With a puzzled expression, Sophia glanced at her and said, "Is there a reason you're staring at me like that? We were together once. I can't help the way things turned out. Besides, it's already…"

A sharp slap echoed through the air. With one swift motion, Katelyn's hand flew across Sophia's cheek, landing without mercy.

Sophia's face puffed up in an instant. Her smile disappeared, replaced by eyes that turned icy and stern.

Katelyn's stare cut through Sophia like a blade, her voice dipping into a firm, unshaken tone. "I left you alone because I wanted to see what you were planning. But if the people around me end up hurt because of you, do you really think I'll let that slide?"

Harming her friends was the boundary Katelyn refused to let anyone cross. If Sophia had truly allowed Ashlyn to get hurt… There would be no way for her to avoid the consequences. A chilling intensity surrounded Katelyn, and Sophia could feel it. This wasn't a bluff. Katelyn meant every word.

Sophia slowly brushed the tip of her tongue against her bruised cheek as her gaze followed Katelyn, who turned and walked away.

A dangerous glint appeared briefly in Sophia's eyes, heavy with malice. If it weren't for her past actions, she and Khalid would never have ended things. There was no way he should be with Ashlyn. Ashlyn was nothing but a cheap copy of her anyway.

Even though Sophia had never been sentimental about romance, the idea of someone else having what she once had was intolerable.

Meanwhile, Katelyn entered the house and made her way up the stairs. The memory of Sophia's hateful gaze burned through Katelyn, pushing her anger close to the surface again. At that moment, she felt an overwhelming urge to confront Sophia. Yet she forced herself to hold back, knowing it was necessary to keep calm for the plan ahead.

Stepping into her room, Katelyn found Vincent relaxing on the sofa, a plate of cherries in his hand. He glanced at her with a gentle smile and said, "You should try some. They're surprisingly sweet."

Eating was the last thing on her mind right now. Her frustration was written all over her face.

Vincent set aside the fruit, rose slowly from his seat, and approached Katelyn. Taking her hand gently in his, he sighed softly and asked, "Are you still upset?"

Katelyn realized Sophia's actions were intended solely to provoke her. Yet, recalling Ashlyn's tears, she found her anger difficult to suppress. Meeting Vincent's gentle gaze, Katelyn exhaled slowly and admitted, "I'm not sure what Sophia is thinking. She should quietly wait out what's coming, yet she insists on stirring up trouble."

It was a good thing she had come back today. If she hadn't, things between Ashlyn and Khalid might have gone south.

Vincent's mouth curved into a subtle smile as he drew Katelyn into his arms, his tone gentle yet knowing. "Sophia wants to push you over the edge. She's waiting for you to lose control. Are you really going to let her win?"

"Absolutely not," Katelyn replied bitterly.

Vincent sensed her lingering agitation. Turning around, he picked up the cherries again and held one gently to Katelyn's lips.

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