The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 295. Undermining the Foundation (17th Update)

Chapter 295: 295. Undermining the Foundation (17th Update)

Two days passed, and Catherine’s case took another turn: one of the victims stepped forward and stated that all the accusations printed in the newspapers were false. They had concocted the story out of jealousy for Catherine’s talent and realized they needed to discredit her to get ahead. Catherine hadn’t done any of the things she was accused of, and the artist offered a public apology and issued a statement.

Following this individual, two more artists came forward with similar statements. One of them, who had suffered a hand disability, revealed that his injury was the result of an accident, not, as reported, caused by someone hired by Catherine.

The public was in an uproar. Those who had condemned Catherine turned their accusations toward the victimized artists. In the end, the artist with the disabled hand even committed suicide at home.

Catherine saw these reports at home, her lips curving into a cold sneer. She knew that as long as her mother was willing to help her, none of these reports would really matter.

"Although the issue has been resolved, you are to stay at home for the time being and not go out causing trouble," Daisy said coldly.

Catherine obediently responded, "I understand, Mommy. I’ll stay home during this period and work on improving my painting skills."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Daisy’s eyes. "I hope so. Your father and I have talked about it, and considering your age, it’s time for you to marry. I think Kenneth from the Lampson family is a good prospect. We’ll arrange for you two to meet sometime."

Catherine’s earlier smile froze on her face. "Mommy, I’m only twenty-six. There’s no rush to get married."

"Twenty-six is not so young anymore. I had you when I was twenty-six. Do you look down on Kenneth?" Daisy asked indifferently.

"No, whoever Mommy chooses must be outstanding. But right now, I just want to focus on my art. Only by excelling at painting can I avoid embarrassing you."

"In that case, it’s settled. Meet him, and if things go well, you can get engaged next month. Your father has already discussed the matter with Kenneth’s father."

Catherine wanted to say something, but Daisy didn’t give her the chance. "Don’t even think about it; that man is not suitable for you. There will be no future between you two. Even if he is willing to divorce for you, neither your father nor I would agree to it. The Lampson family is our business partner, and your marriage to Kenneth would unite our families, benefitting both you and him in the future."

Catherine cast her eyes down, silent. "Catherine, did you hear what I said?" Daisy’s voice grew stern.

"I heard you, Mommy."

Back in her room, Catherine’s expression was sorrowful. Even a privileged young lady like her was nothing more than a tool for an arranged marriage in her mother’s eyes.

Thinking of her impending marriage to a man she did not love, while Shen Qinglan received extreme affection from that man, Catherine’s hatred for Shen Qinglan burned uncontrollably.

Catherine lay in bed for a long time before she finally got up and called her father. Although the household followed her mother’s orders, her father might be able to persuade her mother, right?

To her disappointment, her father didn’t help her. "Catherine, this is a joint decision your mother and I made. Kenneth is a good man. You’ll see when you meet him. I have dealt with him many times and am quite satisfied with him. I believe you will be too."

"Father, I don’t like those rich heirs who rely on nothing but their family’s shadow. I want to marry the best man in the world," Catherine said, sounding aggrieved.

Her father, Louis, sighed. "Catherine, your mother has told me about your situation. We are in agreement on this, so don’t discuss it any further. Prepare to meet Kenneth properly. I have other matters to attend to, and you should just listen to your mother while at home."

After the phone call ended, Catherine felt despondent and irate—yet dared not defy her parents’ decision, especially her mother’s.

Recently, Daniel had been in Xueli City and naturally saw the news on the papers and online. He wasn’t surprised that Catherine had so quickly cleared her name—if the Boyle and Mier families’ influence couldn’t manage even that, he would have been truly skeptical.

But while the general public might have seen Catherine’s reputation restored, the views within the inner circles were less certain about whether she was still the talented young artist she used to be.

At Frank’s estate, Daniel was led by the Housekeeper into Frank’s study. "Mr. Frank, Mr. Daniel has arrived."

Frank looked up and was glad to see Daniel. "Daniel, you really didn’t do right by me. You’re in Xueli City and don’t come to see me. I had to send someone to invite you."

Daniel smiled politely. "I dare not visit here on my own. If by any chance I run into your prized student and she takes a dislike to me, even though I’m not a painter, I still don’t wish to end up hurt."

