Ashlyn glanced around, ensuring Vincent was still nowhere to be seen. Leaning closer, she whispered into Katelyn’s ear, “To be honest, I think Mr. Adams has a certain fondness for you. It’s… different, hard to describe.”

Katelyn let out a light laugh.

“Miss Marshall, you’re reading too much into it.”

There was nothing between her and Vincent. They had always been friends, and while their business dealings had brought them closer than most friends, that was where it ended.

Ashlyn grinned as if she understood something more. Katelyn had mentioned Vincent’s fiancée before, but Ashlyn hadn’t seen the so-called “Vincent’s fiancée” since arriving in Granville.

Just then, after taking care of everything, Aimee settled beside Katelyn. She said gently, “Everything is set.”

Katelyn gave a brief nod.

“Good.”

Aimee fell silent, her focus shifting to her phone as she waited for the competition to begin.

Ashlyn, wearing a curious smile, turned to Katelyn.

“Miss Bailey, I’m curious. What have you brought this time? I’ve seen many of your previous pieces, and they were all impressive.”

For a brief moment, a flash of malice gleamed in Ashlyn’s eyes. But Katelyn didn’t catch it, offering only a smile in return.

“You’ll see soon enough, Miss Marshall. This time, the challenge is quite something.” Her smile stayed the same, but her eyes were cold and distant. If she ever discovered who had sabotaged her work, they would regret it.

Ashlyn gave a knowing nod.

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“I’ll be waiting eagerly.”

The two exchanged a few words about jewelry design. As they spoke, the entrance filled up, buzzing with activity.

Katelyn’s gaze shifted without thinking. In the blink of an eye, her smile disappeared.

It was Neil. The same man Katelyn had saved from the emergency room just days ago. Due to the neurotoxin that had ravaged his body, his mobility seemed hindered. However, it didn’t actually change anything, as his legs had problems to begin with. He sat in a wheelchair, being pushed by his assistant.

Katelyn stared at him, confusion clouding her thoughts. What was his purpose here, in such a fragile state? Was he truly willing to risk everything, including his health, just to be here?

As Lise spotted Neil, her face lit up with a bright smile, and she hurried to greet him.

“Neil, surprise to see you here.”

But when her eyes caught sight of Neil’s hand, which refused to close fully, her steps faltered. Something didn’t feel right. What had happened to him?

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