“I’m fine, Alfy. Thank you.”
Initially, Alfy had some suspicions about Ashlyn. However, seeing the fear in Ashlyn’s eyes now cleared much of her doubt. She offered a smile, relieved.
“I’m glad you’re safe.”
Still, there lingered a sense that Ashlyn was somewhat preoccupied. Alfy chose not to ask further. Since Katelyn was no longer at the hotel, Alfy saw no reason to linger. She checked that Ashlyn was alright and then headed back downtown.
The following day, as the first light of dawn appeared, Katelyn, who had been working relentlessly, finally paused, her neck aching from the strain. But her efforts had paid off—her work was complete.
At that moment, someone knocked on the studio door.
With a raspy voice, Katelyn called out, “Come in.”
Vincent walked in, holding a food box. His gaze lingered on Katelyn, tinged with a trace of concern.
“Take a break and eat something.” For the past day and two nights, Katelyn had barely slept for an hour and hardly eaten, completely absorbed in her work. Continuing this way, she was pushing her body to the brink.
Despite visible signs of exhaustion, Katelyn’s eyes gleamed with accomplishment as she smiled at Vincent.
“I’ve completed it!” She rose, about to rush over to Vincent. However, a sudden wave of dizziness swept over her.
Vincent quickly moved to support her, setting the food box down on the table as he looked at Katelyn anxiously.
“How are you feeling? We should get you to the hospital.” He was ready to take Katelyn for medical attention.
€$? ¢?€?$ glov?l?o
Katelyn grabbed his shirt, shaking her head.
“No, it’s just a little faintness from not eating. Could you get me some water, Mr. Adams?” Vincent carefully helped her sit down. Katelyn settled in her chair, waiting for Vincent. Impatient to ease her dizziness, she opened the food box he had brought and began eating. Feeling slightly better as she ate, the discomfort started to fade.
Understanding her need for quick energy, Vincent placed a glass of water beside her and watched quietly.
After Katelyn had eaten enough to settle her stomach, she paused. She was still hungry but restrained herself, knowing that consuming too much too quickly might worsen the situation.
“Feeling any better?” Vincent asked, his concern evident.
Feeling slightly weak, Katelyn reclined in her chair.
“I’m okay. Why don’t you take a look at the work?”
Since Vincent’s arrival, his attention had been solely on Katelyn’s well-being, not yet noticing her work. Vincent then turned his gaze to the design spread out on the table, his expression turning to one of wonder.
Displayed before him was jewelry themed around ocean waves, crafted from a unique, semi-transparent material that sparkled brilliantly under the light.
.
.
.