Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis)

Chapter 982

Chapter 982 I Will Kill Your Entire Family

Catherine placed Joseph in the side quarters of the Rogers residence's main house.

As soon as the door swung open, she saw the man sitting on the couch, looking haggard, as if he had

aged a decade in an instant.

This man had once cherished her, loved her, and treated her like the apple of his eye.

Later on, when Harvey became mentally challenged due to someone's schemes, he placed all his

hopes on her.

He educated her, nurtured her, and groomed her to become the next head of the family.

Back then, although she didn't harbor a strong desire for power, she remained profoundly grateful to

him, for she thought that this was her father's profound expression of love for her.

Over the years, she diligently cultivated her own strength, fortifying the legitimate line's position within

the family. Quietly and resolutely, she had also navigated the elimination of numerous adversaries, all

for the sake of her father and younger brother.

What took her by surprise, however, was the stark realization that she had been nothing but a pawn in

her father's intricate game right from the outset, serving as a shield to safeguard her younger brother

from impending disaster.

The loving facade of her father from the past had, in reality, been nothing more than a deceptive veil

that she had used to obscure the truth, both for herself and those around her.

Joseph's attention was drawn to the commotion at the door, prompting him to slowly lift his head. As his

gaze scanned over Catherine, he couldn't help but put on a mocking, icy smile.

“Are you here to end me?” he asked.

Catherine abruptly stopped in her tracks as she slowly withdrew her right leg, which had been poised to

take another step.

He abandoned any pretense without a second thought now that everything was exposed.

The way he was looking at her at that moment resembled the way one might stare at a sworn enemy.

Certainly, he had every reason to resent and blame her. If she hadn't brought the Luther brothers into

the picture, he might've won the face-off with Broderick.

Even if he faced defeat, the Rogers family would still remain within the hands of their own kin, rather

than succumbing to domination and absorption by the Luther family. In the grand scheme of things, the

two brothers ended up being seen as the sinners responsible for what happened to the Rogers family.

“I never aspired to be the head of the family, nor did I ever consider betraying the Rogers family. It was

your distrust and murderous intent toward me that provoked Simon. Initially, I had planned to ask Bailey

to treat Harvey. After his recovery, I intended to hand over the family affairs to him. Luna and I would

then step away from the center of power in the Rogers family. But why burn bridges? Why treat me like

a disposable sacrificial lamb?” Catherine said.

Joseph's body quivered involuntarily, a fleeting twinge of pain flickering in his eyes, accompanied by a

subtle undercurrent of regret.

He didn't quite believe her when she said she wasn't interested in assuming the family's leadership and

revealed her intentions to involve Bailey in Harvey's treatment.

Yet, one undeniable truth remained. Had he not pushed her to the brink, the Luther brothers would

never have interfered in the Rogers family's matters, and the Rogers family would not have fallen apart

as it did.

At this juncture, no matter how fervently he leveled accusations, it was impossible to reverse the

course of their defeat.

Instead of this futile approach, it might be wiser to regain Catherine's trust, leveraging the bonds of

family affection and potentially compelling her to relinquish control of the power currently held by the

Luther family.

If she were to appeal to the Luther brothers, there was a good chance that the Luthers might show

them some mercy.

This confrontation primarily inflicted damage upon the main branch of the family, while the branches

scattered around the world remained relatively unscathed.

Therefore, as long as the Luthers didn't actively undermine the Rogers family and allowed them to Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

recover, he held the belief that within a decade, the Rogers family could reclaim their vitality.

“Cath, I realize my mistake now. I was foolish and acted recklessly. I'm genuinely sorry. Can you find it

in your heart to forgive me just this once, please? The Rogers family's legacy spans thousands of

years, and I can't allow it to crumble under my watch. I made a grave mistake even to consider handing

over the family to that fool. Harvey's condition is beyond cure now. Can you assist me in rebuilding our

family? I promise to fully support you as the rightful leader this time. Is that okay with you? You are the

legitimate daughter of the Rogers family, and you're partly responsible for our family's destiny.

