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Dinner at the Swanns’ Residence
At dinner, the maids escorted Catherine to the dining room of the Swanns’ household. She had heard that Liana was too upset to join the meal, refusing to eat due to her anger toward Catherine. As a result, Liana wasn’t present at the table.
The rest of the Swann family, however, was waiting for Catherine.
As Catherine entered, Johnathan immediately taunted her, his words dripping with disdain.
“People from the countryside are so uncivilized,” he sneered. “She only came to eat after being asked so many times. Does she really think she’s the boss around here?”
Catherine’s face remained calm, unaffected by his jabs. She turned her head to glance at Johnathan, her eyes cold and unyielding.
Her icy stare hit Johnathan like a freezing gust of wind. He was taken aback, suddenly feeling a chill run down his spine. Startled, he choked on his food, coughing violently.
After several seconds, Johnathan finally stopped coughing, his face pale. Staring across the table at Catherine, he clenched his teeth, burning with frustration. He was determined to regain control, waiting for the right moment.
A moment later, a thought struck him, and he decided to strike back.
“I heard,” he said lightly, “that you made Liana so angry she wouldn’t even eat because the family donated money to build a library just so you could go to school. Is that true?”
Johnathan was certain his father, who always favored Liana, would not tolerate Catherine’s arrogance, especially on her first day at the Swanns’. He was sure his father would take action.
Catherine’s gaze remained steady as she raised her eyes to meet Johnathan’s.
“I heard,” she replied evenly, “that you came last in your class on the exams. You didn’t have to repeat the year only because the Swanns donated a thousand computers to the school. Is that true?”
Johnathan’s eyes widened in shock. How did Catherine know about his failure in school? He had thought his mother had taken care of the matter and kept it from getting out.
Before he could process this revelation, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Johnathan, what’s this about?” Korbin’s voice was sharp, and his brows furrowed in concern. “When did you come last in your exams?”
Johnathan’s face went pale at the sound of his father’s question. He had always feared Korbin’s scrutiny, especially when it came to his academic performance. The prospect of admitting his failure made him uneasy, and he didn’t know how to respond.
Rachael, sensing the tension, quickly intervened.
“Let’s not make a fuss during dinner,” she said curtly. “The food is getting cold. Everyone should eat.”
Rachael then shot a subtle but clear warning look at Catherine.
But Catherine remained composed. She reached for her fork and began eating without a word.
Korbin, following Rachael’s lead, allowed the conversation to drop for the moment. The family continued with their meal in silence, though the tension remained palpable.
After dinner, Korbin did not get up from the table, and the rest of the family stayed seated as well. It was a rule in the Swann family that no one stood up until the head of the family did.
Catherine, however, was uninterested in this unwritten rule. She finished her meal, put down her cutlery, and stood up to leave.
Johnathan, noticing this, was about to scold her for breaking the rule, but at a sharp look from Rachael, he immediately fell silent.
Rachael was not helping Catherine. Instead, she understood that with Vicente gone, Korbin was now the undisputed head of the Swanns. Korbin would never allow anyone to challenge his authority, especially not someone as bold as Catherine. It would be better for Korbin to handle the situation, rather than risk her son’s ire.
As expected, Korbin’s face darkened when Catherine stood. Johnathan realized his mother’s strategy and understood that he was now free to watch the drama unfold.
But before Korbin could reprimand Catherine, he hesitated. Considering that Catherine had just come from the countryside and might not be familiar with the rules, he took a deep breath to calm his rising temper.
He raised his head and called out to her.
“Wait!”
Catherine turned slowly, her eyes locking onto Korbin’s.
Korbin pointed to the seat she had just vacated. “Sit down,” he commanded. “I have something to discuss with you.”
Catherine didn’t immediately sit back down. Instead, she replied calmly, “But I’m full.” Her tone made it clear she wasn’t planning to return to her seat.
Korbin’s face tightened. He was not accustomed to anyone speaking back to him, especially not someone as young and seemingly insignificant as Catherine.
But he held back, knowing the matter at hand was more important than a display of authority.
Rachael and Johnathan exchanged a glance, both surprised by Korbin’s restraint. Korbin was known for his fiery temper, but he seemed to be holding it in.
Just as Johnathan was about to comment on his father’s unusual behavior, Rachael silenced him with another look.
Korbin then revealed his intentions.
“Catherine, even though your grandfather left the Swann fortune to you, you’re still young. You should focus on your studies for now. Why don’t you sign this Authorization Agreement to give me the power to manage the Swann Corporation for you?”
As he spoke, a maid stepped forward, holding out a contract for Catherine to sign.
Rachael and Johnathan exchanged understanding looks. They had finally figured out Korbin’s true aim.
Once Catherine signed the agreement, she would lose control over the Swann fortune, leaving her powerless and no longer a threat to their family.
Johnathan couldn’t help but smile. He was certain that Catherine would not dare to refuse her father’s request, especially not with him present.