Female Novel
Chapter 976 One Mountain Cannot Contain Two Tigers
In the distant attic, Simon, who was gazing towards the main house, instinctively wanted to rush over tosave Catherine.
Just as he was about to make a move, he was stopped by his own brother standing next to him.
“Let's not act rashly for now. This isn't just any place. It's the Rogers family's stronghold.”
“Before we figure out what kind of power the head of the Rogers family is still holding back, stay hiddenfor me, not just at the last moment, but at all times. Don't you dare to expose yourself. If we'rediscovered, we'll likely find ourselves surrounded by enemies on all sides.”
Veins throbbed on Simon's forehead as he gritted his teeth. “All of Catherine's subordinates have beensacrificed. Her situation is now extremely dangerous.”
“Artemis, if it were your wife in danger right now, would you be able to stay as calm as you are now?”
Artemis gave him a cold glance and said in a deep voice, “Don't let anxiety control your emotions. Thisis the self-discipline a qualified leader should have.
“If you rush out now, not only will you fail to save her, but you will also put her in an even moredangerous situation.
“What would you do if the head of the Rogers family threatened you to take the lead in confronting Mr.Broderick?
“Under the current circumstances, the more Mr. Joseph believes that Catherine has lost her
usefulness, the safer she will be. Understand?”
“Alright...”
“Look. He didn't kill Catherine, but had his secret bodyguard take her to the backyard. It seems like he'spreparing to put her under house arrest.
“Later, I'll distract the remaining bodyguards and assassins in the main house. You go and rescue herfrom the dungeon. She's an expert in the art of perfumery, she might be able to help us greatly.”
Upon seeing his elder brother's calm and composed demeanor, with a light of confidence shining in hiseyes, Simon was deeply influenced. The anxiety in his heart significantly subsided.
He had admired Artemis since childhood. Whenever he was around, he would inexplicably feel at ease.
“Artemis, thank you...”
Artemis couldn't stand his melodramatic tone. After slapping the back of his head, he was the first toleap down from the attic.
Simon's gaze fell in the direction where Catherine had disappeared. His hands by his side slowlyclenched into a fist.
Hang in there, and wait for me. I'm coming to save you right away.
At the main house entrance.
Two black-clad bodyguards were escorting Wilbur as they came from the direction of the dungeon.
The head of the Rogers family fixed his gaze on him, scoffing coldly, “A thief is always a thief. Nomatter how hard they try, they can never achieve their desires.
“Young man, if you behave properly, there will always be a place for you in the Rogers family in thefuture. But you insist on helping an evildoer.
“Do you really think that traitorous scoundrel of a father of yours could steal the power from my hands?You're overestimating him.
Wilbur remained silent, secretly assessing how much of a chance his biological father had of winning.He was contemplating whether he should covertly switch his allegiance to the second branch of theHoffman family.
No one could blame him for being unfilial, nor for being cowardly.
He was still so young, and he didn't want to waste his prime years.
If he could not attain the highest power, he must protect himself.
It seemed as though Joseph had seen through his thoughts, a cold smirk inevitably curling up at thecorner of his lips.
If Broderick were to find out that his son was harboring thoughts of betraying him, I wonder how the oldman would feel. Will he be able to rest in peace?
Of course, he couldn't possibly accept this young man's surrender.
A wolf's ambition must be nipped in the bud, otherwise it would surely cause endless troubles.
“Take him with us. Let's head to Central Square.”
Central Square was situated right in the middle of the castle. It distinctly separated Broderick'sresidence from the Rogers family's main house.
For the past twenty years, they had lived in peace. Regardless of the undercurrents swirling behind thescenes, they had always maintained a facade of brotherly respect and deference.
Now, disaster had struck the brothers and they started killing their own family. After the fierce battle,Central Square was a sight of devastation, with bloodstains scattered all around.
Broderick had been quietly waiting in the center of the square for quite some time. Upon seeing Josephemerge, he couldn't help but tease, “Joseph, you've finally decided to show yourself.
“It's a pity, it's too late. the Rogers family is now completely under my control. There's no chance foryou to turn the tables.
“If you're willing to surrender, to cease resistance, I might consider leaving your body intact, allowingyou a dignified death.
“Otherwise... we'll handle this by the book. The extent of the damage you've caused me will be thebenchmark of how miserable I'll make your end.”
With a cold smile, Joseph pointed at Wilbur and raised an eyebrow to ask, “So, you don't plan onsaving your own son?
“If that's the case, then I'll send my nephew on his next journey. His existence doesn't hold much valueanymore.”
After he finished speaking, he slowly raised his arm, aiming his wound at Wilbur.
Wilbur trembled in fear, crying out to Broderick, “Dad, I'm your only son.
“If I were to die, there would be no one to care for you in your old age. You must save my life no matterwhat.”
Broderick slightly squinted his eyes.
There's still no news from Kurt. I'm not sure if he has killed that idiot son of Joseph yet.
Now, he didn't dare to act rashly. The only thing he could do was to buy some time.
“Speak up. What will it take for you to spare Wilbur? Joseph, don't make outrageous demands. I mightnot agree.
“I've given so much for today. You should have seen everything that I have done. Therefore, I won'tabandon the foundation I've built over the years for my son today.”
Joseph snorted coldly.
He naturally knew that he wouldn't give up easily, so he had no intention of using Wilbur to gain thegreatest benefit.
This old geezer. There's no need to rush and deal with him right now. There's plenty of time in thefuture, he'll get what's coming for him.
“After all, we are brothers, and Wilbur is my dear nephew. I don't want to be utterly ruthless towardshim.
“As long as my elder brother can keep the peace and no longer covet the position of the head of thefamily, I will consider today's `incident as if it never happened.” novelbin
Broderick's eyes narrowed sharply.
The blow dealt by Catherine was fatal to him, shattering half of his forces. If he chose to cease fightingat this moment, he would likely face even greater difficulties in the future.
This old geezer, he's planning to use this tactics to buy some time. Huh.
He knew that if the current fierce battle between the two sides continued, the Rogers family might facea great calamity. Therefore, he was considering a ceasefire.
Once some time had passed and he had returned with reinforcements as the family head to solidify hisposition, the first one he would deal with will be me, the one who instigated today's conflict.
Given his severely depleted force, how could I possibly withstand the relentless onslaught from this old
geezer?
So rather than calling a truce, it will be better to have a good fight. As for who will have the final victory,it is still up in the air.
“Joseph, do you really think I'm a fool? You're the head of the family, so you can freely dispatch forcesall over the world.
“The reason I opt for swift battles is to prevent reinforcements from arriving. If I cease fighting todayand give you a chance to catch your breath, I'm bound to meet a tragic end in the future.”
Joseph furrowed his brows, gritting his teeth as he asked, “So, are you prepared to fight to the bitterend?”
“There's still room for negotiation, but only if you're willing to share half of your family's power with me.Only with a strong backing can my heart be at ease,” said Broderick.
A hint of gentle anger appeared on the face of the head of the Rogers family.
This illegitimate child who should be hidden from the world, actually dares to think he can sit on equalfooting with me.
What gives him the right?
“You must be aware that one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers, right, Broderick? Don't youthink your demand is a bit excessive?”