Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 487 Catherine's Warning

Arlene nodded, though a visible unease lingered on her features.

Alice inhaled deeply, then a second time, allowing the oppressive atmosphere in the room to gradually subside as she fought to attain composure.

"...What kind of wager is it?" she finally inquired.

Celia's smile broadened, as if anticipating that very question.

"The winner gets to go on a date with him," Celia declared.

"Deal," Alice responded instantly, almost as if by reflex.

Emily blinked, then offered a soft, resigned smile. While she remained silent, her expression clearly conveyed that she foresaw significant trouble ahead.

...

Isaac POV

A sudden chill traced its way down Isaac's spine.

For a fleeting instance, he perceived a sense that something had gone awry for him in a distant location.

'Why did that feel like someone was trying to interfere with me?' he mused, his eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly.

"Is something the matter?" Seraphina inquired, having noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor.

"Nothing is wrong," Isaac replied after a brief pause, dismissing the sensation. His focus returned to her. "So, Miss Sera, enlighten me. What can you offer that would persuade me to accept you as my subordinate?"

Seraphina offered a faint smile. "I believe you are correct. It is I who should be requesting acceptance, not the other way around."

Isaac's gaze sharpened subtly.

Her approach had shifted with remarkable speed. It was almost too quick.

This transition revealed more to him than her prior words had. Her desire was to remain in close proximity to him, and she was prepared to alter her stance to achieve this objective.

'So, my suspicion was accurate. She wishes to stay near me. Whatever information she obtained from Mother must be connected to me,' he concluded internally.

"How shall I demonstrate my worth?" she queried.

Isaac contemplated the available choices. His initial impulse was to immediately bind her with a Contract, thereby securing her loyalty. However, such a move would appear exceedingly suspicious.

He needed to meticulously set the trap, maneuvering her into a position where she would willingly work for him indefinitely.

"Exhibit your combat prowess. There remains one vacant position on my team for the upcoming Great Dungeon competition. Your performance will determine my decision regarding your acceptance," he stated instead.

"You are prepared to enlist someone you have just met into your team? That seems rather impulsive. What if I were to betray you, leading to your defeat?" Seraphina inquired, raising an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity igniting in her eyes.

"It makes no difference. Even if you attempt such a thing, we shall still emerge victorious."

He leaned forward, adding in a chilling tone, "However, if you engage in treachery, be prepared to face the repercussions."

Given that the entire exchange was being broadcast live, his declaration disseminated instantaneously. The reactions were diverse. A number of Lords observing from afar scowled, their pride wounded by his nonchalant assertion of victory.

Others simply observed with keen interest, eager to witness how he would confront the citizenry after a potential loss in the competition.

"Very well. If that is your decision, I shall participate," Seraphina acquiesced after a moment's consideration, her smile reappearing.

"Excellent. Accompany me," Isaac instructed with a nod.

Inwardly, he released a quiet sigh of relief. Retaining her nearby was undoubtedly the more prudent course of action. Regardless of whether she was a genuine ally or harbored ulterior motives, keeping her close was preferable to allowing her to operate unchecked within the shadows.

As they proceeded through the streets, the surrounding crowd naturally made way for them. Whispers and gazes followed their progress, with many recording the scene, yet Isaac paid them no heed.

Then, abruptly, he sensed it.

A subtle, familiar presence.

A faint smile graced his lips.

Without uttering a word, he continued in the same direction, guiding Seraphina towards a nearby vehicle.

He entered the car and initiated the engine.

...

Catherine POV

"That was undoubtedly someone my Mother dispatched..." Catherine murmured to herself.

She remained concealed within a narrow alcove situated between two structures, her presence entirely obscured. Her skills were actively engaged, suppressing her mana and leaving no discernible trace of her existence.

She had exercised extreme caution.

Every movement, every step she had taken, had been meticulously planned.

Or so she had believed.

A presence materialized directly behind her.

Her body reacted instantaneously, but it was ultimately too late.

Her wrist was seized, and in the subsequent moment, she found herself pressed firmly against the wall.

"Finally found you," Isaac declared with a broad grin.

Catherine remained frozen for a brief second.

His grip was unyielding, securing both her wrists above her head as he immobilized her. The proximity between them was negligible, and the sudden closeness caused her heart to race.

Despite the burgeoning bashfulness she experienced, a portion of her mind continued to function.

How had he managed to locate her?

She had taken pains to conceal every aspect of her presence. She had meticulously surveyed her surroundings multiple times.

Had she made an error? Had she inadvertently left a trace behind without her knowledge?

Catherine recognized the possibility that her emotions might have clouded her judgment, leading her to overlook a subtle trail during her movements, which Isaac had then utilized to find her.

However, instead of seeking confirmation of his method or offering an explanation, she responded with a coy smile and spoke,

"You took your time. I had to leave so many hints."

"You left those hints purposefully?" Isaac chuckled softly.

He leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping over her.

Her attire was different from her usual choices. Black, form-fitting pants accentuated her long, shapely legs, while a deep purple top clung to her upper body, highlighting her curves.

It seemed less like clothing for stealth and more suited for a date.

"You look beautiful," Isaac stated honestly, then a faint smirk played on his lips. "Were you perhaps hiding because you felt embarrassed to show this to me?"

Catherine pouted slightly.

"I've been contemplating this. Aren't you becoming a bit too bold?" she inquired.

"What do you mean?" Isaac asked.

"Last night. And now this," she replied, moving closer. Her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned near his ear. "Aren't you worried? If you continue to act this way, retaliation might follow. Are you certain you can handle the consequences?"

Her tone was laced with amusement, and an underlying challenge resonated within it.

If Isaac were still the person he was back at the academy, such words or her smoldering gaze would have undoubtedly flustered him.

But now?

"If you have something planned, I would be quite interested to see it," he responded, returning her smile.

For a fleeting moment, Catherine's eyes shifted. She admired this confident version of Isaac. However, she disliked his audacity in challenging her authority.

She felt the need to teach him a lesson.

"Very well," Catherine vanished abruptly, leaving only lingering echoes of her words. "I shall refrain from taking any action for the time being, considering your important competition is approaching. But be prepared for later, my dearest."

Isaac was momentarily taken aback.

How had she disappeared so suddenly?

He could have sworn he had grasped her actual form.

"Was it a clone? No, I'm certain it was her real body, so how? Hmm, perhaps it's an artifact."

That seemed the most plausible explanation.

After a brief pause, he shook his head and turned away.

Now that he had successfully tracked her even while she was attempting to conceal herself, his confidence experienced a slight surge. He resolved to gradually show her how it felt to be teased, and that her tricks would no longer be effective against him.

As he continued walking, another thought surfaced.

"Oh, right… I still need to open the Legendary Gift Box I received from Averon."

He slowed his pace.

He was alone now. No interruptions would occur.

This was the most opportune moment.

Isaac's expression grew steady as he focused his attention inward.

"System, open the Legendary Gift Box!"