Chapter 314 Elodie's Apology and Difficulties
Elodie's face was kind and gentle.
She was wearing her favorite dress, the one Catherine had made for her years ago. Catherine had bought the fabric and dyed it herself, creating the first dress for Elodie.
Elodie wore that dress until she became too ill and frail to fit into it, and it was then put away.
In Catherine's memory, Elodie loved that dress the most.
In the video, Elodie looked thin and frail, needing to pause and catch her breath frequently. The recording was fragmented and interrupted.
"Catherine, by the time you see this video, you should already know about the Galactic Aurora Collective."
"It was I who begged the people at Galactic Aurora Collective to keep you. It was also I who arranged for you to be sent there."
Elodie's eyes were filled with tears as she spoke.
"I know you've suffered a lot, but sending you to Galactic Aurora Collective was my only hope for you to survive!"
"Franklin and I founded Galactic Aurora Collective. Initially, it was just a regular talent selection program, but it evolved into something I couldn't recognize..."
"Due to access issues, I wasn't brainwashed when I left Galactic Aurora Collective, but they found me when Brandon was born."
"For Brandon's and your grandfather's safety, I chose to be brainwashed and completely leave the program."
"Behind the Galactic Aurora Collective project, powerful people are supporting it. Even your grandfather doesn't know who signed the document back then, but the existence of Galactic Aurora Collective means it has its own power."
"I didn't expect you to be sent to me. Later... I realized they were always looking for me and discovered your existence! I remembered some things."
Elodie smiled weakly.
"I know they want me back in the Galactic Aurora Collective. I used my last bit of authority to beg them to take good care of you. With those people, you can learn a lot more than you could with me."
"I realized my health was failing, and I couldn't protect you. If those people found you, I would be terrified, but Galactic Aurora Collective can protect you!"
Catherine was well aware of the aftereffects of Galactic Aurora Collective's brainwashing!
She recalled all of Elodie's symptoms, mental state, and fragmented memories from those last years, all signs of brainwashing aftereffects!
"I wanted to protect you for a lifetime, but I didn't get the chance."
"I hope you don't blame me for being so heartless, sending you to such a painful place."
"Catherine, I just wanted you to live well! Don't end up like me, living like a joke."
"Franklin is not a good person, don't trust him."
"If you want to know more about Galactic Aurora Collective, ask your grandfather."
"Catherine, I love you. From now on, I'll truly be a star in the sky, always protecting you."
"Don't be sad for me. I'm happy that I won't be a burden to you anymore. Now you can soar high."
The video was long, with Elodie speaking whatever came to her mind.
Catherine patiently watched until the end, only realizing her face was covered in tears when she touched her cheek.
She hadn't expected Elodie to be the one who sent her to Galactic Aurora Collective, but she didn't hate Elodie at all.
Under those circumstances, Elodie just wanted her to live well. For Elodie, waiting for her to return from the border was also a tormenting experience!
Catherine recalled Elodie sitting by her bed, gently wiping away her tears.
At that time... Elodie must have known what she was doing, right?
Catherine covered her face with her hands, her thin shoulders trembling.
She missed Elodie so much!
A hand rested on Catherine's shoulder, turning off the video that was still looping.
In the moonlight, Alexander appeared beside Catherine, his eyes gentle and tender. He knelt beside her, wiping away her tears.
"Hey, don't be sad. It's all in the past. Grandma had her reasons for what she did."
Catherine nodded, her eyes red, making Alexander's heart ache.
"I just miss Grandma so much. There are things... she could have told me earlier."
"Maybe Grandma felt she didn't have the right to face you."
"Yeah, it's so late, why are you here?"
It was obvious Alexander had climbed through the window again, and Catherine was used to his sudden visits!
Catherine's hair was loose, her red eyes adding a touch of vulnerability, like delicate porcelain needing careful protection.
Alexander's heart stirred, his thumb brushing the corner of Catherine's eye.
"My mom's memorial is in a few days. Brad has already arranged everything. Grandpa asked me to see if you could attend."
As Alexander's fiancée, it was reasonable for Catherine to attend such an event.
"Juniper will be there. Grandpa hopes you can come too."
Juniper, as a member of the Howard family, would attend Alexander's mother's memorial with Marcus's approval.
"Is it appropriate for me to go?"
"Of course, my mom... would be happy to see you. I also really want you to come."
Catherine thought for a moment and agreed.
"Okay, I'll be there."
The balcony window was knocked on, and a head with shiny hair peeked in from outside.
Brad looked at the two in the room, the atmosphere intimate and ambiguous, clearly not a moment to interrupt. He finally found a chance to speak...
"Uh, Ms. Windsor? Am I interrupting?"
"Yes, you are."
"Should I leave?"
Catherine sighed, "Come back, what do you need?"
Brad grinned.
"Remember the painting we borrowed last night? I've finished looking at it, let's return it today!"
Knowing Brad, Catherine suspected he wasn't just returning the painting.
"Whose stuff are you eyeing now?"
"I... I'm just appreciating art! Apparently, Ezekiel has several old paintings and plans to sell them all, which is such a desecration of art!"
Catherine raised an eyebrow.
Ezekiel's business had hit a major snag, leaving a huge deficit that needed filling.
That's why he was eager to sell his assets to cover the gap.
"Is he planning an auction?"
"Yes, so we should hurry and check it out. It would be a shame if we missed it! Those art pieces are practically begging me to take them home!"
Catherine was used to Brad's monk-like demeanor.
His tone clearly indicated he wasn't planning to pay for anything.
She raised an eyebrow and looked at Alexander.
"Are you trying to bankrupt Ezekiel?"
Alexander smiled, his eyes full of Catherine.
"Yes, Catherine, will you help me?"
"Of course, supporting every dream, because we... are friends, right?"
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