Ashlyn’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Katelyn.

“Why? How did you end up involved with such an organization? Isn’t that…” The thought was too overwhelming for her to even finish. Being the target of a mercenary assassin group was beyond dangerous.

It made sense now why Vincent and Katelyn had been so cold toward her when they first crossed paths. It all came down to this. If she were in their position, she knew her response would have been far more intense than theirs.

Whether or not she was Sophia didn’t matter to Katelyn. It seemed safer to keep her nearby than to let her stay hidden in the shadows.

A small smile tugged at Katelyn’s lips.

“Sometimes, even when we seek peace, trouble is never far behind. Miss Marshall, I’m sure you understand what I mean.”

Meanwhile, Ashlyn didn’t respond. She simply fell silent. Ashlyn couldn’t believe how she had gotten tangled up in this conflict just by visiting Granville. Still, it seemed much better than the situation Katelyn was in.

She turned to Katelyn, her voice full of determination.

“Don’t be scared. I’ll protect you!”

Katelyn’s body tensed at her words. It was strange hearing those words from someone with a face that resembled Sophia’s so much.

A small smile spread across Katelyn’s face.

“Thank you. Just hearing you say that means everything to me.”

Although she wasn’t sure how to respond to Ashlyn, those simple words had already started to warm her heart. If Ashlyn were really Sophia, she had truly put everything into gaining her trust.

Your favorite stories are on g?lnσνes?c?m

Katelyn couldn’t help but begin to wonder what would happen if Ashlyn’s true identity came to light.

But Ashlyn simply shook her head and said, “You all keep saying I look like Sophia. Even now, in this situation, you still stay by my side without fear. I think that makes you a real friend.” Her words sounded so innocent, almost carefree.

However, Katelyn couldn’t shake the memory of the mall. Just because of something Paloma had said, Ashlyn ended up buying the whole place. Could someone like Ashlyn be as innocent and carefree as she appeared?

Katelyn let out a gentle laugh.

“Alright, I guess that makes us friends.”

Ashlyn reached out her hand.

“Is it okay if I call you Katelyn? You can call me Ashlyn.”

Katelyn looked at Ashlyn, a smile on her face as she took her hand.

“Of course.”

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