Chapter 304

Chapter 304
The day Sophia disappeared, Henry had already deployed Harding security teams to monitor every possible exit from New York.

Train stations, bus terminals, airports, harbors, highway checkpoints—even the small rural roads leading out of the city were under surveillance.

Catherine's photo had been plastered everywhere.

The orders were clear: apprehend her on sight, no questions asked about her condition afterward.

Three months had passed since that day, and not a single checkpoint had reported any sighting of Catherine. This could only mean one thing—she hadn't left New York.

She was still hiding somewhere in the city.

Finding one person in a metropolis with millions of inhabitants seemed nearly impossible.

Every corner of New York teemed with people, each face blending into the next in an endless human tide.

Benjamin's earlier comment had sparked a realization in Henry's mind: Catherine might be able to hide anywhere if she were alone, but she had Isabella with her. More importantly, Isabella required medical attention for her condition.

Henry immediately redirected his search efforts toward hospitals.

During their last encounter at the thatched house in the rural area, Catherine hadn't anticipated Henry's return. She'd been caught off guard and nearly captured.

If not for her mysterious ally's timely intervention with those motorcycles, both she and Isabella would now be in custody.

Now, Catherine was hidden in a secure location, carefully planning her next escape route. If she fled alone, she'd have a much better chance of slipping through undetected.

Taking Isabella along significantly increased the risk. Whether they could even make it out of New York remained questionable. But after abandoning her daughter for nearly twenty years, Catherine couldn't bear to leave her behind again.

As she contemplated which escape plan offered the highest probability of success, Scarlett entered the room. She carried a large package containing everything from food to clothes to daily necessities.

Scarlett placed the bag before Catherine with a cheerful smile. "Ma'am, I've brought everything you requested. I checked carefully when coming upstairs—nobody spotted me."

Since beginning to work for Catherine, Scarlett had left her life as a prostitute behind. Catherine's demands were minimal—just buying essential items and occasionally handling small tasks. Yet the compensation was generous.

"I also found this," Scarlett said, presenting a wanted poster she'd torn from a telephone pole. Catherine didn't even bother glancing at it before tossing it directly into the trash.

She took the items from Scarlett's hands and began methodically checking each one.

After confirming everything was as requested, she asked with lingering concern: "How's that girl? Still cooperative?"

Scarlett's smile widened. "What kind of question is that, ma'am? Of course she's cooperative! You're helping her against Sophia and Henry—she couldn't be happier! She's doing exactly as you say. When I told her to send that video to Henry, she did it immediately. I figure the Harding family will discover her tonight."

Catherine nodded with satisfaction. "Well done. Remember, no matter what happens, push that girl forward as our shield. She's our bulletproof vest. With her in play, Sophia and Henry wouldn't dare touch us." She waved her hand dismissively. "That's all. Go and send Nadia in."

Scarlett retreated cautiously.

Moments later, Nadia entered the room, her face completely transformed through surgery—unrecognizable from her former appearance.

Catherine examined Nadia's new face, then retrieved a vial from her drawer and handed it over. "Do you understand what needs to be done?"

Nadia nodded confidently. "Of course. I've had so many surgeries on my face specifically for this moment." She hesitated before continuing, "But there's something I should mention: Henry has established a dedicated research facility where he's sent Sophia. Security is extremely tight. Guards are stationed at every entrance and on each floor. I can't get in."

Catherine presented her with a small suitcase. "Have faith in yourself. You can do this." Her voice grew more intense. "Whether we can successfully leave New York now depends entirely on you."

Nadia clutched the small case, biting her lip and steeling her resolve. "I'll try my best."

According to Catherine's plan, they would first return Sophia to exchange her for Isabella.

Once Isabella was safely back, Nadia would impersonate Sophia to deceive Henry, using this deception to recover the real Sophia.

With Sophia as leverage, Henry would be constrained, unable to move against them.

But they hadn't anticipated Henry sending Sophia to the new research facility, complicating matters significantly.

After further plotting, Nadia departed.

Once alone, Catherine activated a switch on the wall, revealing a hidden sliding door. She entered to keep Isabella company.

After several days of treatment, Isabella's condition had improved considerably. Her body was no longer swollen. When she opened her eyes and saw her mother by her side, a smile appeared on her face. "Mom!"

Catherine never imagined she'd live to hear her daughter call her "Mom" again. Her eyes filled with joy.

She gripped Isabella's hand tightly, tears welling up. "My sweet child, say it once more!"

Isabella obliged with another "Mom."

Catherine's emotion overflowed as she patted her daughter's hand. "It was all my fault. I was too young then, unable to protect you. I failed you." She squeezed Isabella's hand. "Once we escape New York, you'll be my only daughter. I promise to cherish you properly."

Isabella's eyes glistened with tears as she returned her mother's grip firmly. "Mom, I've been thinking. Let's not leave. I want revenge on Henry. All these years, I gave him my whole heart. It's bad enough he didn't love me, but to harm me like that—unforgivable!"

Catherine nodded. "Alright! Whatever you want. We'll do it your way."

Since entering the research facility, Sophia's condition had been improving daily.

Today, Henry received photos from Dr. Perez showing that Sophia could now remain conscious for four hours at a stretch. Though still silent, her eyes had regained their spark.

Delighted by this news, Henry went to share it with Richard, who was sorting through Catherine's room.

Due to Catherine's marital infidelity, Richard had chosen to organize her belongings personally rather than delegating to the staff.

When Catherine fled the Harding estate, she'd left in such haste that she took nothing with her. All her favorite jewelry, designer bags, and bank cards remained untouched.

Every item in the room was luxurious, including a seemingly simple black and white painting hanging on the wall that was worth millions. Richard had asked Catherine several times: Which famous artist created this? Is it really worth over a million dollars? Catherine had never given a direct answer, simply saying he wouldn't understand, and the subject was dropped.

Now, Richard stared at the painting, examining it repeatedly. He couldn't see how it could be worth so much. Standing on a chair, he removed it from the wall for closer inspection. Still finding nothing remarkable about it, he tossed it onto the floor.

Thud.

As the painting hit the ground, something fell out from behind it. Henry stared at the object with momentary confusion before picking it up. It was a sealed manila envelope. He found a letter opener and carefully sliced it open.

Inside was a paternity test.