Future Masters in Modern Times

Chapter 12: Catherine

Adelaide, who had just shown a flicker of curiosity, immediately looked a bit disappointed. “Another Asian? I’ve already made a mistake once; I don’t want to make another one. Let’s find a Westerner instead! Forget about Zhao Wuji.” Adelaide was somewhat disappointed in Asians. “Young Master Adelaide, please don’t jump to conclusions just yet. I have a video of him here that I’m sure will interest you,” said Housekeeper Amanda. With that, she signaled to a bodyguard in black standing nearby to bring over a laptop. He loaded the video file, and a moment later, he played it. Adelaide stared intently at the screen. It was rare for Amanda to speak with such certainty—perhaps this Zhao Wuji really did have some talent after all? He wanted to see exactly what made Zhao Wuji so special that his butler held him in such high regard. On the screen, Zhao Wuji’s unimpressive stature made Adelaide furrow his brow. Could he really do it? Gradually, as he watched Zhao Wuji calmly parry Ivanov’s attacks, Adelaide nodded. He had a deep understanding of combat, so while watching the video, he could clearly discern the specifics of the situation between the two fighters. “Young Master Adelaide, this Ivanov is a fighter from the Siberian Training Camp—he’s very skilled,” said Amanda, the butler, pointing at Ivanov. “Hmm, he’s certainly quite strong,” Adelaide agreed, while also forming a preliminary appreciation of Zhao Wuji’s abilities. Finally, the fight in the video drew to a close. When Zhao Wuji leaped into the air to strike Ivanov, everyone watching the video cheered inwardly. Seeing Ivanov crash to the ground, Adelaide clapped softly. “Very impressive. I’ll take this boxer. I’ll send him to the Siberian Training Camp for further training—he’ll become the strongest boxer under my command.” Housekeeper Amanda smiled as well. “I’m delighted to have satisfied Master Adelaide. However, there’s another video of him—and that’s the real reason I’m so strongly recommending him.” After watching the previous video, Adelaide was already extremely satisfied with Zhao Wuji. Upon hearing there was another video of him, he immediately couldn’t wait to have it played—he wanted to see more footage of this Chinese boxer in action. The bodyguards in the VIP Lounge were also somewhat eager; the Eastern boxer’s performance in the previous video had indeed been spectacular. The video began. The camera angle wasn’t great—it was clearly footage captured by a surveillance camera. “Four people?” Mr. Adelaide looked both surprised and skeptical, and the bodyguards were also filled with doubt. Could this Eastern fighter really hold his own against an attack from four people? Housekeeper Amanda seemed to have anticipated everyone’s reaction; she simply smiled without saying a word. Suddenly, everyone froze in shock, a chill running down their spines. Although there was no sound in the video, it felt as if four muffled thuds had echoed in their ears. It was shocking—utterly, overwhelmingly shocking. “M… Amanda, it’s him.” Adelaide’s voice trembled slightly, but was quickly drowned out by his excitement. “It’s him! Bring him here immediately! He’s a natural-born boxer—the strongest boxer of all!” Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he simply let himself be carried away by his excitement. “Master Adelaide, please mind your words and conduct.” Housekeeper Amanda still wore a smile—seeing his efforts bring such satisfaction to his master was the greatest affirmation he could receive—but his duties as a housekeeper compelled him to remind Adelaide, “Oh, Housekeeper Amanda, forgive me this once! I’m just too excited.” As Adelaide spoke these words, a thought flashed through his mind: “To hell with decorum—to hell with it all!” Butler Amanda gave a wry smile and said nothing more. “It doesn’t matter how much money we pay that warden; I just want him to hand this Zhao Wuji over to me,” Adelaide said to Housekeeper Amanda after composing herself. “Rest assured, Master Adelaide. I’ll take care of these minor details.” Adelaide nodded; he trusted Housekeeper Amanda’s ability to get things done. Suddenly, the door to the VIP lounge swung open, and two bodyguards walked in, respectfully reporting to Adelaide, “Young Master, the young lady is outside and wants to come in, but we’ve stopped her.” “Oh my goodness! What is she doing here?” Adelaide rubbed his forehead, clearly exasperated. Suddenly, as if an idea had struck him, he said, “Housekeeper Amanda, I’ll be going with you to Lobestan Prison this time.” Adelaide had come up with a way to avoid his sister. Amanda nodded and replied respectfully, “I’ll make the necessary arrangements for you.” “Oh, don’t stop me—get out of my way! Do you hear me?!” A rather impatient voice rang out, and Adelaide and Housekeeper Amanda both turned toward the doorway at the same time. The two bodyguards were ultimately unable to stop her, and she burst through the door. It was a beautiful blonde young woman; her form-fitting clothes highlighted her curvaceous figure. Her skin was smooth and snow-white, and her eyes were a deep blue, like the vast, azure ocean. She had a high, straight nose and full, alluring