Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 397: It won’t end well

Collin moved through the crowd with a practiced ease, a silver tray balanced perfectly in his hand as he served drinks to guests who barely spared him a glance. His eyes, however, never left Kathrine.

She was laughing with a group of children near the garden, her small hands clutching a balloon, completely unaware of the danger circling her. Collin’s jaw tightened. If things had gone according to plan, he would have already drawn her away—toward the quieter corridor, toward the stairs, toward Roseline’s carefully calculated distraction.

But something—or rather, someone—was in the way.

Gorge.

The man stood close to Kathrine, vigilant without being obvious, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. Collin’s fingers curled around the tray.

Why is this man not leaving? Collin sneered inwardly.

He had only gotten access to the party because of Roseline’s influence. Every step, every move tonight had been planned. And yet, Gorge’s constant presence was ruining everything. Kathrine never strayed far from him, no matter how distracted the celebration became.

Collin exhaled slowly. I need to get this man away.

He excused himself smoothly from serving, murmuring something about refilling drinks, and made his way toward Gorge. His eyes scanned the area quickly, calculating possibilities.

Then—

A little girl came running toward them, chasing after a rolling ball, her laughter ringing through the air.

Opportunity.

Collin shifted his grip on the glass at the exact moment the girl darted past him. He stepped forward, timing it perfectly, and—

"Oh my goodness—!" Collin gasped loudly, eyes widening in exaggerated horror.

The drink splashed across Gorge’s shirt.

The girl barely paused, glancing back once before shrugging and running off to rejoin her friends, completely unbothered.

"I–I am so sorry, mister," Collin stammered, lowering the tray hurriedly. "I didn’t see her coming, I—"

Gorge looked down at his soaked clothes, then back at the flustered waiter. Instead of anger, he sighed.

"It’s alright," Gorge said calmly. "You didn’t expect that either."

Relief flashed briefly across Collin’s face, quickly replaced with something more pitiful. "I really hope I’m not in trouble," he said quietly. "I don’t want to lose my job, sir."

Gorge studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Don’t worry. You won’t," he said kindly. "Accidents happen. Please, go on with your work."

Collin bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you. Thank you so much, mister."

He watched closely as Gorge stepped away, clearly uncomfortable in his ruined clothes, heading toward the side corridor—away from Kathrine.

Success.

The moment Gorge disappeared from sight, Collin’s expression changed. The innocence vanished, replaced by cold focus. He lifted his gaze and found Roseline across the room.

Their eyes met.

Collin gave a subtle nod.

Roseline responded almost immediately. She leaned toward Hugo, whispering something urgent into his ear. Hugo frowned, then nodded, placing his drink aside. Together, they excused themselves from the guests and headed upstairs.

The music continued. Laughter filled the air.

And in the chaos of celebration, the final pieces quietly slid into place—just as Collin had planned.

With Gorge finally out of sight, Collin wasted no time.

He straightened his uniform, adjusted the tray in his hand, and let a gentle, harmless smile settle onto his face—the kind adults trusted and children never questioned. The music from the party swelled behind him as he approached Kathrine, who was crouched on the grass, arranging her Barbie set with two other girls.

"Miss Kathrine," Collin said softly.

She looked up immediately, her eyes bright. "Yes?"

"Uncle Gorge is looking for you," he said calmly, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. "He asked me to bring you to him."

Kathrine’s face lit up. "Uncle Gorge?"

Collin nodded. "Yes. He went to change his shirt. He didn’t want you to worry, so he sent me."

Kathrine hesitated for a brief second, glancing back at her toys. "But Daddy said I can play—"

"It won’t take long," Collin interrupted gently. "He just wants to show you something upstairs."

That was all it took.

Kathrine stood up, dusting off her dress. "Okay!" she chirped, waving at the other children. "I’ll be back."

The girls barely noticed as she followed the waiter away, too busy laughing and playing.

Collin led her through the side path of the garden, away from the noise, away from the lights. With every step, the laughter behind them faded, replaced by silence broken only by the crunch of gravel under their feet.

"Where is Uncle Gorge?" Kathrine asked, her small voice echoing slightly.

"He’s just ahead," Collin replied smoothly. "This way."

They entered a narrow corridor near the servant quarters—dim, quiet, rarely used during celebrations. Kathrine slowed, clutching the hem of her dress.

"It’s dark," she murmured.

Collin glanced back and smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry. I’m right here."

She nodded, trusting.

They reached a small door at the end of the corridor, slightly ajar. Beyond it lay a secluded storage room, shielded from the rest of the mansion by thick walls and distance.

Kathrine frowned. "This doesn’t look like Uncle Gorge’s room."

Collin crouched slightly to her level. "He didn’t want to ruin the surprise," he said. "You like surprises, don’t you?"

Her uncertainty melted instantly. "Yes!"

"Good girl," Collin murmured as he gently ushered her inside.

The room was quiet, empty except for old furniture covered in sheets. Dust danced in the thin strip of light from the window.

Kathrine looked around, confused. "Where is he?"

Collin closed the door behind them.

The sound was soft—but final.

Kathrine turned. "Why did you close it?"

"So no one interrupts," Collin replied evenly.

Something in his voice made her stomach twist. She took a small step back. "I want to go back now."

Collin’s smile never reached his eyes. "Just wait here for a moment, alright?"

"I want my daddy," she said, her voice trembling.

Collin straightened. "Be quiet."

The sharpness startled her. Tears welled up instantly. "You said Uncle Gorge—"

"I lied," he said flatly.

Kathrine froze.

Before she could scream, a firm hand covered her mouth.

"Shhh," Collin whispered close to her ear. "If you scream, it won’t end well."

Her small body shook violently as fear finally registered.

Outside, the party continued.

Music played. Guests laughed. And no one noticed that Hugo Bennett’s daughter was gone.