Chapter 856 Audreyâs Husband
Branden drove Catherine to the airport. Audrey had been away from Loxton for a while, and Triston, feeling down, returned to Casier. Upon Audreyâs return, she immediately contacted Catherine.
As Catherine arrived at the airport, Audrey emerged from a special passageway. Despite Audrey being fully disguised with a hat, mask, and sunglasses, Catherine recognized her at once.
The long-awaited reunion left Audrey extremely excited, and she immediately embraced Catherine, exclaiming how much she missed her.
Observing Audreyâs embrace, Branden furrowed his brow. If it werenât for the fact that Audrey was Catherineâs sister, he would have had her taken to a psychiatric hospital.
Audrey, sensing Brandenâs intimidating presence, quickly released Catherine, suggesting they leave the crowded airport to talk privately.
Instead of immediately returning home, Branden suggested having a meal together and took them to a restaurant.
Audrey got out of the car, glanced around, and gave a thumbs-up to Branden. âMr. Duncan, youâre not only attentive but also with good taste. This place is great.â
The restaurant had an elegant ambiance and, most importantly, was very private, allowing Audrey to relax without worrying about the paparazzi.
In response to Audreyâs praise, Branden gave a faint smile and led them into the restaurant.
âMr. Duncan, welcome. Your table is ready. Please follow me,â said the restaurant manager, personally escorting them to a private room.
The manager brought the menu and, after a glance from Branden, astutely handed two menus to Catherine and Audrey.
Catherine glanced at the menu and was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the dishes were her favorites. Looking up at Branden, she asked, âIs this restaurant yours?â
Branden raised an eyebrow and replied, âYouâre as smart as ever! The chef here is quite skilled at making these dishes. I had them once and decided to buy this restaurant, and Iâve made some adjustments to the menu.â
Audrey teased, âI donât need to eat lunch now. Your sweet talk has filled me up.â
Catherine smiled wryly, feeling a sense of joy.
The dishes arrived promptly, but just as Audrey was about to eat, her phone rang. After a glance, she furrowed her brow and then turned it off as the call persisted.
Catherine, noticing Audreyâs unease, asked, âIs everything okay?â
Audrey hesitated, looking flustered, and explained it was just a boring sales call that she hung up on.
Catherine didnât keep asking. If it were just a sales call, Audrey couldnât have been so nervous.
âCatherine, I heard youâve been busy with experiments lately. Howâs it going?â Audrey had been away from Loxton for some time, so she wasnât aware of recent events. She occasionally contacted Catherine and heard about Catherineâs busy work in the laboratory.
âItâs going smoothly,â Catherine responded calmly.
After the meal, Branden escorted Audrey back to her apartment. Audrey had initially wanted Catherine to stay and keep her company, but Catherine refused, saying, âI need to go back to the lab. If I have time tonight, Iâll come to see you.â
âAlright.â Audrey bid Catherine farewell reluctantly.
As Catherine and Branden went downstairs, they noticed a man suspiciously using binoculars to look in the direction of the apartment. Following his gaze, Catherine noticed that he was observing Audreyâs apartment, which could be told from the layout of the apartment building.
Branden noticed it too, and they both approached the man.
The man seemed surprised when he saw Catherine.
Catherine, sensing the manâs surprise, became more certain that he was spying on Audrey. She placed her hand on his shoulder, asking, âWhat are you up to?â
The man didnât immediately respond to Catherineâs question but instead asked her, âWhatâs your relationship with Audrey Swann?â
Branden didnât like his woman being questioned and decided to teach him a lesson. To his surprise, the man reacted swiftly, evading Brandenâs restraint and engaging in a scuffle.
Catherine didnât immediately intervene, silently watching the two fight. The manâs speed indicated he was skilled in combat, but he was ultimately no match for Branden.
âThree, two, one,â Catherine counted, and in an instant, the man was pinned to the ground by Branden.
The man, lying on the ground, angrily questioned Branden, âWho are you, and why did you attack me for no reason?â
Catherine approached and squatted in front of the man, her sharp eyes locking onto his. âI should be the one asking you. Why were you using binoculars to look at Audreyâs apartment? Whatâs your motive?â she questioned.
The man realized that Catherine and Branden were not to be trifled with. When he heard Audreyâs name, his expression changed from anger to surprise, and he became more polite as he looked at Catherine. âYouâre Audreyâs sister, arenât you?â
Catherine knew there must be some connection between the man and Audrey, and she gestured for Branden to release him.
The man stood up and stretched. He didnât run, as he knew that leaving under Brandenâs nose was not a wise option.
The man seemed quite curious about Catherine. âYou donât need to deny it.
Youâre definitely Audreyâs sister. You two look so alike, especially those beautiful eyes.â