Just then, a security guard immediately approached, holding a laptop showing the surveillance footage of the jewelry room.

The timestamp confirmed it. Only Katelyn and Ashlyn had entered the jewelry room, and although they left without carrying anything, the crown was nowhere to be found! No one else had entered.

Hilary’s face twisted into a grimace. His voice was as dark as the storm brewing in his mind.

“Get them here. Now!” His subordinates rushed out without hesitation.

Vincent’s words were icy as he stood firm.

“It’s impossible that she did this. Mr. Crane, you need to remain calm. This situation requires more than just a hasty assumption.”

Hilary’s patience had already worn thin. In one swift motion, he trained his gun on Vincent’s forehead.

The room went dead silent. Everyone in its vicinity held their breath, wondering if the next person to feel the cold steel would be them.

Hilary’s voice rang out like a death knell.

“Vincent, my patience is wearing thin. Either she cooperates with the investigation, or I’ll make sure she pays!”

In response to this, Vincent felt compelled to have Katelyn return. He was convinced that Katelyn had not taken the crown. As such, Hilary had no grounds to harm her. If Katelyn were to leave under these circumstances, her reputation could be severely damaged by their schemes.

Vincent nodded decisively.

“Very well, if Katelyn is innocent, I insist on her release. Otherwise, I am prepared to change the earl of the family.” His voice was steady, but his threat was unmistakable, clearly heard by everyone present.

Hilary’s expression darkened considerably. No one had ever dared to challenge him in such a manner! He sneered, “I look forward to seeing if you can maintain such arrogance when the truth is revealed!”

Ryanna experienced a heavy feeling in her heart. She had been engaged to Vincent for a long time, during which he had always been reserved and quiet. She had always assumed this was simply his nature. She hadn’t given it much thought. However, in order to defend Katelyn, Vincent had begun making repeated, harsh threats toward her family, even threatening to change the earl. It became clear he deeply cared for Katelyn!

At that moment, Ryanna resolved herself. If these matters held such significance to him, she would see them undone.

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The people around them exchanged looks, and it was clear to everyone that the relationship between Vincent and the Crane family appeared to be somewhat strained. Yet, they were unaware of the underlying reasons.

Many around them whispered, “Does it seem like there’s tension between them? What could have happened that we’re unaware of?” Another individual shrugged, visibly puzzled, and said, “I’m not sure, but they definitely don’t seem as harmonious as before.”

The friction between them was evident. Everyone could feel it. Yet, the root cause remained a mystery.

At the same time, Katelyn and Ashlyn, having just left the hospital, were immediately approached by two bodyguards at the hospital entrance. Katelyn quickly identified them as members of the Cromwell family—their uniforms were unmistakable, since she had just seen them earlier. Ashlyn reacted with a moment of alarm, her brow furrowing as she asked, “Who are you? What do you want?”

She attempted to sidestep them, but the bodyguards closed in again and firmly said, “Please come with us back to the hotel.”

Katelyn and Ashlyn sensed something was wrong. They exchanged a concerned glance. Just as Katelyn was about to make a break for it, her phone rang. Checking the caller ID, she saw it was Vincent and quickly answered.

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