Vincent’s expression tightened, a sense of dread settling in his heart.
Ryanna scanned the room, confirming that Katelyn was nowhere to be seen. Could Katelyn be involved in this scheme as well?
Annie’s mind raced with suspicion, convinced that everything that had unfolded tonight had been meticulously orchestrated by Katelyn. “Katelyn!” she exclaimed sharply. “It must be her! She’s definitely behind this. Otherwise, why would she vanish now?”
Katelyn must have realized the surveillance footage would inevitably be checked, and knowing she couldn’t escape blame, had slipped into hiding. The more Annie dwelled on this possibility, the more plausible it seemed.
Lois recoiled slightly, clearly caught off guard by Annie’s readiness to lay all blame at Katelyn’s feet. Although she had her own countermeasures, it would certainly work to her advantage if Annie continued to target Katelyn. That way, any suspicion would be completely diverted from her.
Lois sneered inwardly. Annie was nothing but a fool!
Vincent’s dark eyes flashed with glacial coldness. “Countess Annie, please watch your words!” he said in a deep voice. His aura instantly flared, carrying a powerful sense of intimidation that sent tremors of fear through everyone present.
Annie just glanced at Vincent, and a chill spread from the depths of her heart. She was no stranger to this side of Vincent. She had witnessed it before in Granville. Her body couldn’t help but shiver. However, Annie knew with absolute certainty that if she didn’t pin this matter on Katelyn today, her reputation might crumble beyond repair. Forcing down the fear coursing through her body, Annie quickly said, “Mr. Adams, I understand you want to protect your date, but we haven’t seen Miss Bailey since this all started. So, where is she? Could it be that she’s mixed up in something suspicious, and that’s precisely why she’s avoiding the spotlight?”
She deliberately pinned everything on Katelyn. Others, catching Annie’s accusations, began to whisper among themselves.
“She’s right. I haven’t seen Katelyn either.”
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“Could she really have fled to escape punishment?”
“Who knows? She is Vincent’s girlfriend. She is engaging in such scandalous behavior… If it comes to light, do you think Vincent will despise her?”
These whispers carried clearly, reaching the ears of many bystanders. Annie, seemingly emboldened by this apparent support, straightened her posture and…
Challenged Vincent, “If she hasn’t done anything wrong, then why is she hiding? Ask her to join us!” She remained utterly relentless.
The King glanced uneasily between Vincent and Annie. “Well, Mr. Adams, the truth will prevail. I believe in Miss Bailey’s character, but we simply don’t know where she is at this moment.” His words appeared to defend Katelyn, yet they clearly called into question her conspicuous absence.
How could Vincent miss the veiled accusation in the King’s diplomatic phrasing? His gaze remained frigid as he surveyed the crowd before him. “She consumed some pastries from the table upon arrival and began experiencing stomach discomfort,” he said in a voice like winter frost. “She’s been in the restroom since then.”
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