Katelyn’s voice dropped as she murmured, “I think I recognize that voice.”

Nearby, a burst of laughter echoed.

“That’s adorable! You look just like a tiny bunny in that.”

Intrigued, Katelyn turned toward the door of the next private room and pushed it open—there she saw Alfy and Jaxen.

Standing in the doorway, Katelyn greeted them with a teasing smile.

“Dining out and not inviting me? How rude!”

At the sound of Katelyn’s voice, Alfy sprang to her feet and rushed over, exclaiming with delight, “Never expected to see you here! It’s been days—I’ve missed you so much!”

Katelyn tapped Alfy’s forehead playfully and said, “Looks like you’ve been having too much fun to miss me.”

For Jaxen, Katelyn’s arrival was a complete surprise. Removing his bunny-shaped hairpin, he stood up and offered warmly, “Please join us for dinner.”

Before Katelyn could reply, Vincent appeared behind her.

Jaxen froze, clearly caught off guard. The idea that Katelyn would visit a trendy, romantic restaurant with Vincent hadn’t crossed his mind. As he glanced between the two of them, a knowing expression spread across his face.

“Ah, I get it,” he said, as if suddenly enlightened. Turning to Vincent with a grin, Jaxen added, “Mr. Adams, I won’t keep you two. Enjoy your dinner.”

No sooner had he spoken, Alfy, visibly upset, grabbed Katelyn’s arm and said, “We should all eat together! It’s no fun dining alone.” Rarely did Alfy get the chance to have a meal with Katelyn, and she wasn’t about to let this unexpected opportunity slip by.

Jaxen frowned slightly and tried to reason with Alfy, his tone gentle.

“Alfy, let’s not intrude. This is Katelyn and Mr. Adams’s special time.” It had taken considerable effort for Katelyn and Vincent to reach their current closeness. If he interfered now, it could provoke an adverse reaction from Vincent.

But before Jaxen could finish his thought, a flying stick hit him directly.

“Ouch, that really hurt!” Jaxen cried out, holding his head and giving Alfy a look of innocent bewilderment.

“Why did you hit me?”

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Alfy, holding a small decorative stick, put on a mock stern expression.

“We’ll have a dinner with Katelyn, and you’re not allowed to complain.”

Katelyn couldn’t help but let out a gentle laugh. Jaxen and Alfy always acted like a comedic duo, yet their fondness for each other was evident. Katelyn’s gaze shifted to Vincent.

Vincent, having already settled into a seat, said in a soothing tone, “Come sit. Enough with the antics.”

Jaxen quieted down at once. Overflowing with enthusiasm, Alfy skipped over to Katelyn, cuddled up to her, and affectionately rubbed her shoulder. Her behavior was endearingly childlike. She took Katelyn’s hand, and together, the four of them settled down.

Turning to Alfy, Katelyn asked softly, “Alfy, we’re headed to Yata the day after tomorrow. Would you like to join us?”

Alfy looked taken by surprise. She instinctively turned to Jaxen, her eyes wide.

“So soon? And what about Jaxen? Is he coming too?” Jaxen, equally caught off guard, paused with his fork in the air, then placed it down and turned to Katelyn and Vincent.

“What’s this sudden trip to Yata about?” He was clearly puzzled, having not been informed previously.

Katelyn glanced at Vincent, who seemed disinclined to explain. She then added, “The Yata royal family needs a new jewelry designer, and I’ve been invited to present my work, so I must go check it out.”

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