Chapter 504 The Welcoming Gift
The next day at noon, Catherine woke up and saw Branden sitting at the end of the bed, working on his computer. Judging by his appearance, he had been sitting there for quite some time.
Catherine groggily got up and sat upright on the bed. Branden, noticing that Catherine was awake, looked up at her.
His voice was so gentle as he asked, â Would you like some water?â
Catherine weakly nodded, her eyes still closed. Branden picked up the glass of warm water he had prepared and handed it to Catherine.
The warm water instantly warmed her whole body, and Catherine slowly woke up. She leaned against Brandenâs chest, her posture extremely comfortable, with a contented look on her face.
âArenât you going to the office today?â
Catherine remembered clearly hearing Paxton say yesterday that there were a lot of documents piling up at the company that Branden needed to sign. She originally thought Branden would be at the office, but she didnât expect him to stay and work at home.
In response to Catherineâs question, a rare expression of helplessness appeared on Brandenâs face. This expression surprised Catherine a bit. It was the first time she had seen Branden show such a look.
âWhatâs wrong?â
âItâs nothing. Get up. Iâll make you some oatmeal. Rolled oats, okay?â
Catherine didnât like oatmeal, but she had low blood sugar.
In addition to providing Catherine with the sugar from fruits on a daily basis, Branden would also specially prepare some sweet oatmeal for her.
Catherine originally didnât like this kind of sweet oatmeal, but Branden always managed to make it to her liking. After eating it a few times, Catherine got used to it.
While Branden went to prepare rolled oats, Catherine lazily got out of bed and wandered around the living room with nothing to do. Her natural sensitivity made her notice something was wrong, so she walked to the balcony and looked down.
A row of black cars parked downstairs greeted her eyes, all Rolls-Royces, looking majestic and imposing.
At that moment, Catherine suddenly understood why Branden had been acting so strangely today and didnât even go to the company. It wasnât that he didnât want to go, but that he couldnât.
She walked to the kitchen and looked at Branden who was busy cooking.
âAre those people downstairs sent by your grandfather?â
Who could arrange for so many Rolls- Royces to pick them up downstairs like this? Catherine couldnât think of anyone other than Karl.
Branden put down the spoon in his hand and turned around to look at Catherine, raising an eyebrow with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
Sensing Brandenâs helplessness, Catherine couldnât help but smile. They had even come to their doorstep to wait for them. It seemed that Karl was worried that Branden would go back on his word.
âHow about we skip the rolled oats? We still have to go to Loxton, donât we?â
Although the banquet usually took place in the evening, it would still take a two-hour flight from Casier to Loxton.
âNo need. Itâll be ready soon. Take your time!â
Branden brought out the cooked rolled oats and placed them in front of Catherine.
âItâs a little hot. Be careful.â
Catherine knew that he hadnât eaten yet, so she filled a bowl and handed it to him. Branden didnât actually like sweet food, but he was forced to eat a little bit each time just to accompany Catherine.
Seeing Catherine quietly eating her oatmeal, Branden casually started a conversation. âIf you donât want to go, just tell me. Donât worry about my grandpa.â
Although Branden didnât know the purpose of Karlâs trip today, he knew very well that Catherine wasnât the type to join in the crowd. She always kept her distance from such gatherings.
If it werenât for that, Karl wouldnât have resorted to such measures to pick them up.
But then again, it was just a meal, and Catherine didnât think it was a big deal. It was Branden who was overly considerate of her emotions and seemed a bit hesitant.
âNo need!â Catherine casually declined Brandenâs kindness. âJust tell me when itâs time to leave!â
After saying that, Catherine placed the empty bowl on the table and walked away. Watching her retreating figure, Branden remained motionless. He lifted the bowl of oatmeal and took another sip.
For some reason, he felt that the oatmeal in his mouth tasted overly sweet. Karl was getting impatient and was about to get out of the car, but thinking about Brandenâs temper, he sat back down.
With a stern face, he instructed the butler beside him, âGo and check why they havenât come down yet.â
The butler had a mournful expression as he looked at Karl.
âSir, since you donât dare to go, how can I have the courage to do that?â
Karlâs face immediately darkened. â
What do you mean I donât dare to go? Is there anything in this world that Iâm afraid of? Stop talking nonsense!â
Sensing Karlâs vaguely visible anger, the butler quickly apologized, âSorry, sir, it was my mistake. Iâm the coward!â
While apologizing, the butler couldnât help but suppress a laugh in his heart. If Karl wasnât afraid, why would he ask him to do that?
Karl glared at the butler. âDo it now!â
The butler had no choice but to obediently get out of the car, ready to go upstairs. Just as he turned around and looked up, he saw the persons he wanted to see.
He quickly turned back to report to Karl, âSir, look!â
Karl looked up and saw Branden leading Catherine out of the gate.
Brandenâs gaze never left Catherine, showing that he was truly interested in her.
Thinking about the imminent realization of the dream of having great -grandchildren, Karl became excited. He had constantly reminded himself on the way here to maintain a cold and elder-like attitude in front of Catherine. But when he saw Catherine, he forgot everything. He pushed the car door open and couldnât wait to get out of the car, waving ahead.
âCassie, Iâm here!â
His voice was loud and powerful, instantly attracting everyoneâs attention.
Catherine followed Branden to Karl and took the initiative to greet him.
Karlâs happy smile was about to burst. â What a coincidence! I didnât expect to meet you as soon as I arrived!â
Just arrived?
Branden raised an eyebrow and glanced at his grandfather, coldly saying, â Yeah, itâs surely a coincidence!â
Seeing his grandson about to cause trouble again, Karl immediately glared at him, threatening in a low voice, âYou brat, watch your words!â
Catherine stood aside, her eyes narrowed, expressionless. She watched the playful interaction between Karl and Branden.
Regardless of how angry Karl was, Branden remained calm.
Finally, Karl had no choice but to wave his hand impatiently and say, âAlright, letâs go. Get in the car!â
After everyone got in the car, Karl smiled and looked at Catherine.
âYou left in a hurry yesterday, Cassie. I didnât even give you a welcoming gift. I specially brought it today. Here, take it!
Karl took out a brocade box and handed it to Catherine, urging her to open it quickly.
âHurry up and open it. See if you like it!