Female Novel
Chapter 971 Perish Together
If they were to threaten Broderick to let them leave the Rogers family at that time, then the legitimateline of the Rogers family would be ruined for life, never able to return to a position of power.
Catherine cast a cold glare at the middle-aged man who had just spoken, and with a touch of mockeryin her voice, she said, “Tell me, what's more important, seizing power or saving your own life? If youbelieve seizing power takes precedence, then go ahead and stay. I won't stop you. But my family, myparents, and siblings, I must protect them. Even if it means relinquishing the authority of the Rogersfamily, I will ensure their well-being and secure their exit from the family. Even if I end up living anordinary life, at least I'll be alive, and that's worth more than anything else.”
“But—”
The middle-aged man was about to respond when suddenly, a deep, resonant voice filled the roomfrom the entrance.
“I support Ms. Catherine's decision. Survival is the top priority. What good is seizing power if we loseour lives in the process?”
Without hesitation, Catherine's gaze shifted toward the door. Her body tensed as she recognized thosefamiliar eyes.
Simon! Why did he come back? Isn't he supposed to wait for an update outside of the Rogers castle?
Considering the current situation in the Rogers castle, he shouldn't have taken the risk of entering.
Even though he had assumed the role of her subordinate and altered his voice, his presence in the
Rogers family made her uneasy.
“Lester, what's going on in your mind? Ms. Catherine just mentioned giving up her position as thefamily head, and you're backing her. Have you gone mad or something?”
“Rather than witnessing her willingly walk to her death, I'd prefer to see her lead a good life. That'swhat we, as subordinates, should strive for,” Lester responded, nodding firmly.
“But...” The middle-aged man attempted to voice his objections but was cut off by Catherine.
“Enough. What I mean is that I would only consider giving up power to save my life in the direst ofcircumstances. But as long as there's even a glimmer of hope, I won't allow the first branch to havetheir way. Let's not waste any more time. With each passing day, the first branch's power growsstronger. If we delay any further, our chances of success diminish.”
Silence followed her words.
Once everyone had left the room, Catherine fixed a cold gaze on the man standing on the oppositeside of the conference table. Through clenched teeth, she asked, “Why did you come back here?”
Wearing a charming smile, Simon approached her, extending his hand to grasp her arm firmly. With aswift tug, he pulled her into his embrace.
Involuntarily, Catherine felt the urge to struggle, but Simon leaned in close to her ear, his voice lacedwith a menacing warning, “I'm an ordinary man. If you don't want me to play tricks on you, I suggestyou stay still and stop fidgeting. I can't guarantee what mischief I might get up to otherwise.”
Catherine couldn't help but shudder slightly. She bit her lip hard, trying to find her voice, and finallystammered, “The situation in the Rogers family is incredibly complicated right now. You shouldn't haveinvolved yourself.”
“No worries. We'll just perish together in the worst-case scenario.”
We'll just perish together in the worst-case scenario? Is he willing to die for me?
Her heart swelled with overwhelming emotions.
“Si—”
“Shh, don't speak. Let me hold you for a while.”
Outside the door, the strategist who had recently spoken in the meeting room was about to enter. As heraised his foot, he caught sight of “Lester” embracing Catherine, their bodies entwined.
As he witnessed this scene, a chill coursed through his eyes.
I was wondering why the usually resolute young lady suddenly appeared so fragile. It seems there'ssomething clandestine influencing her emotions. Are they planning to escape together? This can'thappen!
We've risked everything, including our fortunes and lives, to support her against the first branch, hopingthat one day, when she assumes power, she'll grant us the highest authority. And now, she'scontemplating an escape plan while reveling in our loyalty. How dare she!
He intended to find Joseph, share Catherine's thoughts with him, and request Joseph to dispatchsomeone to deal with the wretched man, Lester. novelbin
Once he's gone, Ms. Catherine won't have any reservations left and will wholeheartedly pursue power.
Inside, the two lost in their tender moment remained oblivious to the commotion outside. Little did theyknow that their seemingly innocuous interaction would set off a chain of unexpected events.
“Alright, enough of these affectionate gestures with that face. It's easy to break character. Lester is mysubordinate, and we've been working together for several years, considering each other close friends.Now, I find myself confronting you while wearing his face... It's quite awkward.”
Simon let out a soft chuckle, slowly releasing her, and gently inquired, “What's your plan now?”
Catherine cast a thoughtful glance out the window, her eyes fixed on the direction of Broderick'sresidence.
“The power imbalance is significant, and I can't compete head-on. All I can do at this point is figure outa way to capture Wilbur and use him as leverage against my uncle. However, I doubt the old manwould willingly relinquish the power he holds, even to save his own son. I'm not expecting much, butmy aim is to use Wilbur as a bargaining chip to negotiate, forcing my uncle to spare the lives of myparents and siblings.”
Simon nodded with a faint smile. “Your family is my family. Once they leave the Rogers residence, we'llhead to Hallsbay together. With the Luther family's protection, Broderick and his son won't dare to harmthem. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to keep your family safe.”
“Mm, I trust you. By the way, how's Luna doing?”
After a moment of contemplation, Simon added, “Bailey and Cameron aren't proficient in fragranceblending, so you'll have to handle it yourself. Let's swiftly resolve the matters concerning the Rogersfamily and then return to rescue our daughter.”
“All right.”
Inside the manor's infirmary, Zeke placed a gentle kiss on Juliana's forehead before pulling over a chairand settling down. “Are you feeling hungry? Do you need something to eat?”
Juliana felt a bit self-conscious, her complexion still pale, preventing her cheeks from blushing evenwhen she felt a bit shy.
“I'm not hungry, and I don't want to eat. Am I going to die?”
Zeke narrowed his eyes slightly, a trace of concern flickering in his gaze.
“Don't talk like that. With Bailey here, you're not in any danger. You need to stay strong.”
“But even Ma— I mean, even Bailey is struggling with this. I've learned about poison crafting from herbefore, so I know how potent these toxins can be. The toxin in Zoey's body mutated once, and now ithas mutated again in mine. We can't create an antidote, can we?”
“That's not—”
Just as Zeke was about to reply, Juliana didn't give him a chance to speak and continued, “Use thesame method Bailey used to detoxify Mr. Luther on me. I know it's risky and painful, but there's aglimmer of hope, which is better than lying here waiting for death.”
“Right.” Bailey entered the room, pushing the door open, and spoke as she approached, “Without theantidote, death is certain. The medicine we've been researching can no longer contain the toxins inyour body. If you still want to become the matriarch of the Shurmer family, you have to be strong. Let'stake a chance; regardless of the outcome, it's better than passively waiting for death.”
With that, she retrieved a sterilized scalpel from the medical kit.