherine will make it easier for Kurt to proceed. Let's head to the Forbidden Ground to see what the great Ms. Catherine is up to.”

Emerging from the secret chamber in the Forbidden Ground, Catherine hastily clutched a bundle of yellowed papers in her hand.

Observing that Simon was still dealing with the beasts in the nearby forest, she made her way toward him without delay.

Just as she was about to reach him, Simon suddenly let out a low warning, “Be careful.”

Before she had a chance to react, he rushed up to her, abruptly grabbing her arm and pulling her into his embrace. Then, he held her tight, spinning her around.

Rip!

The sound of fabric tearing echoed.

Catherine quickly gazed behind Simon to where she had just stood moments ago. She caught a glimpse of a sharp claw, stained with blood. Without hesitation, she raised her arm and swung it behind Simon's back.

A pleasant fragrance began to spread, accompanied by the thud of a heavy object hitting the ground behind them.

Illuminated by the moonlight from above, Catherine saw the dense layer of sweat on Simon's forehead.

He was already physically drained, and after being clawed by a tiger, he was barely holding on.

With a trembling voice, Catherine inquired, “A-Are you okay?”

Simon leaned against her, panting heavily as he responded, “Don't worry, I haven't married you yet. I won't die so easily.”

Witnessing Simon's somewhat pitiable condition, Catherine couldn't resist a retort. Her wide, intense gaze locked onto him as she gritted her teeth and remarked, “That claw didn't strike you hard enough to warrant your life.”

Despite her words, Catherine moved away from his embrace and went behind him to inspect his wounds. She studied the bright red claw mark where the flesh had been torn. A trace of bitterness filled Catherine's eyes, and a misty glaze clouded her gaze.

“We need to treat this properly, apply antiseptic, and give you a tetanus shot to prevent infection.”

Simon, however, seemed unfazed, shifting the topic as he inquired, “Weren't you in the middle of copying the Fragrance Journal? Why did you come out?”

Catherine's expression darkened. There was a reason for her sudden appearance.

Over the years, she had placed several informants within the first branch of the family.

Just moments ago, she received a message through one of her informants, stating that the first branch had discovered her unauthorized entry into the Forbidden Ground. They were now on their way with a group of people.

If they caught her in the act, her young daughter would be left helpless to face her fate.

“Simon, listen to me. I've transcribed some methods from the Fragrance Journal that can cure the parasitic poison. Take them with you and give them to Bailey. Let her explore the correct solution.”

Having uttered those words, she promptly placed the sheet of paper she had been holding into his hand.

With her cautious demeanor, Simon couldn't help but sense a foreboding. An anxious question escaped his lips, “Has something happened? We've already copied the method to cure the parasitic poison, why don't we leave together? Why are you asking me to leave alone?”

Catherine pursed her lips, opting not to divulge the information about the first branch of the family wanting to apprehend her. She knew that if she did, Simon would undoubtedly refuse to leave.

“There's still more to copy,” she urged, her tone urgent. “Less talking. I'm concerned that you won't withstand the next wave of attacks from those beasts if you stay, and you'll meet a grim end here.”

Simon was about to protest, but Catherine wouldn't allow it. She leaned in suddenly, planting a passionate kiss on him.

Before Simon could react, she pulled back and implored, “If we want to save our daughter, we still have a chance to be together. But if anything happens to her, we'll be forever separated.”

“Okay...”

“Go! If you don't want us, mother and daughter, to be left alone and vulnerable for the rest of our lives, you must leave immediately. Your energy is critically depleted. If you continue to push yourself, you'll only end up as prey for those beasts.”