The device Barry had been proudly discussing was now nothing more than a pile of broken pieces, its components scattered across the floor.
Katelyn glanced over the ruined equipment. Such scientific tools were usually incredibly delicate, and once damaged, they were essentially useless.
Barry cried out, diving for the wreckage, his voice filled with panic.
Vincent, the one responsible, said nonchalantly, “Sorry, my hand slipped.”
It was obvious to everyone that he had done it deliberately, yet no one dared challenge him.
Heartbroken, Barry gathered the pieces, frustration evident in his every movement.
“Mr. Adams, I recognize your position as a guest of our king, but this action is extreme. This device represents three years of our nation’s scientific efforts, embodying the forefront of our technology,” Barry said, his voice strained.
Vincent met his plea with a cold stare.
“If it’s valuable, it should have been built to withstand accidents like this,” Vincent replied, his tone dismissive.
Barry clenched his teeth, carefully pocketing the broken pieces while fixing Vincent with a steady gaze.
“I will inform His Majesty of this incident. It’s for him to decide how to proceed. However, Mr. Adams, your actions have deeply offended us,” Barry said, his frustration barely contained.
Vincent remained indifferent, his lack of interest only intensifying Barry’s anger.
“Let’s go!” Barry barked, his voice sharp.
gα?ησν?sоm, where stories thrive
The group, having arrived quickly, departed with equal haste.
Once they had left, the area returned to a tense calm.
Samuel immediately closed the door, a puzzled expression on his face. “That device… Is there really such a thing?”
Katelyn shrugged, offering a noncommittal explanation. “I don’t think so. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have triggered a red alert in my presence.”
Her remark was meant for Vincent’s ear. The source of th?s content is
Vincent’s intense stare bore into her, as if it could see right through her.
It seemed that Vincent had a knack for seeing through any pretense, prompting Katelyn to continuously remind herself to keep her guard up.
She met his gaze with composed curiosity and asked, “Mr. Adams, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”
“No,” Vincent replied, finally breaking eye contact. “There’s growing interest in TS, and we must identify them before other parties do.”
As he spoke, his eyes subtly scanned Katelyn. Every clue about TS seemed to point toward her, yet the definitive proof was still missing.
He was convinced that her carefully maintained facade would eventually fall away.
Katelyn chose to disregard the implications of his words.
She walked over to the window, opened it slightly, and let in the fresh air.
Yata and Granville were separated by a ten-hour time difference, resulting in noticeably different climates.
Yata enjoyed a typical temperate maritime climate, while Granville, in the heart of autumn, was worlds apart from Yata’s early spring-like weather.
“The weather is beautiful today. How about we go for a walk? Staying inside all day won’t help your recovery,” Katelyn suggested, turning toward Vincent.
He nodded his agreement.
However, moving around was still challenging due to his injuries.
Samuel then went to get a wheelchair for Vincent. Katelyn wheeled him out of the elevator and through the hospital gardens.
Vincent was staying at one of Yata’s premier private hospitals, known for its exceptional surroundings and stunning views.
The back garden, though simple, was vibrant with colorful plants. It featured pavilions and benches where patients could enjoy some fresh air.
Every corner was adorned with rare flowers, trees, and shrubs, each so valuable that even a single specimen could astonish with its price.
Due to the delightful weather, numerous patients had ventured outside to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
Always considerate of Vincent’s health, Katelyn had covered his lap with a light blanket before they began their walk.
She glanced upward and suddenly exclaimed with joy, “Mr. Adams, look! Someone is flying a kite!”
Above them, a large butterfly kite danced in the sky, its bright colors vivid against the blue backdrop, controlled by two children.
Katelyn’s eyes followed the kite until a sudden gust of wind snapped its string, causing it to plummet into a nearby tree.
Seeing the children rush to recover it, Katelyn quickly moved to assist them.
From his position, Vincent watched Katelyn as she hurried away. As he shifted slightly, the blanket slipped from his lap and fell to the ground.
He was about to reach for it when, unexpectedly, someone else’s hand reached out and grabbed it first.
.
.
.