Katelyn furrowed her brow as she read the document detailing Bartley and his family’s numerous unethical actions over the years. Their aggressive expansion had nearly obliterated all rival enterprises. They began by sabotaging competitors, only to secretly acquire them later. Within just a few short years, they had devoured more than a hundred companies using these reprehensible tactics. The hotel’s current size was a direct result of such ruthless competition.
Bartley’s personal life was just as disreputable, bordering on vile. He surrounded himself with wealthy young heiresses, using his image to extract the resources he needed before heartlessly discarding them. Over the years, he had been engaged five times, each fiancée sharing qualities similar to Elora’s.
As Katelyn finished reading, she clenched her fists in disgust. “This beast plays with people’s emotions, using them to widen his business empire,” she muttered, horrified. She had never before encountered a man as contemptible and brazen. Her intense dislike for Bartley had been instant. Bartley was more than a mere rogue—he was utterly sub-human.
Vincent took back his phone and looked up at Katelyn, his expression serious. “What you’ve seen is just the surface of the Lawrence family’s wrongdoings. There are even worse deeds concealed from you.”
Katelyn’s eyes flared with fury, but confusion quickly took over her expression as she turned to Vincent. “Mr. Adams, why did you start investigating Bartley’s background so suddenly?” she asked, puzzled by the lack of any obvious connection between their current issues and Bartley.
Vincent remained calm as he answered, “I want you to understand that Bartley is nothing but a beast cloaked in human form, utterly unworthy of any negotiation.” Katelyn paused, processing his words. Her voice reflected surprise as she responded, “Wait! Do you think I’ve made a deal with Bartley?”
The pieces began to fall into place, revealing the cause of Vincent’s odd behavior that evening. A radical thought struck Katelyn—could Vincent have mistakenly believed she was negotiating a marriage deal with Bartley?
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As Katelyn looked puzzled, Vincent softly cleared his throat and said, “There are many ways to protect the castle. Don’t resort to self-sacrifice.”
His words seemed to carry a deeper meaning.
Katelyn sighed. “Mr. Adams, there’s been a misunderstanding. Bartley did come to me and tried to make a deal, promising his family’s support if I marry him, but I turned him down.” She looked at Vincent curiously as she spoke.
If Vincent had truly uncovered the Lawrence family’s nefarious activities and was trying to save her from a trap, she could appreciate his concern. Yet, his reaction suggested the situation was more complicated. His evident worry that she might choose Bartley puzzled her. Was he simply afraid she would repeat her past mistakes? Or was there something more?
When Katelyn’s eyes met his, reflecting her understanding, Vincent quickly masked his concern. It turned out that the report from Jaxen had exaggerated the truth.
Vincent’s eyes briefly shadowed. He needed to speak with Jaxen urgently.
Responding dryly, he said, “Good to know,” before pausing and leaving the conversation hanging, leaving Katelyn in a state of confusion.
Vincent was acting strangely today.
“Go ahead and enjoy the food. They won’t taste good once they get cold,” he remarked nonchalantly as he stood up. “I still have work to handle.” With that, he left.
Katelyn pointed to the untouched takeout bags. “Mr. Adams, you haven’t eaten yet.”
Vincent, without turning, said, “I’ve lost my appetite.” His main concern now was dealing with Jaxen’s mistake. He had rushed over after receiving Jaxen’s message, only to find himself in an awkward position.
Vincent forcefully opened Jaxen’s door, his voice frosty, and his eyes radiating a dangerous glare. “Jaxen!” he shouted.
The menacing aura surrounding Vincent was enough to instill fear in anyone nearby.
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