Chapter 161 Ironclad Jail is Catherine's territory
"Why'd he pick now to hunt for inspiration?" Marcus thought, snorting. "Go find Felix. Bet he's not on vacation too."
Marcus already had a hunch about Brandon's mom, but he needed more proof.
At the Howard Mansion, Marcus stared at Felix, who was sprawled out on the sofa, playing dead. "Felix! Get up! Explain what I asked you!"
Felix groaned, "What's with the drama? How would I know what you're on about? When Elodie had her accident, I was more upset than you. If you'd let me marry her, she wouldn't have had such a rough life!"
Marcus plopped down on the sofa, sighing. "I just need to know one thing. Did Elodie have a kid back then?"
Felix clung to his custom-made life-sized pillow, staying silent.
"What happened was my fault. I didn't think Elodie was still alive, or that Brandon wasn't Lila's kid," Marcus said.
"Lila tricked me. I didn't think Brandon was my kid but not hers. I married her for the kid's sake. If I'd known Elodie was still alive..." Marcus trailed off.
Felix snapped, "Enough talking. If you care about Elodie, find out what happened back then."
Marcus got serious. "Felix, I came to you because I think there's more to Elodie's accident. She was at Vinehill Hospital. I've checked; Catherine was switched at birth, and Evander's wife had an accident—all at Vinehill Hospital!"
Felix sat up, squinting at Marcus. The tension was thick, like they were back in their prime. "Explain. What did you find out?"
"Vinehill Hospital's got issues. The director got arrested by international police last month for meeting Eli in Imperia City. He's in Ironclad Jail now. He knows everything!" Marcus said.
Felix nodded, getting bolder. "I'll make arrangements, but we can't leave the country, let alone go to Ironclad Jail. We can't go personally, but this is too important. Let Alexander go. He's young but reliable. Send Catherine too. It'll help them bond!"
Felix got more excited, imagining a happy ending. 'Maybe they'll come back with a baby!' he thought.
Marcus stood up, his cane hitting the floor hard. "Are you nuts? Do you know what Ironclad Jail is like? If anything happens to Catherine, I'll bury you early! She's too young for such a dangerous place. What are you thinking?"
Ironclad Jail was a nightmare, full of violence and bloodshed. Even Marcus felt uneasy about it, let alone sending the delicate Catherine there. If anything happened to her, the Windsor family would be doomed.
Felix glared at him. "Sit down! I'm trying to have a proper conversation. Don't push it. I haven't finished. Why are you in such a hurry? Let Alexander go with her. Wouldn't you feel better with him around? I promise, with Alexander there, Catherine will be safe. Plus, Catherine was raised by Elodie. As long as she wears Elodie's bracelet, Ironclad Jail will be her territory."
Hearing this, Marcus calmed down a bit.
Felix kept pushing, "Catherine's identity isn't the issue. If you send your son or grandson, they wouldn't last a second. Don't you think I want Catherine safe? I'm still hoping to see her marry Alexander!"
Marcus abruptly stood up and headed for the door without a glance back.
"What does that mean? Are you agreeing or not? Give me a straight answer so I can tell Alexander!" Felix shouted.
Marcus grumbled, "I'm calling Timothy Wallace. If he messes with Catherine, I'll blow up Ironclad Jail!"
---
At the Windsor Mansion, in Marcus's study.
A delicate tea set sat on the table, filling the room with a soothing aroma.
Catherine rolled up her sleeves to make tea, her slender wrists adorned with a beautiful bracelet. Her graceful tea-making skills were mesmerizing, not spilling a single drop. Even Marcus, with his keen eyes, was impressed, feeling both proud and appreciative.
Marcus picked up a cup of tea and savored it, his eyes misting up. "Did your grandmother teach you?"
"Yes, she loved tea," Catherine replied.
This tea's flavor was unmistakably Elodie's. After she left, Marcus hadn't tasted it again. He put down the teacup and spoke solemnly, "Catherine, I was unsure about something, but now I've decided. I need a favor."
"Please, go ahead." Catherine's face showed surprise and confusion after Marcus finished speaking.
"I know this sounds dangerous, but I promise you'll come back safe! Alexander will protect you the whole time. Are you willing to go?" Marcus asked.
Catherine was surprised Marcus would arrange for her to go to Ironclad Jail. Even without his words, she and Alexander would have gone.
Catherine nodded. "I'm willing to go. This is about finding out what really happened to grandma and the truth about my and Juniper's origins. I'll get to the bottom of it. Don't worry."
Catherine smiled, her dimples showing, her smile both beautiful and sweet. "Grandpa, I want to show you something."
She took out the paternity test report sent by Dubhe and placed it on the table.
Marcus seemed to know what it was, his hands trembling as he picked up the report. Looking at the data, he raised his head in excitement and disbelief. "Is this Elodie's and Brandon's?"
"Yes, when grandma was sick, I kept a sample of her DNA and did a comparison. She is indeed my dad's biological mother."
Marcus laughed and cried at the same time. Looking at Catherine, he felt a mix of emotions. The child raised by Elodie was truly the best in the world. "I feel guilty for not letting you grow up in the Windsor family, but I thank you for always being by Elodie's side. Catherine, thanks to you, I have fewer regrets!"
Marcus could imagine Elodie and Catherine depending on each other all these years and knew Elodie must have loved Catherine dearly. Catherine was a good child, and it was wonderful that Elodie had her company!
Marcus's tears hadn't dried when Brandon pushed open the study door. He looked at Catherine, then at Marcus, and spoke firmly, "Dad! I don't agree with Catherine going to Ironclad Jail!"
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