Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 961

Chapter 961 Catherine Is Trapped

This statement held undeniable truth, and Simon had no counterargument. Facing another wave of beast attacks, he wouldn't be able to hold on much longer.

He wasn't afraid of death, and dying for the sake of his wife and daughter would be an honor, a way to find glory even in death. But if he perished, who would protect the two of them, mother and daughter, in his absence?

After a moment of contemplation, he clenched his teeth and stood up. “All right, I'll leave first. Be extremely cautious. Remember, if anything happens to you, I swear I'll make the Rogers family pay with their lives.”

A flicker of amusement danced in Catherine's eyes. The once icy demeanor she held toward him had softened considerably. “I'll be fine. Don't forget, I'm the heir of the Rogers family. Unless I commit a major offense, they won't be able to touch me.”

She added, “Take the eastern exit later, my people will meet you there. Don't take the same route; I'm concerned you might get trapped.”

Simon nodded, refraining from asking why returning the same way would lead to a trap, as he had a hunch.

In truth, he wished to stand by her side and face the impending crisis together. However, their daughter's situation couldn't afford any further delay.

After delivering what he held to the right hands, he planned to return to her.

As he disappeared into the darkness, Catherine let out a gentle sigh. Her gaze shifted toward the path they had traversed.

Through the forest's evening breeze, she faintly heard the hurried footsteps drawing nearer.

After pausing briefly, she turned and retraced her steps toward the secret chamber. Seeing Simon off had lightened the burden that weighed on her heart.

No matter what lay ahead, she vowed to face it with unwavering courage.

A few minutes later, Broderick and Wilbur entered the secret chamber. At first glance, they spotted Catherine sitting on a stone bench, diligently copying the journal.

“Catherine, as far as I know, the elders' union hasn't granted you permission to enter the Forbidden Ground. You've violated clan rules. What should be your punishment?”

Catherine furrowed her brows slightly and posed a serious question, “How did you know I was in the Forbidden Ground? I've been extremely cautious the entire way here, so logically, no one should have discovered me.”

That's your assumption. But now that we've caught you red-handed, there's no escaping your fate,” Wilbur sneered.

Catherine set aside her pen and gazed up at the father and son. She spoke in a composed tone, “I understand your concerns and suspicions about me. Here's a proposition... If you allow me to take the Fragrance Journal, I promise to return it once my daughter is healed, and I assure you I'll never set foot in the Rogers residence again. What do you say?”

Wilbur shook his head, “Absolutely not. The Luther family is like a flaming torch, and I have no intentions of playing with fire. You've trespassed into the Forbidden Ground, violating clan rules. You should be confined for a month. We can discuss these matters after that time.”

Catherine responded with a gentle smile.

She admired her cousin's wisdom; he wasn't naïve at all.

In this world, true ownership came from one's own efforts and achievements. It was evident that he understood this truth well.

Rather than simply enjoying the fruits of others' labor, he preferred to seize what he desired with his own hands.

“In that case, I wish you swift success, Wilbur. May you wield great power,” Catherine said with a knowing smile.

Wilbur, however, responded with a cold huff and instructed one of his bodyguards, “Escort Ms. Catherine to the shrine for solitary reflection. She is not to be contacted by anyone without the consent of the elders' union.”

“Yes, Mr. Wilbur.”

Meanwhile, Simon safely left the Rogers residence under the escort of Catherine's trusted aides.

As they parted ways, Simon couldn't help but ask, “What kind of punishment would someone face for trespassing into the Forbidden Ground without permission?”

One of the young women accompanying him hesitated for a moment before answering, “The usual punishment is a month of solitary reflection in the shrine. But don't celebrate prematurely, Mr. Simon. The members of the first branch of the family are constantly plotting against Ms. Catherine's life. Even while she's in the shrine, there's no guarantee of her safety. If the elders truly intend to harm her, it will be extremely difficult to protect her. She could very well fall victim to a hidden conspiracy, with dire consequences.”

Simon tightly clenched the paper in his hand and implored, “I beseech you all to help her in any way you can. I will rescue her as quickly as possible.”

With those words, he took a step back and bowed deeply to the group.

This unexpected gesture left them all astonished.

Simon was the newly appointed head of the Luther family and was destined to become an international tycoon like his older brother.

Yet, he was bowing to these unknown individuals for the sake of a woman. It was clear how deeply he cared for Catherine.

“Very well,” one of them said, “Given your unwavering loyalty and affection, and considering the risks Ms. Catherine took to protect you, we will ensure her safety as long as we draw breath. It's best if you leave promptly. If too much time passes, the first branch may become suspicious, and your departure might become impossible.”

Simon nodded in gratitude. “Thank you all. Please take care.”

Inside the countryside manor, within the laboratory, Cameron tossed a white bottle to Bailey and explained, “This is the antidote the old man from the White family needs. Once taken, it will lead to a full recovery.”

Bailey accepted the bottle with a chuckle and thanked Cameron. As she exited the laboratory, she collided with Simon, who was walking toward her. “Why have you returned?”

Simon wore a solemn expression and looked somewhat downcast.

After finding a chair to sit down, he briefly recounted the events that had unfolded at the Rogers residence.

Bailey, upon hearing his account, reassured him, “Your brother is already handling Mr. Broderick and his son. We should expect results soon, so you don't need to worry. Catherine has managed to survive in such challenging circumstances, which indicates she's no ordinary person and knows how to take care of herself. Give me the method she transcribed for dispelling the parasitic poison. Cameron and I will study it carefully to see if we can remove the parasite from Luna's body.”

Simon hastily retrieved a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her, pleading, “Bailey, I beg you. Catherine said that if I can cure our daughter, she will spend the rest of her life with me.”

With a smile, Bailey passed him a porcelain bottle and said, “Go find your brother. Give this to him and tell him it's the antidote Old Mr. White needs.”

“Okay.”

In the infirmary of the main house at the Rogers residence, Joseph and Stephanie anxiously stood by their convulsing son's bedside.

Despite hearing the news that their daughter was locked in the shrine, they remained indifferent. Their primary concern was their son, who was suffering on the bed.

“Divine Doctor, didn't you say his condition would improve after a few acupuncture treatments? Why has it worsened like this now?” Joseph questioned with a hint of frustration.

The middle-aged man administering an injection to Harvey furrowed his brows, expressing his displeasure, “If you doubt my abilities, Mr. Rogers, perhaps you should seek someone more capable.”

Joseph stuttered for a moment and quickly forced a smile. “I was just too nervous. Please don't take it to heart, Divine Doctor.”

As he spoke, the young boy on the bed spat out a few more mouthfuls of fresh blood.

The divine physician's tone turned cold as he commanded, “You must draw blood for him immediately and inject it, or he will die from excessive blood loss and oxygen deficiency.”

Joseph couldn't afford to refuse. He rushed out of the infirmary.

Outside, the butler approached him and quickly greeted him. “Mr. Joseph, Ms. Catherine has been confined in the shrine.

Joseph's expression remained unchanged as he replied indifferently, “I'm aware. This is precisely the outcome I intended. With her in the shrine, the first branch of the family will concentrate their efforts on eliminating her. This will conveniently divert their attention away from Harvey.”

“B-But, Mr. Joseph, Ms. Catherine is trapped and defenseless. She could die.”