Chapter 800 Rylanâs Visit
Rylan had been unable to find Catherine for two consecutive days. Finally, after investigating with her roommate, Amelia, he learned that Catherine hadnât returned to the dorm or the lab during these two days.
With no other choice, Rylan decided to visit Catherineâs apartment.
âDing-dong!â When the doorbell rang, Catherine was still lounging on the sofa, eating fruit, and watching a variety show.
Thinking it might be her food delivery, she was about to put down the fruit bowl to answer the door.
Branden, however, was one step ahead. He had already set aside his laptop, stood up proactively, and confidently declared, âWait here. Iâll get it for you.â
With someone taking care of it, Catherine didnât need to exert any effort. She continued watching the variety show, her gaze fixed on the amusing scenes.
As the door opened, both men were momentarily stunned. Branden stared at the cold-eyed man outside, assessing him from head to toe.
âYouâve got some nerve. I havenât even come to settle the score with you, and here you are, boldly showing up at my doorstep. Seems like youâre not afraid of trouble, huh?â said Branden inwardly.
Seeing Branden, Rylan was also taken aback. He finally understood the reason behind Catherineâs two-day disappearance.
So, she was hiding out in the apartment with this man. The thought fueled a nameless anger within Rylan. His eyes involuntarily narrowed as he emanated a chilling aura.
His imposing presence clashed with Brandenâs equally strong aura. Branden showed no signs of weakness. After all, this was his territory.
Seeing Branden take quite some time to fetch the takeout and not return, Catherine paused the variety show and went to check.
As she reached the doorway, she witnessed two tall men facing off, glaring at each other with an air of mutual displeasure.
Catherine thought that if she had arrived a bit later, these two men might have ended up in a physical confrontation at the doorstep.
Standing beside Branden, she furrowed her brows, her gaze fixed on Rylan. â Why are you here?â
Rylanâs initially furious eyes instantly softened at the sight of Catherine. â
Catherine, I tried calling you, but you didnât answer. I went to the school and found out you hadnât been back to the dorm for two days. I was worried something happened, so I came to check on you.â
Before Catherine could respond, Branden, at her side, interjected, â Thanks for your concern for my fiancée, but sheâs fine. I just returned from a business trip, and Kathy wanted to spend time with me, so she paused her work and stayed at the apartment.â
While speaking, Branden reached out and tightly embraced Catherine, holding her close to his side.
Catherine, glancing downward at the hand wrapped around her waist, couldnât help but mutter to herself, â What a jealous man.â
Although she found Brandenâs behavior a bit exaggerated, she didnât stop him.
Seeing the intimate gestures between the two and Brandenâs deliberate display of affection, Rylan, consumed by jealousy, felt like he was going mad.
He knew Branden was intentionally provoking him, but he couldnât control his emotions. âCatherine, I need to talk to you about something. Can you come downstairs with me?â
Rylanâs words immediately darkened Brandenâs face. âThis man is truly difficult to deal with, shameless to the core!â cursed Branden inwardly.
Branden quickly took action as he sensed Catherineâs changing mood. He found an excuse. âKathy, Iâm exhausted. I havenât rested much in the past few days. Iâm feeling a bit lightheaded from fatigue right now. How about you accompany me to rest?â
With a pitiful look, Branden gazed at Catherine, pleading, âWithout you by my side, I canât fall asleep.â
His expression had no trace of a domineering president but an immature boy who couldnât get enough attention.
Witnessing Brandenâs performance, Rylan wished he could charge forward and punch him to wake him up. Brandenâs shamelessness was beyond his expectations.
Catherine knew Branden was pretending, and she couldnât help but admire his lack of concern for saving face.
She turned to glance at Rylan, her expression calm and her voice icy. âIâm going to rest with my boyfriend. If you have anything, send me a message. If a meeting is necessary, Iâll contact you then.â
Then, Branden immediately embraced Catherine and stepped back, looking triumphant as he glanced at Rylan and waved casually. âSorry, Mr. Melton.
Weâre going to take a break now. Weâll invite you over next time.â
After that, Brandenâs face turned cold, and he mercilessly closed the door. A smug smile escaped Brandenâs lips when he remembered the grim expression on Rylanâs face.
Catherine glanced sideways and caught the lingering smile at the corner of Brandenâs mouth. Unable to resist, she teased, âFeeling quite pleased with yourself, arenât you?â
âOf course,â he replied, his satisfaction evident. He embraced Catherine and sat down. âWhat TV show is so interesting? I want to watch it, too.â
Catherine knew he was just making an excuse, but she didnât stop him. She allowed him to hold her as they squeezed onto a single-seat sofa together.
Outside the closed door, Rylan gazed at it, his typically composed face turning a grim shade, his eyes instantly darkening.
In his entire life, he had never suffered such humiliation. âBranden dared to treat me like this; then he shouldnât blame me for being ruthless,â he said inwardly. He wanted to see how powerful the rumored head of the Duncans truly was.
Watching the running characters on TV, Branden couldnât understand why Catherine liked this show. Even though it was boring, having Catherine by his side somehow made it more interesting.
The doorbell rang again, just a few minutes after the last time.
Brandenâs expression immediately turned serious. He comforted Catherine, asking her to sit down, and then stood up to open the door.
He had already made up his mind. If he saw Rylan standing outside again, he wouldnât be polite. He hoped that the bothersome Rylan was prepared for a beating.
âHello, sir, hereâs your delivery.â The delivery guy tremblingly handed over the food. The moment the door opened earlier, he was almost scared unconscious by Brandenâs gaze.
It was the first time he had encountered a man with such a powerful aura, and those intense eyes were truly intimidating.
Seeing it wasnât Rylan outside, Branden relaxed his expression a bit. He took the food, closed the door, and turned back into the room.
Bringing over a small coffee table, he placed the delivery on it. He was a cleanliness freak, but to him, everything seemed insignificant compared with Catherine.
He took the food out of the box and arranged it in front of Catherine. âHave a try.â
Looking at the uniquely presented food, Catherine had her appetite piqued. Holding a fork, she ate quite a bit.
Branden wasnât interested in the food, but seeing Catherine enjoy it, he took a few bites as well.
After finishing his food in his mouth, Branden looked at Catherine and asked, âAre you planning to go to school later?
Catherine shook her head. âIâm going to Connieâs place to see Zobber and Withal.â
âIâll go with you!â Branden almost blurted out.
Seeing his eagerness, Catherine agreed. âSure, letâs go together.â