Bernie let out a soft sigh, clearly a bit displeased. “I was hoping after your long stay in Granville we’d spend some quality time together. But you’ve only just returned and already you’re planning to leave to see your mentor again. Oh, Alfy, do you think I’m too old for you now?”

He gently reprimanded her by pinching her, saying, “You’re a young lady now. You can’t cling to me like this. Stand properly.”

Alfy playfully stuck out her tongue at him, undeterred. Since she was little, she and Bernie had been the only family each other had. Her heart cherished the kindness he had always shown her.

Despite her desire to see her mentor, Alfy couldn’t dismiss Bernie’s wish for her to stay. She reluctantly said, “Okay then, since you are my dearest uncle.”

With a bright smile, she bounced toward the exit and said, “Uncle Bernie, make sure you go to bed early too. Don’t stay up working too late. Good night!”

Watching her leave with a bounce in her step, Bernie’s look of fondness grew deeper. He then returned his focus to the phone that had rung earlier, his smile fading as he resumed his previous task.

After drinking some ice water from downstairs, Alfy felt much more at ease. She returned to her bed and soon fell asleep once more. This time, her sleep was undisturbed by nightmares. The night gave way to the break of dawn.

Upon waking the next morning, Katelyn was awakened by a knock at her door. She stretched lazily and made her way to the door with eyes still heavy from sleep. Upon opening the door, she regarded the visitor with a mix of surprise and understanding.

Standing before her was Barry Thompson, the King’s assistant. Barry offered Katelyn a respectful bow, presenting her with a document. “Miss Bailey, the King extends his invitation.”

Accepting the invitation, Katelyn responded with a gentle, “Thank you.” Barry studied Katelyn carefully. Although it wasn’t his first encounter with her, her composed demeanor never failed to catch him off guard.

No matter the reason, most people would find it difficult to control their emotions when receiving an invitation from the King.

He gave a nod and added, “Miss Bailey, the King expects your attendance.”

Katelyn looked over the invitation and replied calmly, “Alright, I’ll be there.”

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With nothing more to add, Barry turned and departed.

As soon as Katelyn shut the door, the restraint she had maintained collapsed, and her mood turned cold. The invitation demanded her presence at the palace within two hours. She felt as though she was being summoned into a lion’s den.

Just as Katelyn was contemplating whether she should reach out to Vincent for advice, the door swung open and Ashlyn entered.

Noticing the ornate invitation in Katelyn’s hand, she hesitated before saying, “The King has invited you.”

The invitation’s distinctiveness was evident. At just a glimpse, Ashlyn recognized it.

Katelyn confirmed without hesitation and said, “Yes, I must attend.” Since she was already in Yata, she had no option but to go.

Initially, Katelyn had hoped to use this opportunity to seek clues about her biological parents and investigate Princess Elora’s illness.

But now, Vincent’s violation of the marriage agreement had taken her completely by surprise. She didn’t have a moment to prepare for anything.

Reflecting on her conversation with Vincent the previous evening, Katelyn resolved to stop fleeing from her challenges. It was time to confront them together, considering both her and Vincent’s futures were at stake.

Ashlyn recalled how unsettled Katelyn had been the previous night. Katelyn had turned to alcohol because of her troubles with Vincent.

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