lips—truly a stunning beauty. She was the second in line to the Du Pont family fortune and Adelaide’s twin sister—Catherine Du Pont. “Adelaide, why didn’t you let me in!” Catherine looked furious, her tone accusatory. Adelaide felt a bit helpless; when faced with her younger sister, she was completely at a loss. “My dear Catherine, please forgive your brother,” Adelaide said with a forced smile. “I was just discussing some important matters with Housekeeper Amanda, so I asked the bodyguards not to let anyone in. After all, these matters are of great significance, and it wouldn’t be good if outsiders found out.” Catherine listened to his explanation and glared at him. “You wouldn’t even let me in? Besides, what urgent business could you possibly have that you couldn’t discuss at home, forcing you to come all the way to this godforsaken place?” Catherine deeply despised places like this—they reeked of blood and violence. It made her feel sick; having been raised with an aristocratic upbringing, she simply couldn’t tolerate such things. “Adelaide, you shouldn’t be getting so caught up in this. Your business acumen is unmatched in our family. You should be contributing more to the family instead of wasting your time on this sort of thing.” Catherine was about to launch into another tirade when Adelaide cut her off. “All right, Catherine. No need to say more. I’ve made a promise to Father—I’ve guaranteed that my hobbies won’t interfere with my taking over the family business.” Adelaide was growing slightly impatient; compared to the sordid affairs of high society, her hobby wasn’t all that excessive. “But…” Just as Catherine was about to say something else, Adelaide walked straight out of the VIP lounge. Amanda shot Catherine an apologetic glance and hurried after Adelaide, followed by the other bodyguards—ensuring their employer’s safety was their duty. “Adelaide, where are you going?” Catherine hurried after her. She was stubborn by nature and simply couldn’t stand seeing her brother neglect his duties. Adelaide walked on without a care, quickening her pace without pausing. Facing Catherine, who was hot on her heels, she said as she walked, “Catherine, where I’m going isn’t a place for you. You’d better not follow me.” Upon hearing this, Catherine’s temper flared. “I don’t care about any of that. I’m going to see exactly what you’re up to.” She was clearly convinced that Adelaide had no intention of doing anything legitimate. Adelaide furrowed her brow deeply; she had no words for this younger sister. She’d known Catherine’s stubborn streak since they were very young and knew full well it was unlikely she’d change her mind. “Catherine, I’m going to a prison. Are you still coming?” Adelaide thought, hoping this would make her back down. Catherine paused for just a moment, not quite understanding why Adelaide would want to go to prison. But then she replied with absolute certainty, “I’ll go—of course I’ll go. If you try to stop me from following you, I’ll tell Sister Alice about your little hobby.” Adelaide finally stopped in his tracks; clearly, Catherine’s words had struck a nerve. Alice was his fiancée, and Adelaide loved her deeply. But Alice was a devout Christian—if she found out about Adelaide’s violent and bloody hobby, she would surely be repulsed by him! “I promise you, Catherine.” Adelaide’s eyes were filled with resignation. He had been defeated by Catherine once again, and upon hearing this, a flash of triumphant smugness crossed Catherine’s eyes. “Master Adelaide…” Housekeeper Amanda seemed to have something to say. Adelaide glanced at Catherine, then waved his hand. “Housekeeper Amanda, it’s all right. She’ll be safe with us.” Housekeeper Amanda curtsied and said no more. The group took the elevator from the underground Caesar’s Black Fist Arena to the surface. It turned out that the arena was located beneath Caesars Palace, New York, which was one of the world’s most prestigious hotels. Once back above ground, they left the hotel immediately. Parked at the entrance were a stretched Lincoln and two bodyguard vehicles. Amanda walked ahead of them to the Lincoln, opened the doors for them, and then got into the driver’s seat herself. Adelaide sat in the back seat, with one on each side, waiting for the ride to begin. Amanda made a phone call; moments later, she ended the call, turned around, and said to Adelaide, “Master Adelaide, everything has been arranged. You and Miss Catherine can now board a private jet to Lobestan Prison.” ” Adelaide was pleased with the efficiency of the arrangements, nodded, and smiled: “Amanda, which private airport are we heading to?” “Allen Private Airport—about a half-hour drive from here.” Amanda began to drive with full concentration. Two bodyguard cars, one in front and one behind, escorted the Lincoln as it pulled away. Adelaide turned her gaze to Catherine but found her silent. “Catherine, what’s wrong?” “Adelaide, why does the name ‘Lobestan Prison’ sound so familiar to me?” Catherine asked, a look of suspicion in her eyes. “Of course it sounds familiar,” Adelaide said with a touch of smugness. “It’s the most dangerous prison in the world.” Catherine froze; she suddenly found Adelaide’s current smile utterly repulsive.