Her response was a subtle counter to Bertrand’s earlier insinuation about her financial inadequacy. How could Bertrand fail to see this? He stared at Katelyn, clearly frustrated. Why did she have to challenge every comment he made?
Bernie exchanged a knowing look with Bertrand but remained silent, continuing to smile as he walked with Katelyn to the restaurant.
When they arrived, Katelyn was settling into her seat when she noticed an unexpected figure approaching—Hilary.
Katelyn stood and offered a polite greeting as Hilary came closer. “Earl Crane, it’s an honor to meet you.”
Hilary shook her hand with a friendly smile. “I’m glad to see you here. My son mentioned you purchased our property today, so please allow me to cover this meal.”
Katelyn’s eyebrows rose slightly. She deduced that Hilary’s visit had likely been orchestrated, probably prompted by his son’s sharing of information.
However, Katelyn remained tactful, simply nodding with a polite smile. “Thank you. Dining with you is truly an honor.” She kept her composure.
Bernie observed Katelyn’s elegant demeanor, noting how vastly different she was from Alfy. He now understood why Alfy was so drawn to her. Katelyn possessed qualities that Alfy admired but lacked. Spending time with Katelyn could be very beneficial for Alfy.
Katelyn exhibited no trace of trepidation, even while dining among a constellation of earls. She carried herself with a self-assurance that rivaled their aristocratic bearing. A woman of her caliber was undeniably extraordinary. Bernie and Hilary exchanged knowing glances, both arriving at the same silent conclusion.
After only a brief exchange of glances, Bertrand seized the menu and began ordering with authority.
Hilary turned to Katelyn with a measured smile and asked, “Miss Bailey, I’ve heard rumors of your talents. Purchasing such an impressive estate outright suggests you possess quite extraordinary abilities.”
? .
Katelyn merely smiled. Before she could respond, Bertrand cut in, “Isn’t she just spending Vincent’s money? What real talent does she have? Could a mere jewelry designer actually earn that much?” His tone dripped with skepticism, and his eyes revealed thinly veiled contempt toward Katelyn.
Hilary’s expression hardened as he turned to Bertrand and said icily, “Bertrand, where are your manners? Is this how I raised you to behave?” Bertrand flushed with embarrassment at being scolded publicly, but had no choice but to bear it, given that Bernie and his father were present. Inwardly, he blamed Katelyn entirely. If not for her presence, none of this would have happened.
Bertrand offered Katelyn a reluctant apology. “Miss Bailey, I apologize. My comment was inappropriate.”
Katelyn, long accustomed to being the target of others’ resentment, paid no attention to Bertrand’s hostile glare. She smiled faintly, dismissing his hostility with graceful indifference. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”
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