The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 81 : Luke's Request

Susco maintained a poker face. She did not want to know these things. Such knowledge was very dangerous. She had no idea why Luke made her stay. Then she realised, she was the controller of Princess Catherine's Funds for the next 5 years. She had to know personal details of her charge, specially things that would matter enough to affect behaviour. Luke knew that she could never divulge such information, or her life would end.

Being a student counsellor, she was trained in psychology and had learned to understand motives. It seemed to her that Luke had realised that Catherin's trust in her 'family' was shattered when they told her she was adopted. Though the information was closely guarded, it was always possible someone would tell her, so they set a date and told her themselves, so the information could not be twisted.

But obviously, still deep in her heart, Catherine felt a sense of betrayal, a feeling that she had been lied to so far and that she no longer belonged. It was evident also from her words that she felt some day she would be removed from her status and her title, possibly even her own family name. She did not understand or accept that adoption was permanent in law and fact.

The only one among the young royals who knew about this was Rosemary, and possibly Julien (being the Crown Prince, he would definitely be told). That is why Rosemary was more protective of Catherine. Rosemary also understood what Catherine was feeling or possibly, Catherine had shared her feelings with her.

But at every step, when anything happened which went different from expectation, Catherine must have felt she was victimised because she was adopted. Even when the 3 of them were punished, Catherine probably felt she should not have been punished because she did nothing. Rosemary fought with Dusk. But she was punished because she was adopted...

Susco realised that, Luke was trying to create another 'bubble of safety' or a 'safe harbour' for his sister. Her relationship with Dusk was the first. He allowed her to stick with Dusk all the time, let them bond together, so Catherine would feel comfortable that she had someone who she could go. Now, by making her remain present in the room, he had ensured that his sister will be able to turn to Susco, since she knew the truth and would have natural sympathy.

Her analysis was correct. Luke had monitored Catherine very closely for a year now watching for the first sign of Depression Spiral and struggled to find ways to keep her happy. With Dusk, he had found one person who was soft-hearted and fiercely protective at the same time. And Susco was trained to protect teenagers.

That also made sense why she was suddenly made a trustee for Catherine when so many others would be more qualified. Why would she even need a trustee when her parents were much qualified to protect her money. And the whole Crown Property Trustee, with its highly qualified team was also available. The only purpose was to make Catherine feel close to Susco.

Susco decided it was time for her to play her role more effectively. She called Catherine to her side and held her hand. "Princess, your brother is right. It does not matter what anyone says, no one can remove you or hurt you. You have Luke, Princess Rosemary, Prince Louis, Crown Prince Julien. Will anyone dare to hurt you? Why are you worried. In any case, whether anyone else cares or not, I care about you. I will be here for you. As will Dusk. She may be a little brisk, but she cares for you too."

She turned to Luke, "Can I take her out for lunch?"

Luke nodded. Susco turned to Catherine, "Princess. Where do you want to go?"

Catherine's immediate reply was – Ambrosia Square.

Luke and Dusk continued to sit in the CEO's office. Both absorbed in their own thoughts.

"So, now I understand the significance of 'Jones'. I was going about it the wrong way all through. Every time she said 'Brother', I was trying to understand it. Now I do. But when did she know you were her real brother?" Dusk said at last.