Katelyn’s eyes sparkled with a touch of alertness.

It was Ryanna who arrived.

The wound on her chin had been treated, but it was more of a bruise than a cut to begin with.

She had changed into a simple white outfit, making the bandage on her chin stand out, giving her a slightly pitiful appearance.

Ryanna walked up to Vincent, her eyes locking onto his as she gently said, “Vincent, can we talk somewhere else? About us.”

Katelyn quietly took a step back, knowing she had no place in this moment and should give them space.

Vincent glanced at Katelyn and replied in a steady voice, “We’ll talk here.”

Ryanna paused for a moment.

Katelyn quickly caught on and politely said, “You two can talk here. I’ll take a walk somewhere else.”

Even though she had never overstepped with Vincent, his engagement to Ryanna was still a reality.

She was clearly the outsider between them.

Katelyn knew this well.

However, Vincent moved to stand in front of Katelyn. “Say what you need to say here.”

Vincent’s voice was firm and cold, offering no chance for refusal.

He had neither the time nor patience for Ryanna’s games. What had happened at the dining table earlier had already irritated him.

Vincent could easily see through women’s games, but he was too uninterested to call them out.

: ν﹐

Ryanna clenched her fists, her gaze wavering with uncertainty. She just wanted a more private place to talk about their relationship.

Why would Vincent deny such a simple request?

Where was the Vincent who used to gently reassure her?

Ryanna felt increasingly hurt, a trace of bitterness shining in her eyes.

“I just want to discuss our engagement. You don’t need to turn me down. Haven’t you always wanted to end it? Maybe you can change my mind.”

Vincent’s gaze shifted for a moment.

The engagement had been the result of cooperation and careful negotiation between both families.

However, if both he and Ryanna refused, separating would be easier.

From a business standpoint, handling this matter peacefully would be the best outcome.

Noticing his hesitation, Ryanna stepped closer.

“It’s just about discussing our situation. Or do you want to go to my father and talk to him instead? I’ll bring up the engagement issue myself if you can convince me.”

Vincent discreetly glanced at Katelyn, a thoughtful look in his dark eyes.

Katelyn stayed calm, not letting Ryanna’s words affect her.

She always understood her role as Vincent’s subordinate and an outsider in their relationship.

“You two can work out your issues; it’s not my concern.” That was Katelyn’s position.

Vincent pressed his lips together and turned to Ryanna. He stood tall and straight, with sunlight casting shadows on his sharply defined features.

His eyes showed no emotion.

“There’s nothing to discuss. My position is clear. Neither you nor the king can change my mind.”

Once Vincent made a decision, it was final.

“We both know this engagement is just a business arrangement. Each family gets what they want, and the rest is just talk.”

Vincent’s tone was icy, giving Ryanna no room to respond.

Ryanna’s eyes flickered for a moment, but she quickly collected herself.

Her tone remained gentle and calm.

“I see your point. However, our engagement, even if it’s based on interests, impacts my position in the royal family.”

Vincent stayed silent, allowing her to continue.

Ryanna took a deep breath and suggested, “Help me secure a project. I just need a year. Once I find my place in the royal family, I’ll voluntarily end our marriage, claiming it’s due to conflicting interests. This way, it won’t impact your plans or my dignity.”

Even as a princess, being rejected by her fiancé would still bring shame.

Vincent’s expression darkened as he stared at Ryanna. “A year is too long. I can’t wait that long.”

“I need this time to secure my position in the royal family. My father hasn’t officially named me as the heir, and our relationship is strictly for cooperation. There’s no need to complicate things or hurt each other’s dignity.” Ryanna seemed to shift into negotiation mode, her tone gentle yet firm and persuasive.

Looking directly at Vincent, she said, “This is the best option for both of us.”

Vincent’s piercing gaze carried a touch of coldness. “If you have any hidden motives, you should know the consequences.”

Ryanna quickly shook her head, saying sincerely, “I understand your approach. You don’t like me, and I won’t push it.”

Vincent glanced at her for a moment before responding, “Then let’s agree on a year from now.”

Ryanna smiled. “I’ll send you the project details later.”

“Alright.”

Katelyn watched quietly, gaining a new respect for the princess.

She was decisive in love and hate, quick to move on once she realized the other person’s heart wasn’t in it. If Katelyn had done the same back then, maybe she wouldn’t have endured so much pain.

Lost in thought, Katelyn’s phone suddenly lit up with a notification—an invitation had arrived.

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