“Payment didn’t go through—your balance is too low. Try using a different card to complete the purchase.”

Katelyn couldn’t help but giggle at the robotic voice of the POS machine.

Six hundred million was an unimaginable fortune.

Though Lise was now the Bailey family’s heiress, there was no way she could have that much pocket money at her fingertips.

Lise’s face flushed with embarrassment as she coughed loudly.

“I completely forgot this card has a limit today. Let me try a different one.”

Katelyn shot Lise a teasing look, her sarcasm evident.

“Didn’t Neil give you his personal card? You’re about to get married, and he still can’t bring himself to spend on you?”

Lise’s expression soured at the comment. Her silence spoke volumes.

Katelyn raised an eyebrow, smiling.

“Looks like he doesn’t care for you much. When we first started dating, he handed me his card. Even during our divorce, he insisted on giving me a big chunk of his property. They say a man’s heart follows his money.”

Katelyn spoke with purpose, making sure every word struck deep. She wouldn’t let Lise gain the upper hand.

“Neil has already transferred all his assets to me. I just forgot to bring that card with me today,” Lise said, maintaining her composure.

She reached into her bag, handed a new card to the salesperson, and said, “Try this one.” — Ding.

Payment successful.

As the confirmation came through, Lise felt a bit of her lost dignity return. She shot Katelyn a chilly smirk.

@ ν﹐

“Don’t think you can get under my skin with those tricks. You’re still too inexperienced to compete with me.”

“I never meant to compete with you because you’re not worthy of being my opponent,” Katelyn replied with a slight smile.

Her light-colored eyes glimmered with disdain.

She never considered Lise worthy of her time.

Katelyn turned to make the payment and bought the prayer beads.

“Say that again!” Lise’s expression darkened. She glanced at the elegant gift box in Katelyn’s hand, then at the mountain of jewelry and jade in her own. Though valuable, the sheer amount made it seem like something you’d find at a market stall.

Lise felt humiliated, and rightly so—Katelyn had done it on purpose.

With a casual glance at Lise, Katelyn walked away. She had simply set a trap, and Lise had eagerly walked right into it.

It seemed that the upcoming birthday banquet really meant a lot to Lise.

Even though she suspected she was being manipulated, she bought the jewelry without hesitation, all in an attempt to impress Carol.

As she thought about Lise’s mention of the plot of land, Katelyn narrowed her eyes, a spark of calculation flickering in them.

Katelyn drove home.

As soon as she stepped inside, Vincent called.

Katelyn picked up and said, “Mr. Adams?”

Vincent stood by the large floor-to-ceiling window, his cold expression mirrored in the glass.

With the phone in one hand, Vincent’s voice remained calm.

“Do you have time tonight? I need a lady companion for a dinner party.”

Katelyn’s first instinct was to say no.

She had always disliked business dinners, and her past experiences had been unpleasant.

Frowning slightly, she decided to trust her instincts.

“Mr. Adams, I really don’t want to go.” Th?s chapter is updated by FindN()vel.net

A shadow flickered in Vincent’s eyes.

“Tonight’s dinner is important. The potential partner I mentioned before, the one we want to negotiate with, will be there too. If the talks go well, I’ll support him in taking over Selina’s resources.”

Vincent had already discussed this with her.

They couldn’t afford to waste any more time on Selina.

Since she was unwilling to cooperate, they would look for another partner.

As long as they controlled the resource market, any new partner could be a possibility. So, Katelyn didn’t hesitate to agree.

“Okay, send me the address and time.”

“I’ll come to get you,” Vincent replied, checking his watch. “You have two hours to get ready.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up, Katelyn turned to her wardrobe and picked out a gown.

As a jewelry designer, her sense of aesthetics was sharp, and she occasionally designed dresses in her free time. Sitting at her dressing table, she applied some light makeup.

By seven o’clock, Vincent arrived on time to pick her up. However, when he saw Katelyn’s outfit, he was momentarily taken aback.

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