Chapter 617 Bring the Duncans Down
Catherine, seeing Marshallâs serious and stern attitude, couldnât help but find it somewhat amusing. âProfessor Hartley, what do you want me to confess?â she asked.
Seeing her somewhat indifferent attitude, looking casual and carefree, Marshall couldnât help but feel angry. Confess. Who are you, and what is your purpose at Styre University? Or, why are you in the lab?â
Catherine raised her eyes slightly and looked at him, saying seriously without any ambiguity, âIâm only going to say something once. Iâm Catherine Swann, and I came to Styre University for only one purpose-to study! As for the lab, you brought me here.â
After saying this, Catherine bypassed Marshall and left the lab. Her data had been checked, and she could take a temporary break. During this time, she had been working overtime on experiments.
Shane had already arranged for Edson to come to Eskana, so she had to speed up the process to have a chance to outpace Shane.
Marshall watched Catherineâs retreating figure, his brows tightly knitted. Although Catherineâs words didnât seem like a lie, the matter was significant, and there couldnât be any mistakes.
He believed Catherine but had to report for the labâs safety. Marshall took out his phone and dialed the principalâs number. âSir, I have something to report. I think thereâs something off about Catherine.â
On the other end of the phone, the principal instructed Marshall. âCome to my office.â
Ten minutes later, Marshall appeared in the principalâs office. After a brief report on Catherineâs suspicious situation, he immediately defended her.
âSir, I think Catherine might have been unintentionally misled. She has extraordinary talent and is a once-in-a -century geniusâ¦â
The principal raised his hand to interrupt Marshallâs lengthy explanation. âMarshall, you seem to care a lot about this student.â
The principal was not only Marshallâs superior but also a colleague and friend for many years. Marshall was usually immersed in his experiments and data and rarely showed such concern, even for his son.
Marshall smiled awkwardly and said, â Iâm mainly impressed by her excellence. Iâm not exaggerating; sheâs genuinely talented!â
The principal nodded in agreement. â Youâre right; Catherine is indeed exceptionally gifted.â
Seeing an opportunity, Marshall continued, âSir, I feel there might be a misunderstanding. We need to investigate a bit more.â
âHahaâ¦â The principal laughed. â Marshall, do you not understand how crucial your project is?â
Marshall looked at the principal suspiciously. âWhat do you mean?â
The principal smiled mysteriously and kept silent, and Marshall became anxious and said, âJust be straight with me. Iâm afraid Iâm not as sharp as you are. I canât guess.â
The principal glared at him in dissatisfaction. âYour lack of emotional intelligence is astounding. Canât you see? For your project, can just anyone be involved? Forget about Catherine; even your background is thoroughly checked. Focus on your project. Catherineâs identity is fine; sheâs just a talented person with a unique background.â
The principal then winked at him suddenly and whispered, âThatâs what the higher-ups said, and I donât even know the details. Anyway, there is nothing wrong with her identity.â
A huge weight lifted off Marshallâs heart, but the mystery surrounding Catherineâs identity increased.
Since the principal could say that, it meant that Catherineâs identity was indeed fine. But even the principal didnât know the details, so it could be seen how mysterious Catherineâs identity was.
Aware of Marshallâs dilemma, the principal patted his shoulder and said, â Youâre a researcher, so just focus on your research. We donât need to get involved in those matters. As long as you know that sheâs a good person and poses no harm.â
With these words, Marshall suddenly reacted and understood. His previously furrowed brows relaxed at this moment, and he became much calmer.
âYeah, what you said makes sense. Iâll focus on my experiments. As long as there are no problems with my students, Iâm fine! Iâll take my leave now. Letâs have coffee next time.â With that, Marshall left happily.
Watching his departing figure, the principal shook his head helplessly.
âItâs uncertain who is the student of whom,â he thought. If Catherine hadnât come to experience university life on a whim, it would probably have been challenging for the school to invite such a talent to a guest lecture.
After leaving the laboratory, Catherine ran into Ronin. It wasnât a coincidence. Ronin had deliberately waited for her here.
He didnât know when Catherine would finish her experiments and come out; Catherine hated interruptions when she was concentrating on something.
Knowing Catherineâs habits, he never went into the lab to disturb her. He waited at the labâs door, thinking that he would always manage to catch Catherine when she came out.
Sure enough, after waiting for a good while, she appeared.
Seeing Catherine coming out, Ronin quickly caught up. âCatherine, I need to talk to you. Letâs go to that pavilion over there, out of the sun.â
Catherine nodded, walked to the nearby pavilion, and casually sat down. Seeing Ronin still standing, she glanced at an empty seat nearby. âSit down and speak. Your standing makes me have to look up at you all the time.â
Ronin had recently experienced a growth spurt. Although he still had a boyish face, his height had already surpassed 5.9 feet. If he kept growing, he might reach 6.2 feet.
Although Catherine was tall, there was still a difference between their heights.
Upon hearing Catherineâs words, Ronin immediately sat down. âCatherine, I need to talk to you about Edson. Heâs been quite active lately, and it seems heâs targeting the Duncan Corporation. His successive attacks on several subsidiaries have caused considerable damage to the Duncan Corporation.â
After saying that, Ronin stole a glance at Catherine. Seeing her indifferent expression, he continued, âCatherine, it seems the Duncan Corporation is in trouble. Shouldnât we lend a hand?â
Regardless of Edsonâs reasons for targeting the Duncan Corporation because of Catherine or the relationship between Branden and Catherine, they should offer some support.
To Roninâs surprise, Catherineâs response to this suggestion almost choked him with his own saliva.
Catherine casually replied, âNo need to bother. Let them be. If Edson can bring down the Duncans, I have a chance to support him.â
Ronin had finally managed to swallow the saliva he almost choked on. He didnât expect Catherine to have such a thought. She seemed to be hoping for the Duncansâ bankruptcy, allowing her to support Branden.
Thinking about it, Ronin felt that Branden was also pitiable. He probably never would have guessed that Catherine had this plan hidden in her thoughts.
Although he felt Branden was not wrong, Ronin knew he had to be unconditionally loyal to Catherine. After hesitating for a while, he could only apologize to Branden in his heart.
He raised his head decisively and looked at Catherine with determination. âCatherine, what if we add some fuel and directly bring the Duncans down?â