She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother Chapter 438: The Invitation

"Then wait there, I’m coming."

Tisha’s last words continued to echo in Alex’s ears. Before he could even utter a word in response, the call abruptly ended.

Alex remained rooted to the spot in the middle of his room, his phone still clutched in his hand, clad only in a towel around his waist. Water droplets from his recently washed hair trickled down his shoulders as he gazed at the blank screen, a profound sense of confusion washing over him.

He had just concluded a long, invigorating bath. Danny and Mike had departed merely minutes prior, and he had been eagerly anticipating a period of tranquility and solitude.

However, it was evident that such a wish would not be granted.

"Who could she possibly be referring to...?" he mused aloud. "A friend in need of my assistance? The only individual that springs to mind is Miranda... But why would Tisha involve her in this? And how does she possess the knowledge that I can intervene in such circumstances?"

He ran his hand through his damp hair, his mind racing with possibilities.

"And more critically... how does she even know my address?" Alex muttered, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "I have no recollection of ever disclosing it to her. I had intended it as a surprise for her following the completion of our exams..."

Alex ambled over to the substantial mirror in his room and settled onto the edge of his bed, still deeply engrossed in his contemplations.

To the best of his understanding, Tisha perceived him merely as a common scholarship student... nothing more significant.

There was no discernible reason for her to presume he possessed the requisite power or network to manage an affair as perilous as Pierce's unexplained disappearance.

The sole instance of anything remotely out of the ordinary occurring was when Victoria had tasked Pierce with keeping an observation on him within the university grounds.

Yet, even that event was not substantial enough for Tisha to infer any profound underlying connection.

'So then... why was she seeking his aid now?'

A sense of incongruity pervaded his thoughts.

Alex leaned back slightly, his gaze fixed upon his own reflection in the mirror. A subtle, enigmatic smile began to play on his lips.

"It appears my dear Tisha is not quite as straightforward as she initially presented herself..." he murmured.

He recalled Lilith's earlier assertion to him, that Tisha's background held a far greater mystery than what was readily apparent.

At the time, he had not given it much weight. But now, following this unexpected call and the distinct manner of her communication, everything began to coalesce into a coherent picture.

If Tisha were truly unaware of his true nature, she would not have approached him for assistance in such a grave matter. And she most certainly would not have known his residence.

***

Alex remained seated at the edge of his bed, his mind still occupied with reflections on Tisha's perplexing call. After a brief interlude, he retrieved his phone once more, his gaze fixed upon the screen.

"Let's ascertain the current situation on Catherine's end..." he uttered to himself. "I haven't engaged in extensive dialogue with her since our initial encounter."

He navigated through his contacts, located Catherine's number, and initiated a call. The phone rang for a few moments before the connection was established.

A melodious, cheerful voice emanated from the other end.

"Hello darling~ I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me."

Alex offered a slight smile in response to her lighthearted tone.

"How could I possibly forget about you?"

Catherine emitted a soft laugh, though a subtle undercurrent of complaint laced her voice.

"Do not deceive me. I have had to undertake numerous endeavors merely to capture your attention recently. So, tell me... did you call concerning that fellow Pierce?"

Alex's eyes widened infinitesimally in surprise. 'How did she already know about this?'

He quickly regained his composure and responded with a small, somewhat sheepish chuckle.

"Ah... he is indeed a part of the reason. And I was hesitant to disrupt your cultivation exercises."

A brief silence ensued before Catherine's warm voice returned.

"It is quite alright; I comprehend. I am, in fact, rather pleased that you reached out. It would have been preferable if we could convene in person, but Victoria informed me that you are occupied with examinations, so I have been exercising restraint until their conclusion."

Before Alex could formulate a reply, Catherine continued with palpable excitement.

"I do have a rather delightful surprise for you, however... I have successfully achieved a breakthrough to the Middle Stage Apex."

"Truly? That is excellent news," Alex responded, raising an eyebrow, projecting surprise even though he was not genuinely taken aback.

After all, Viktor had also attained the same level recently. He remained uncertain about the potential outcome should the two engage in combat... Viktor possessed considerably more combat experience, yet Catherine hailed from the prestigious Blackwood family. Their unique cultivation techniques remained an enigma to him.

Catherine giggled with evident delight on the other end of the line.

