Katelyn’s head tilted from the force of the slap, leaving a clear palm print on her cheek. Suppressing her anger, Cristina stared intensely at Katelyn.
“Vincent is in critical condition all because of you,” she accused.
Remaining composed, Katelyn responded, “Mrs. Adams, there’s been a misunderstanding. Mr. Adams and I are strictly business partners. I’ve never intended any harm to him.”
Cristina clenched her teeth and demanded, “Then how do you explain these incidents?”
“The police are currently investigating the murder of the department head. I’m not involved. Regarding the shooting, the assailants came prepared. I don’t have enemies. Mr. Adams believes the attack was meant for him, and I was unfortunately caught up in it,” Katelyn explained.
Despite her involvement in multiple incidents, Katelyn maintained her innocence.
Cristina hesitated, her experience with the Adams family told her that many would target her son, Vincent. Earlier, after hearing that Vincent had been shot and influenced by her subordinate’s comments, Cristina had lashed out at Katelyn.
Once calmer, she began to consider the possibility that Katelyn was merely caught in an unfortunate series of events.
The subordinate, sensing the shift in mood, quickly added, “But isn’t it too coincidental? Mr. Adams had been out of harm’s way until she appeared.”
Katelyn gave him a sharp look, recognizing his attempts to lead Cristina astray from the start. She challenged him calmly, “Were you present at the shooting?”
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Confidently, he replied, “Of course, I was. How else would I know so many details?”
Encouraged by his response, Katelyn pressed further, “And were you at the scene when the department head—?”
Caught off guard, the man faltered, his expression betraying him.
Katelyn turned his own argument against him. “You claim to know so much, yet you weren’t present. What exactly sent you here?”
The man looked to Cristina, panicking under her scrutinizing gaze. He hastily assured, “Mrs. Adams, I’ve always been loyal to you and Mr. Adams. I was simply too concerned about Mr. Adams’s safety.”
Cristina remained silent, observing the exchange with skepticism. Katelyn, sensing an opportunity, accused, “All you’ve done is cast suspicions on me to divert attention. What’s your real motive?”
Unable to respond, the man’s silence was damning. Cristina, her disgust evident, dismissed him with a wave. “Leave us.”
Reluctantly, the subordinate left. Cristina shifted her gaze back to Katelyn, noticing the mark on her cheek and feeling a pang of guilt. “I lost my temper and struck you. I apologize if I’ve wronged you,” she said with a trace of regret.
Katelyn, checking the ICU door once more, responded calmly, “There’s no need for apologies, Mrs. Adams. We now only need to focus on uncovering the truth.” She was concerned about the impact of the injury on Vincent, knowing the bullet had missed his heart but still posed serious risks.
“When will he wake up?” Katelyn wondered quietly.
As medical staff moved in and out of the ward to check on Vincent, Katelyn lingered in the corridor, lost in thought. Her contemplation was interrupted by her ringing phone. She stepped aside to answer it. “Hello?”
Aimee sounded infuriated. “I’m absolutely livid! My entire day’s been ruined by those bastards!”
Startled, Katelyn inquired, “What’s happened? Is everything alright?”
After a deep breath, Aimee explained, “Your ex-husband again. He’s desperate for a designer as his deadline looms, and he’s insisting on your help, by any means necessary.”
Aimee’s frustration grew as she recounted the pressure.
Katelyn’s expression turned stern. “If he bothers you again, don’t hesitate to call the police.”
Aimee acknowledged her advice but expressed concern. “It’s not a major issue for me, but I worry about him pestering you. He showed up last night, and I turned him away. You know he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Stay alert.”
“I will. And I’ll keep you posted,” Aimee assured her.
“Okay.”
As Katelyn ended the call, a nurse emerged from the ICU. “He’s awake now,” she informed Katelyn.
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