A Replacement Bride

Chapter 308

Eddie was momentarily stunned when he heard the words that escaped Katherine's lips. Shortly after, an inexplicable facial expression crossed his face as he began hesitantly, "You mean…"

However, before he finished his sentence, he sized both Katherine and Joaquin suspiciously with his eyes.

After a while, as if he was sure that Katherine was telling the truth, a somewhat strange look was seen on his face before he burst into laughter. Mockery was painted all across his eyebrows as he jeered, "Ha! Haha! I knew it! This is her karma! Who told her to break ties with the Scott-Tuttons in the first place and even stop me from killing Mike?! Now that I know she's dead, I'd say she deserves it! Even God Himself thinks it's unfair for her to be still with the living after so many years and has come to take her life! Haha…"

He laughed wantonly. It was like he was exceptionally delighted about Jennifer's death.

Katherine narrowed her eyes, which were as cold as ice, and a dangerous gleam flashed in them as time went on, and he showed no signs of stopping. Her tightly pursed lips indicated that she was restraining herself from doing any permanent damage to Eddie.

"Eddie, the reason why I've decided to let you live is entirely because of Grandma. You might already be dead now if it wasn't for the fact that she didn't want to see you in trouble! But…"

Then, she swiftly changed the topic midway. At the same time, the temperature in the room dropped to sub-zero levels as her entire being exuded murderous intent.

"You do realize that I can harm you, right? So, I don't need to educate you on what to say and what not to say, do I?"

Eddie's facial expression instantly twisted in anger, for he couldn't believe that he was being threatened by someone younger than him in such a manner.

Therefore, he bellowed, "Katherine! Don't forget that you still need my help! After all, the mother curse of the man-faced curse is in my possession!"

Katherine sized him up as she scoffed before musing unconcernedly, "You seem to have misunderstood things here. I don't need your help. Rather, it's you who is forced to obey me. Otherwise, I can't say for sure what will happen to the Scott-Tuttons."

As she didn't want to waste her time with a man like him, she stopped smiling and her facial expression turned glacial.

"Eddie, I can and will turn you into a mute for the rest of your life with a flick of my finger if you even breathe my way wrongly. So, be a good little dog and get out, hm?"

Since Eddie had never been disrespected like this before, calling his face nasty would be an understatement.

His eyes were sullen, and he looked highly resentful. Yet, he kept his mouth shut, snorting derisively before leaving with large strides.

Katherine withdrew her gaze from that wretched man. Then, she turned to look at Joaquin.

Before she could say anything, Joaquin spoke up gently as if he could read her mind, "Don't worry. I have already arranged for someone to keep a close eye on him. I'll let you know if anything happens."

Katherine pursed her lips and nodded slightly.

Shortly after, she compartmentalized her emotions before she sent Jennifer's corpse to the mortuary.

On this day, Joaquin carried out his promise. He helped Katherine to take care of Jennifer's funeral affairs while she was in charge of notifying Jennifer's friends and relatives.

Since Jennifer didn't have many relatives and friends in Kyoland while she was alive, Katherine didn't have to notify many people.

On the contrary, Corey, Jayden, and some of Katherine's old friends in Kyoland all called to check on her. They gave her their condolences and told her they would attend Jennifer's funeral.

Just like that, she was swamped until late evening. Even though she was exhausted, she didn't return to the hotel and rest. Instead, she kept vigil beside Jennifer's coffin at the mortuary.

Meanwhile, Joaquin tasked himself to coax her into eating some food. His eyes were full of concern when he saw Katherine in such a fragile state.

She has lost a lot of weight in these two days. As a result, her face, which was initially slightly bigger than the size of a palm, has shrunk.

Suddenly, he was extremely glad that he could be by her side and bear the pain with her.

I can't imagine how hard it would have been for her to face all these alone.

"By the way." Joaquin hesitated for a moment as he thought of the incident in Hovington. Then, he asked, "How is Keith's situation in Hovington? Is he alright?"

As Katherine wasn't that hungry, she stopped after barely finishing a bowl of congee.