"Furthermore, I am no longer as constrained as I once was," she added enthusiastically. "I have even managed to persuade several additional families who harbored doubts regarding my aspirations, and they are now prepared to offer their full backing."

Alex smiled, a sense of genuine admiration dawning upon him.

"You are progressing exceptionally well, Catherine. I am quite proud of your accomplishments."

Catherine's voice grew even brighter upon receiving his commendation.

"By the way... what were you mentioning regarding Pierce? Where might he be located?"

Alex finally posed the question that had been lingering in his thoughts.

A brief pause registered on the other end. Catherine's cheerful demeanor shifted, adopting a more serious tone as she replied.

"He is presently in the company of my brother," she stated.

Alex's brow furrowed, a sense of unease settling in his gut as he questioned, "Don't tell me... he's torturing him?"

He wasn't certain what he would do if such a terrible fate had befallen the man.

Catherine emitted a soft laugh over the phone line.

"It's nothing he doesn't deserve. Honestly, at first, I was against any extreme measures. My intention was merely to oust him from his position and let him live a quiet life. However, after Victoria recounted everything he did to you... I lost control. I ended up giving him quite a beating."

A short, genuine laugh escaped Alex at her casual recounting of violence.

"Yes, he absolutely deserves it," Alex affirmed with a slight chuckle. "But you didn't kill him, did you?"

Catherine sighed softly.

"No, I didn't. But I'm not entirely sure what my brother did with him afterward. He was consumed by anger, especially since he had placed considerable trust in Pierce initially and granted him substantial authority. The betrayal struck him deeply."

She paused briefly before adding, her voice hardening, "His cultivation is finished, that's certain."

Alex's expression turned contemplative as he listened. After a moment, he spoke with a calm yet resolute tone,

"I simply wish for him to remain unharmed."

A momentary silence followed before Catherine inquired, her voice laced with curiosity,

"Why do you want to save him so badly, though?"

Alex released a small sigh before responding,

"Pierce was not a good man, that's true. But his wife, Miranda, she is a truly good person. She offered me assistance during a challenging period in my life. So, I am merely returning the favor. That is all."

Catherine remained silent for a beat, then asked playfully,

"Is she beautiful?"

Caught off guard, Alex responded,

"What?"

Catherine chuckled softly on the other end.

"Don't get flustered~ If she's beautiful, then that's a good thing. I have no issues with others as long as they are worthy of being with you."

Alex found her words to be peculiar. He had often contemplated how he would navigate the situation if all the women in his life were to meet. He had braced himself for potential jealousy, arguments, or competition for his affections.

However, Catherine's reaction was entirely unexpected. There was no trace of jealousy in her voice—only a serene acceptance.

'Could this be related to the Blackwood family?' he mused inwardly.

"One more thing I wanted to ask..." Catherine suddenly interjected, her voice regaining its excited pitch.

"I'm organizing a grand auction for all the prominent families. Would you accompany me?"

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm? An auction..."

"Yes," Catherine continued with palpable enthusiasm.

"The Elders are practically starting to consider me a viable candidate and are providing me with genuine opportunities. I want you to attend this auction with me. There will be many valuable items available for you, should you desire any."

Alex considered for a moment before asking,

"When is this auction of yours scheduled?"

"In 20 days," Catherine replied. "I'll call you again... actually, no, I'll come to pick you up myself."

She paused briefly, then added in a gentler tone,

"And don't concern yourself with Pierce. I will deliver him to you whenever you ask—in one piece."

Before Alex could respond, Catherine's cheerful voice chimed in,

"Enjoy yourself~"

With that, she ended the call.

Alex gazed at the phone in his hand, a faint smile gracing his lips.

"She has truly changed so much since then..." he murmured.

The sorrow that once seemed to weigh so heavily on Catherine's spirit appeared to have vanished completely, replaced by a vibrant and cheerful demeanor. He couldn't help but wonder if this lighter version of her was a facet she exclusively revealed to him.

He lightly shook his head and rose from the bed.

"Well... let's get dressed. They should be arriving soon."

Alex approached the large mirror in his room and observed his reflection. His hair was still slightly damp, and he was clad only in a towel around his waist. A soft chuckle escaped him as he looked at himself.

He swiftly moved to his wardrobe and began to dress. Donning a clean black shirt and dark trousers, he adjusted the collar neatly before the mirror. Just as he was buttoning his shirt, the faint sound of a car approaching the estate reached his ears.

'They're here.'