Frank’s face turned awkward. "Daniel, those things were said by someone trying to get back at Catherine. I know my student; she would never do such things."

Daniel’s eyes turned chilly. "Frank, we’ve known each other for many years. I’ve always considered you a friend, but now it seems I can’t even get an honest word from you. I can tell you plainly that my gallery was torched by your esteemed student Catherine."

"You can’t just say anything you like, Daniel." Frank’s expression darkened. As a renowned figure in the industry, if Daniel came forward with such an accusation, Catherine would carry that stigma for life, unable to shake it off.

The newspapers only reported Catherine’s envy-driven sabotage of other artists’ futures but did not mention her arson of Daniel’s gallery.

Daniel chuckled. "Frank, did you think I would make baseless accusations?"

---

"Is that true?" Frank also had faith in Daniel’s character; his just now was but a subconscious reaction.

"What do you think?" Daniel countered.

"Frank, I didn’t come here to discuss the issue of Catherine with you this time. I came to ask you for a person," Daniel stated his purpose straightforwardly.

"Ask for someone, who?"

"Jonathan," Daniel uttered a name.

Frank’s face changed, "Daniel, what do you mean by this?"

Daniel chuckled lightly, "Jonathan is an extremely talented artist, and what he lacks is merely an opportunity, which both you and I are aware of. You intended to give him this opportunity, but due to certain considerations, you couldn’t find such a chance. But I’m different; I have no such messy concerns, and I can give him that opportunity. Of course, I understand that you’re reluctant to let him go, but Frank, please think carefully. If I made Jonathan famous, it wouldn’t be without benefits for you. At the very least, those few paintings of his that you hold would become very valuable."

Frank knew that what Daniel said made a lot of sense. He had to give face to the Boyle family, but Daniel truly had no such scruples. However, giving Jonathan to Daniel was still something he was reluctant to do.

"Daniel, this matter isn’t something I can decide on my own. If Jonathan himself isn’t willing, then there’s nothing I can do," Frank said, feigning difficulty.

Internally cursing Frank as an old fox, Daniel’s expression revealed none of his irritation, "It’s very simple, we can just ask the person in question. You should know where he lives."

"What’s the need for all this trouble; I’ll just give him a call."

Daniel waved his hand, "No, a phone call lacks sincerity. Paying a personal visit is the greatest form of respect for him."

After thinking it over, Frank then said, "Since it’s like that, then I’ll accompany you."

"Nothing could be better, I’m here now, so let’s leave right away."

Frank looked at him speechlessly, "Daniel, do you need to be so urgent?"

Daniel shrugged, speaking frankly, "Can’t help it, I’m afraid you’ll change your mind."

Jonathan’s home was in the poorest area of Xueli City, inhabited by those from less affluent families.

Daniel looked at the rundown house before him, finding it hard to believe that Jonathan actually lived in such a place.

Frank’s face showed a bit of discomfort, "Jonathan is a man of odd temperament. I previously arranged a place for him to live, but he didn’t want to move."

Daniel was speechless; there really were people for whom "money was as dirt." He stepped forward to knock on the door. After a long while, the sound of slippers came from inside and Jonathan’s face appeared before them, still with that numb expression.

Daniel began, "Hello, Jonathan, I’m Daniel. We met at Mr. Frank’s estate during the last art festival, I wonder if you remember?"

Upon hearing this, Jonathan said just two words, "What’s up?"

"It’s like this, I would like to invite you to join my studio."

Frank’s eyes widened; Daniel had not mentioned joining a studio before. That bastard.

Daniel ignored Frank’s gaze and continued, "I can bring your artworks to the world stage, letting more people see your work."

Jonathan didn’t even change his expression, "Not interested."

Daniel was taken aback; this person seemed to be impervious to persuasion. Seeing Daniel being rebuffed just like he had been before, Frank felt considerably better. His view of Jonathan became somewhat more favorable.

Having encountered many a rebuff from Jonathan before, Frank felt annoyed whenever he saw him. Now knowing he wasn’t alone, naturally, his irritation eased.

"Daniel, since Jonathan isn’t interested, let’s just leave," Frank said with a smile.

Daniel chuckled, "Jonathan, may I have a word with you alone? If after I’ve spoken, you’re still not interested, then I won’t bother you again in the future. What do you say to that?"