It felt as though forces were aligning to draw her there. Everything was pointing her toward Yata, suggesting that this journey might be more complex than anticipated.
Katelyn kept her thoughts to herself, offering only a modest smile and saying, “Everyone has an equal shot; it’s going to be a challenging competition.”
Ashlyn noted Katelyn’s modesty and chuckled.
“Is it common for talented individuals to downplay their abilities like this?” This produced a laugh from Katelyn as well.
With curiosity, Ashlyn asked, “When do you plan on going? Perhaps we could travel together?”
That would mean neither would have to journey alone.
Katelyn paused to consider, then answered, “I haven’t decided yet. I need to wrap up some work here first.”
Though most of her immediate tasks were under control, it was Vincent’s circumstances that concerned her more. She hadn’t yet discussed this with Alfy. Since Alfy’s arrival from Yata, she and Jaxen had been indulging in fine dining and various leisure activities.
Understandingly, Ashlyn nodded.
“Okay, I’ll wait for you to sort everything out.”
Katelyn didn’t .
“Okay.”
After their brief conversation, Ashlyn returned to her hotel.
Katelyn was about to leave work when Vincent called. Somewhat surprised, she answered, “Mr. Adams?”
Vincent’s voice was steady.
“Come downstairs. I’m waiting for you in the parking lot.”
Katelyn was taken aback. Was he here to pick her up personally?
She couldn’t suppress a slight smile.
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“Alright.”
She ended the call, grabbed her bag, and headed out.
In the parking lot, she saw Vincent’s car parked not far away. She walked over, opened the passenger door, and got in.
Curiously, she asked, “Mr. Adams, what brings you here today? Is your work finished?”
Vincent waited for Katelyn to buckle her seatbelt before starting the car and answering, “Yes, I’m ready to leave at any time.”
Katelyn was startled. She knew the vast amount of work the Adams Group handled. Could he really have wrapped everything up in just a few days?
She chose not to delve further, simply replying, “Alright, let’s aim for the day after tomorrow. I’ll let Alfy know tonight.”
Without waiting for Vincent to respond, she continued, “Today, I received an invitation from the Yata royal family to enter their exclusive jewelry design competition. Ashlyn was invited as well.”
Vincent paused briefly, his expression turning serious.
“This is more complex than it seems.”
With a smile, Katelyn turned to Vincent and replied, “Seems like we share the same thought. The royal exclusive jewelry designer of Yata has not been replaced for decades, and they never considered hiring foreigners to do the job. But now, for the first time, they break their rules.”
The tradition was clear—royal jewels should resonate with the nation’s spirit and heritage. Typically, the idea of appointing a foreign designer was unthinkable.
Yet, this occasion was different. They had cast a wide net, inviting talent globally. The reason behind such a move was deeply fascinating.
Although Vincent wasn’t well-versed in design, he was adept at navigating the intricate web of elite family dynamics, especially within the royal tiers. There was a deeper meaning to this change, though Vincent was still piecing it together.
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