Katelyn surveyed the room. “My stomach hurts so much!” she said weakly. She clutched Vincent’s arm with visible desperation, clearly in the throes of intense pain.
Annie’s face darkened. She regarded Katelyn with naked disbelief, suspicion clouding her eyes. “Are you really having diarrhea?” If Katelyn’s ailment proved genuine, could Lois truly be the culprit?
Lois, on the verge of exoneration, suddenly found herself under Annie’s scrutinizing glare. Annie’s penetrating look struck fear into Lois’s heart.
Vincent gazed at Katelyn with undisguised concern and tenderness. “The doctor is on the way,” he said softly. “Just hold on a little longer.”
Ryanna approached Katelyn at that moment. She offered Katelyn support and said with genuine concern, “If you weren’t feeling well, you should have told me earlier.”
This time, Katelyn accepted Ryanna’s assistance without protest, allowing herself to lean against the other woman. She rested some of her weight on Ryanna, the perfect picture of frailty.
She met Ryanna’s eyes and nodded weakly. “Princess Ryanna, thank you. I’m just in so much pain.”
Ryanna studied Katelyn’s condition carefully. To all appearances, Katelyn seemed genuinely unwell.
She then glanced toward the King. Their eyes met briefly before both looked away.
Ryanna guided Katelyn to a nearby chair with gentle care. The doctor arrived moments later, kneeling beside Katelyn to begin his examination.
Feigning illness without detection came naturally to Katelyn. She remained composed, allowing the doctor’s practiced hands to examine her without resistance.
Upon completing his assessment, the doctor rose and turned to address the King. “Your Majesty, I confirm this is indeed a reaction to something she consumed. Miss Bailey suffers from an acute stomach infection. She requires medication and complete rest. Her condition is quite fragile at present.”
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The pallor of her skin told its own story to the onlookers. In such a weakened state, Katelyn could hardly be suspected of mischief. She lacked even the strength to stand, let alone drug or orchestrate any scheme against Annie.
Vincent’s eyes turned to ice as they fixed upon Annie. “I expect Countess Annie to provide a proper settlement,” he said, his voice dangerously quiet. “Baseless accusations against my woman cannot stand.”
His stance brooked no argument. The unspoken message hung in the air—Vincent would not spare Annie without satisfaction.
The King’s expression revealed his desire to banish Annie from his presence. It was so embarrassing. Annie had not only created a spectacle but had dared to levy false accusations against another. Annie stood frozen, fear creeping through her veins. “That’s impossible,” she stammered in disbelief. “Katelyn must be pretending!”
As if in answer, the doctor pressed medication into Katelyn’s trembling hand. Katelyn swallowed the pills without hesitation. Her action spoke louder than any verbal defense.
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