“A complete joke. In my opinion, don’t make Princess Ryanna pay the 3 billion dollars—let her pay it instead.”

Fiona’s face turned pale as these words reached her. The prospect of paying 3 billion dollars was equivalent to a financial death sentence.

Katelyn responded with a calm smile. “I agree. How about it, Miss Robles? Are you prepared to cover the 3 billion dollars? Since it was your suggestion, it seems only fair.”

The crowd’s suggestion supported her position. This arrangement ensured she couldn’t be accused of being unfair.

Fiona’s complexion turned pale as panic set in. She bowed deeply before Katelyn, pleading, “Miss Bailey, please forgive me. I admit my fault, but I simply can’t come up with 3 billion dollars!”

Ryanna’s expression softened with pity as she watched Fiona’s dilemma, then turned to Katelyn, suggesting gently, “Miss Bailey, it’s clear Fiona can’t handle this debt; maybe…”

Ryanna hesitated before saying, “It’s my responsibility to cover the compensation!”

The bystanders who had been criticizing Fiona earlier now spoke with admiration. “Princess Ryanna is truly generous, advocating for someone despite their faults. Personally, I would have disregarded her entirely.”

Others added, “Indeed, one shouldn’t stir trouble without measuring their capability first. Lacking the means yet claiming such rights is audacious.”

“She initiated this chaos and then tried deflecting the blame.”

At that moment, Fiona desperately wished she could silence their critical voices. Despite Ryanna’s defense, the negative remarks only escalated. However, she had no choice but to endure the insults. Her fists were tightly clenched at her sides.

Observing Fiona and Ryanna, Katelyn said evenly, “If Princess Ryanna wishes to assume responsibility, that’s acceptable. However, should Miss Robles repeat her actions, I will not be lenient.”

With the crown recovered, Katelyn saw no reason to prolong her stay. The truth behind the events seemed irrelevant now.

Katelyn was aware that any further revelations would embarrass Vincent the most. After all, he was to be the future son-in-law of the King of Yata. Giving away the final answer would be nothing more than a slap in Vincent’s face. Vincent had been instrumental throughout her journey. She could not compromise Vincent’s position.

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Katelyn turned to Ashlyn and whispered, “Let’s leave, Ashlyn.” After the night’s events, she felt exhausted and preferred to avoid any more drama.

Ashlyn nodded and promptly fell in step behind Katelyn. The two of them walked out together.

Hillary watched them go, ultimately choosing to remain silent and not detain Katelyn.

With Katelyn’s departure, the crowd began to disperse, bidding farewell to Ryanna.

Soon, only Vincent, Ryanna, Fiona, and Hillary remained.

Vincent gave Ryanna a stern look and warned, “This should not happen again. Otherwise, our relationship will suffer severely.” He then acknowledged Hillary with a nod. “Count Crane, about our prior conversation, I’ll speak with the King. I trust you’ll make the right choice.” With that, he left.

Fiona was puzzled by Vincent’s implications. Yet, she could not miss the stark shift in Ryanna’s demeanor following his warning.

Just as Fiona attempted to speak, Ryanna cut her off sharply. “Fiona, please leave us.”

Resigned, Fiona agreed with a respectful, “Understood.” Ryanna and Hilary were the only two left in the room.

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