Chapter 207 The Founder of the Galactic Aurora Collective
Mercury: [Miss, looks like Nightfall's headed to that old lab of the Galactic Aurora Collective. Should we step in?]
'What's Alexander doing at that abandoned lab?' Catherine thought, then quickly messaged back: [Nah, let him go.]
'If Alexander's on a mission, there's no stopping him. Everything important in that lab's already been trashed. He won't find anything useful,' Catherine mused.
Mercury stared at the satellite images, impressed. "Nightfall's definitely one of Catherine's. He's just as ruthless. The dark web's gonna be ours!"
'The Faceless Ones are ours, and the Shadow Syndicate's run by Catherine's fiancé. It's all in the family,' Mercury thought.
Mars said, "Never thought we'd win without lifting a finger. All thanks to Catherine!"
At dinner, Felix was lost in nostalgia. Marcus, getting impatient, cut in, "Alexander's dad had three boys, right? Alexander's the youngest? Where are they now?"
"Yeah, the older two are married with kids. Alexander's still single. That's why I'm worried! The kids have their own lives, and I'm all alone." Felix sighed.
The Howard Family was a mess compared to the Windsor Family. Marcus only had one kid, Brandon, and things were simpler.
The Howards had been chaotic since they got rich. Constant infighting until Alexander took charge and brought some order. Even now, there were people waiting to snatch the Howard Group's assets.
Felix shook his head. "That incident hit the brothers hard, especially Alexander. He disappeared abroad for years and came back all banged up. But he promised to support the family."
Felix's face showed a mix of pride and regret. "I'm old! The family's a mess. Alexander's brothers are busy with work. I can't cling to the kids at my age. I should've listened to Franklin and stayed out of the Howard drama! Maybe the family would still be together."
Marcus snorted, "Franklin talks a good game, but he's clueless. Wasn't he the one who started the Galactic Aurora Collective?"
Catherine's eyebrows raised. She looked at Marcus. "Grandpa, the Galactic Aurora Collective you're talking about, is it the one on the border?"
Marcus waved dismissively, though regret flickered in his eyes. "Doesn't matter. I heard it's gone now. I regret not bombing that lab back then."
"Yeah right, you think you could've bombed it? Their lab's still on the border. Try it, and Timothy would take you out before you got close," Felix said. The Galactic Aurora Collective's lab was made of special materials, not easy to destroy.
Catherine was surprised that Marcus and Felix knew about the Collective's past. She wondered if Franklin really founded it.
Marcus grumbled, "I can't stand Franklin's ways! Using kids for experiments, it's just wrong!"
Felix shook his head. "Alright, enough of that. It's all in the past. Don't you know Franklin's a madman? He even experimented on himself to chase his ideals. Besides..."
Felix trailed off, his expression complicated as he looked at the younger generation. "If you ever run into anyone from the Galactic Aurora Collective, steer clear! Most of them are nuts."
Catherine rubbed her temples, thinking, 'If I tell the Windsor Family and Felix that I was at the Galactic Aurora Collective too, will they freak out?'
She bit her lip and softly said, "Grandpa, I'm starting school next month. I noticed our principal's name is also Franklin. Is that just a coincidence?"
"Starting school? That's awesome! I'll take you there! Wait, did you say your principal's name is Franklin?" Marcus was all smiles about Catherine going to college, but the name Franklin made him tense up.
Marcus immediately sat up and pulled Felix into the study. "Catherine, let me check on that!" It was clear Marcus and Felix were really worried about the name Franklin.
Juniper watched them rush off. "What's up with Grandpa? Is that Franklin really important? And does George have surgery today? Why didn't he come back for dinner?"
Aurora smiled gently. "He said he's busy and not to wait for him. He's practically living at the hospital! Catherine, you're about to start college, don't stress. You're the youngest, and we have no expectations for you."
Aurora cupped her face, smiling warmly at Catherine, her eyes full of love. "I didn't really push your siblings, and they turned out great! At first, I thought Brandon and I were just ordinary and should accept our kids' mediocrity. When Charles aced his first test, I thought it was a fluke!"
Brandon nodded eagerly beside her. "Yeah, who knew the other kids would be so smart too? Must be our excellent genes! Catherine, don't worry. As long as you're happy, we'll support whatever you do."
Brandon and Aurora were worried that the older siblings' success might pressure Catherine. They'd seen too many stories about kids getting depressed and even worse due to academic pressure. Even if the Windsor kids were just average, it wouldn't matter. Besides, Catherine was already amazing!
Brandon and Aurora were always extra careful with Catherine, trying to make up for her past traumas.
Catherine nodded. "Got it."
Aurora added, "Juniper mentioned bringing the Hughes Family's kid to stay with us for a few days. Where is she? I've already set up a room. That kid's had it rough. Living with the Hughes Family must be so hard. If her mom were still alive, she'd be heartbroken!"
The Hughes Family was always criticized in high society. Just the fact that Maurice and Michael, both illegitimate kids, could be on the family register and manage the Hughes Family's affairs showed Anthony's character wasn't great either.
Growing up in such a place must be really tough! Aurora's thoughts drifted to Catherine's past, and her heart ached.
Catherine knew Aurora was concerned for her friends. "I'll call her later and ask."
"Great! Make sure she comes. I'd love to have another daughter!" Aurora said.
In the corner, Lucy watched the Windsor Family enjoying their time together and quietly slipped away to call Esme.
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