Considering that the Rogers family has nurtured you into adulthood, could you help me this time?”

Joseph earnestly implored.

Catherine chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a touch of melancholy that inexplicably evoked a sense

of sadness in those who heard it.

Even at this point, he was still squandering the familial bond that once united them.

She said, “Even without Harvey, you would never have considered passing the family's leadership to

me. I'm aware that you've already identified a promising heir from the side branch and have been

grooming him for the top position. So, Mr. Joseph, please stop pretending to be the loving father and

dutiful son; it's quite hypocritical. In your heart, I've never been a contender for the inheritance. Material

possessions don't hold much value for me either. However, being deceived to such an extent by my

own family is something I can't help but resent. You needn't waste any more words. I'll have the Luther

family curtail the remaining influence of the Rogers family. As for this family manor, I'll retain it for now.

The rest of you can spend the remainder of your lives here.”

Upon finishing her words, she pivoted and made her way toward the exit.

A chilling, murderous intent gleamed in Joseph's eyes as he witnessed her unyielding demeanor.

He nonchalantly seized a fruit knife from the table and lunged menacingly toward Catherine.

Since that Luther kid cares so much about this brat, I'll kidnap her and use her to threaten him. With

her in my hands, I'm sure he'll obey me!

He intended not only to demand the Luther brothers stop their assaults on the Rogers family but also to

make sure that the Luther family shouldered all the losses incurred by the Rogers family in this ordeal.

With the help of the Luther family, he was convinced the Rogers family could make a full recovery in

less than a month.

As Catherine felt the palpable surge of murderous intent closing in behind her, a bitter smile

subconsciously played at the corner of her lips.

She had stopped Simon from further suppressing the Rogers family. Instead, her remaining forces

were diligently engaged in restructuring Rogers Group, believing that Harvey's return after his eventual

recovery would serve as a catalyst for the gradual restoration of the Rogers family to its former glory.

After all, this was her home, where her roots were deeply anchored.

Yet, she had never expected that her beloved father, whom she had held in high esteem for so many

years, would still want to kill her at this point.

The last shred of affection and attachment she had for her family was completely extinguished.

The pain she expected never materialized. Instead, a dull thud echoed as a heavy object fell from

behind.

Almost instinctively, she wanted to turn around but abruptly found herself enveloped in a reassuring

embrace.

Simon, panting heavily and trembling uncontrollably, tightened his arm around her waist.

“Catherine, what's going on with you? How could you just stand there and let him stab you?” he asked.

While the man's exasperated voice resounded from above her, she had a playful impulse to retort,

“Well, I don't have eyes in the back of my head, so I can't see what's happening behind me.”

However, when she met his slightly reddened eyes, she opted not to say it.

Just a moment ago, she had indeed experienced a feeling of despair, contemplating that since this life

had been bestowed upon her by her parents, if they desired it back, perhaps she should willingly return

it to them.

Now, as she locked eyes with his horrified gaze, a profound wave of regret surged within her heart.

Catherine, are you out of your mind? Luna is still waiting for you to rescue her, and this jerk is still

waiting to marry you. How can you sacrifice your life for these cold-hearted relatives?

Simon's anxiety escalated when she remained silent, prompting him to issue a menacing threat, “If you

dare to disregard the value of your life again, I'll obliterate your entire family.”

It was such a terrifying and violent threat, yet she inexplicably felt a warmth and delight wash over her.

“I knew you would save me, so I didn't have to lift a finger,” she chirped light-heartedly.

In an instant, all of Simon's anger dissipated when he saw her mischievous and playful demeanor.

He realized that the girl he loved was stunningly beautiful when her facade was peeled away. Her usual

aloofness had vanished, replaced by a vivaciousness tinged with a hint of coquettish charm.

As he was lost in thought, a wave of emotion washed over him. Acting on a sudden impulse, he

scooped her into his arms and headed decisively toward her mansion.

“Cath, I want you.”