A Replacement Bride

Chapter 340

Carmine thought for a moment before her eyes brightened further. "Miss, I'll relay the orders right away!"

She was about to turn around and leave when she remembered something and paused. "As for the Morans…"

Katherine knew what she was about to ask. "I have plans for them."

"Okay." Carmine knew Katherine was smart enough and did not ask any other questions. As such, she left and went about her day.

Katherine remained standing next to the window for a while, her eyes glittering in the night like a cat's. Soon, her phone rang as expected.

Kelvin reported, "Miss Cornell, the process of shifting our headquarters back to Hovington as you ordered will be completed by this week. The chosen location is in the newly developed area in Ewing and the board will return within a week."

She was satisfied by this. "You've worked hard. I'll move someone back to organize the proceedings in Hovington. Your main responsibility is our branch in Kyoland. Make sure to finish what I've assigned you as soon as possible." NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

"Yes, Miss Cornell," he responded seriously. "I will resolve it as fast as I can and keep you updated."

She hung up before walking into Noah's ward. The girl climbed off the bed rapidly and ran toward her.

"What's all this about?" Katherine was puzzled.

The girl's eyes were red as she looked up at her mother. "Mom, has Daddy been taken away by someone? Is that why he cannot come and see me?"

Katherine froze briefly. "Why do you ask? Who told you that?"

She lifted her head to look at Keith with a slightly irritated look.

The man quickly put on an aggrieved yet innocent expression. "Katherine, I swear I never said anything. Noah read it on the Internet."

The Internet?

Katherine frowned before realizing what happened. Joaquin's arrest had been done in private and wasn't reported in the news, not to mention that very few people knew about it. The footage of the chaos the Morans had caused during the press conference had even been destroyed as per her request. As such, several reporters present during the conference might have secretly recorded scraps of gossip and spread it on the Internet.

Katherine looked down at the girl and gently stroked her cheek. "Don't believe what those people say online. Your father is fine. He's just busy right now and will come to see you as soon as he's finished."

Noah had always trusted her mother's words but this time, she was doubtful, probably due to her concern. "Really? What is Daddy busy with?"

Katherine was speechless yet helpless in the face of the girl's determination to get answers. When has Noah become so dependent on Joaquin? She didn't respond immediately as she estimated when the officers would let him out.

The door suddenly opened behind her before a familiar deep voice spoke. "Did you miss me that much? Here I am."

The girl tilted her head to look at the door and became delighted as her eyes met Joaquin's warm gaze. She ran towards him at once. "Daddy!"

She jumped onto him and held on like a koala. He laughed and bent over, holding her firmly while allowing her to cling to him. He moved his face close to hers in affection, their noses touching.

"Daddy, why did you only come and see me now? I missed you so much! I haven't seen you in so long!"

Noah pouted in his arms and it made Joaquin's heart melt. He reassured the girl for a moment before looking up at Katherine, a hint of a smile in his soft gaze. "I'm back."

The simple words somehow made Katherine's heart race, a slight shakiness spreading throughout her body along with some bitterness. While she was certain she could get him out, she couldn't help but feel worried deep down. She had wondered how he was doing and whether those people would do something horrible to him. It had made her utterly anxious. She had never thought that she would have such a moment even when she was in control, much less for this man.

She forced down her feelings and smiled. "That's good."

Keith walked up to Joaquin as well. "You're back, Joe! Are you okay?"

Katherine shot an icy look at him. "You look okay to me. Go get us dinner at the Spring Palace."

Keith didn't know what to say to that. Seeing Noah's confused look made him realize that he had said something wrong, so he quickly corrected himself. "I was asking if Joe's work is going well."

Joaquin raised his eyebrows. "Of course."

He glanced at Katherine before continuing slowly, "Their crab cakes and oysters are excellent. Remember to get them."

Keith had nothing to say to that. Fine, then! I'll just have to go.

He soon disappeared into the night, cutting a lonely figure in the darkness.

…

After dinner, Joaquin put Noah to sleep before leading Katherine out of the ward.

"How did you return so quickly? I was even thinking about picking you up." She finally uttered the words she had been itching to say all night.

He looked sideways at her and teased, "What? Is that too quick for you? Do you think I haven't spent long enough holed up in there? You are far too cruel."

She choked briefly. "That's not what I meant. I didn't expect them to release you so quickly. I thought it would be tomorrow."

Joaquin led her into the room next door, which looked the same as they had left it. Switching on the bedside lamp, he pulled the curtains shut and murmured, "According to normal procedure, yes, but Area Seven couldn't stay still."

The yellow light added some warmth to the cold hospital room. Katherine was silent for a while before realization hit. "Did Area Seven put pressure on them?"

He sat on the couch and made a sound of assent, his features appearing softer in the light. He beckoned to her with an outstretched hand. "Come here."

He looked very much like he was calling a kitten or a puppy. She pouted for a moment, but she eventually walked over to him, whereby she was then pulled onto his lap.

"Hey! What are you doing?" She felt awkward as she supported herself against his chest, trying to get off. However, he didn't allow it and wrapped his strong arms around her slender waist to bring her closer.

"Kathy, thank you for rescuing me from such a dangerous situation."

His sudden thanks made her pause before she shook her head. "It's nothing. We are husband and wife, after all. It's my duty."