She wiped her mouth, nodded, and said, "I have given Mr. Morris a call. He said that Keith's current condition is pretty stable, and he'll be fine for a few days. Besides, I gave Keith some medicine before I left. The medicine can temporarily keep him alive when he's in the red."

As she spoke, her facial expression froze for a moment. Then, she continued with a determined fire in her eyes, "Keith can definitely make it. He's my younger brother, so he will make it."

Joaquin's gaze was profound as he responded softly, "That's right. He will pull through."

Katherine didn't sleep a wink that night as she kept vigil beside Jennifer's coffin until dawn.

When Joaquin saw her behaving this way, he remained by her side as a silent companion.

The next day, there was a drizzle despite the weather report that there would be clear skies for the week. Instead, the cloudy sky added a layer of gloom to the dark-clothed guests who came to offer their condolences.

Corey arrived together with Jayden, and they both frowned when they saw the awful look on Katherine's face.

"You've lost weight! And you're not looking too hot either," Jayden muttered with a displeased look on his face as he involuntarily cast a glance at Joaquin, who was behind Katherine.

Nevertheless, Joaquin brushed it off as he turned a blind eye to Jayden's unfriendly gaze.

Katherine's face remained expressionless. She simply glanced at Jayden and then looked away. After that, she said flatly, "I'm fine."

Jayden's brows furrowed tighter at her words. "You're calling this fine?! How can I not worry after seeing you in such a state?! Follow me to the Hall Residence once you've settled all the affairs here. I will find someone to look after your health."

"That won't be necessary," she declined indifferently.

"That can't do…" Nevertheless, Jayden still wanted to persuade her.

Just then, she suddenly looked straight at him. There wasn't even the slightest trace of warmth in her demeanor as she stared him down with her stony gaze.

"My grandma just passed away. What do you expect me to look like? Having a blast and beam with happiness?"

Jayden instantly choked on his words. He couldn't find the words to defend himself.

When Corey noticed that the atmosphere became a little strained, he promptly jumped in and pulled Jayden to stand behind him, signaling him to be silent.

"Now, now, Katherine, Jayden is just worried about you. In fact, I don't feel good seeing you in such a state either. Alright, let's not talk about this. Katherine, we'll pay our respect to Mrs. Olsen now."

After that, he left with Jayden in tow.

Moments later, David also came to express his condolences. He first gave Katherine solace, followed by a hesitant expression.

Unfortunately, she currently wasn't in the mood to discuss anything with him, so she didn't pay any attention to him as she turned around and kept herself busy with Jennifer's funeral.

After a while, all those who came to offer their condolences slowly trickled away. Only Katherine and Joaquin were left in the funeral hall.

At this moment, Katherine's mobile phone rang. It was a call from Xavier.

"Help me light up a candle for Mrs. Olsen." Xavier's voice sounded somewhat depressed on the phone. "Consider it as my respect for her. Unfortunately, I'm currently here accompanying Noah, so I can't make it to her funeral."

Katherine hummed lightly before she asked, "You haven't told Noah yet, have you?"

"No. I figured you don't want me to. Because if you do, you would have informed me about taking Noah to Kyoland."

"Let's hide it from her for now," Katherine said as she pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a little tired. "Noah is still recovering, and her autism has just improved. She shouldn't make a trip to Kyoland, let alone experience any emotional rollercoasters. She's close to Grandma, and if she finds out Grandma has passed away, she won't be able to endure the pain."

"But she will find out sooner or later. So, when will you break this news to her?" asked Xavier. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Katherine went silent for a moment before she replied calmly, "I'll find the right time to tell her once I return."

Then, she changed the subject and inquired with concern, "How is Noah doing?"

Xavier sighed wearily, "She's recovering well. Everything's fine, except for the fact that she's feeling lonely. Every day, she will talk about you, Joaquin, and even Mrs. Olsen."

Katherine felt her throat dry up upon hearing his remarks.

She was just about to say something in response when suddenly, she heard a commotion coming from the front of the funeral hall.