Chapter 172: Secure Her Future

The following evening, Marcellus drives Katrina to the Anderson house.

The thought of facing the Andersons alone makes Katrina a little nervous. She clenches her fingers tightly, a bit absent-minded throughout the entire ride. She doesn't notice that the car has stopped when they reach their destination.

Beside her, Marcellus notices Katrina's anxiety and restlessness. His big warm hands cover her small cold hands as his dark eyes stare into her. His voice is gentle but strong as he speaks. "Katrina, don't worry. I'll wait for you in the car. If anything happens, just call me, and I'll rush in immediately."

Katrina and the Andersons have a complicated history that spans many years. It isn't appropriate for him to interfere, so he can only choose to wait outside.

But as her boyfriend, Marcellus won't let her be bullied for no reason, even by the people who raised her. As soon as she calls, he will rush in to protect her.

At the touch of warm hands against her skin, Katrina subconsciously raises her head. In the face of Marcellus's earnest eyes and sincere words, she relaxes a little.

With Marcellus's comfort and encouragement, Katrina knows that she is not alone. In an instant, she becomes braver.

Katrina beams at Marcellus. "Marcellus, don't worry. They won't dare treat me badly in front of Uncle Anderson," she says, not only because she trusts Carl, but also to rea.s.sure Marcellus and his worries.

Staying in the car most likely won't be easy for Marcellus when she goes in. He would be worried sick about her while he waits.

After getting out of the car, Katrina takes a deep breath before knocking on the door of the villa.

"Miss Miller, it's you!"

Seeing Katrina's return makes Eva very happy. Her slightly wrinkled face is full of smiles.

After all, Katrina has lived here for several years. Eva watched her grow up and naturally has deep affections for the girl.

Katrina politely greets Eva as she enters the villa. Seeing no one else present, she has to ask, "Eva, where's Uncle Anderson?"

Eva looks up to the second floor and whispers, "Mr. Anderson is in the study. He says when you arrive, you can go directly to the study to see him."

"Oh, thank you, Eva. I'll go upstairs." As soon as Katrina replies, she walks to the study.

As Katrina approaches the door of the study, she suddenly hears a loud argument just as she is about to knock on the door. It seems that Carl and Winnie are quarreling.

"Carl Anderson, you brought a child of unknown origins to our house in spite of my objections. I put up with it and have been kind to her for so many years. But why do you have to give an outsider a portion of our property without letting me know? What on earth do you mean by this?"

Carl replies firmly, "It doesn't matter if Katrina is adopted or not. She is a child we raised, and she is practically my daughter. She is a girl without a father or a mother to depend on. Giving her a bit of our property is nothing if it can secure her future."

His response only makes Winnie flare up more. "Your daughter? Carl Anderson, you have only one daughter! Her name is Sophie Anderson, not Katrina Miller! If you do this, where does this put me, where does this put Sophie and Samuel?"

"Winnie, stop making things complicated! Of course, I know that Sophie is our own daughter. I definitely value you, Sophie, and Samuel more. The rest of the family property is divided equally among you three. I only set aside a little to Katrina. Don't be selfish. Katrina has suffered a lot already. I can't bear to watch her suffer more."

"She's suffered a lot?" Winnie screeches, "What about me? Carl Anderson! Don't forget that I have struggled with you throughout the creation of the company! I have been by your side for so many years. But all of a sudden, you dare to give our family property to an outsider! I'm telling you, there is no way that I will let you give her a dime of our money!"

Outside the study, Katrina drops her hand as she hears the argument progress.

Carl and Winnie are having a big fight about giving her a portion of the family property.

Now, she doesn't know if she should enter. She doesn't know how to face them.

As the fight develops, Carl's voice becomes colder. "I will give Katrina 10 percent! Ten percent! If you have a problem with it, go to court to contest it! There is no way you can interfere!" He seems to have made up his mind.

Winnie never thought that Carl would be so determined about this. In an instant, she turns pale with anger. "What sorcery did that b.i.t.c.h use on you? You're giving her the property that belongs to our family! Are you actually going to take her as your mistress? "

Bang!

The sound of breaking gla.s.s, followed by Carl's frantic coughing rings in the study.

Carl exclaims hoa.r.s.ely, "Are you trying to kill me!"

Hearing her uncle coughing, Katrina can't stand outside any longer.

Carl and Winnie are arguing fiercely because of the property issue. She needs to go inside to make things clear with them. Only this can resolve their intense fight.

Katrina knocks on the door, then pushes it, and walks in. "Uncle Anderson, Aunt Green," she greets respectfully.

The moment Winnie sees Katrina, a hint of malice flashes in her eyes,

clutching a handkerchief to his mouth, Carl is out of breath and unable to speak. He has to greet her with a wave. After he finally stops coughing, he takes the handkerchief from his mouth and sees a red stain in the middle.

Carl is coughing up blood.

Is this a sign that his life is getting shorter? Is he going to die soon?

Despite his shock at the sight of blood, Carl quietly folds his handkerchief and pretends nothing happened.

Katrina's arrival puts a stop to Carl and Winnie's endless arguing.

"Katrina, you're here. What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Uncle," Katrina says, pursing her lips. "I heard about the division of property from Aunt. Uncle, thank you so much for your kindness. But this fortune belongs to the Andersons. I can't take a penny from your hard-earned money."

Dumbstruck by Katrina's words, Carl gapes in astonishment. "Katrina…"