Tricia wasn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was far from stupid.

When Lise had nudged her toward suicide, Tricia sensed something was off. Unable to pinpoint the issue, she decided to save the recording of their conversation. If there were no issues, she wouldn’t need the recording. But if trouble arose, she would have proof to back her up.

That recording now served as the strongest piece of evidence.

Katelyn’s lips curled into a subtle smile.

She had kept her true intentions under wraps until this moment, aiming to pit Tricia against Lise. Everything seemed to be unfolding perfectly.

They had now become bitter enemies.

Katelyn was no saint; she had her strategies.

Vincent’s respect for Katelyn grew.

He had anticipated her motives when she provoked Lise to act. No wonder she was the partner he had chosen. Her judgment was impeccable.

Now, Katelyn could leave the rest of the matter to Tricia. Back in Vincent’s hospital room, she settled on the sofa and pulled out her phone, prepared to enjoy the drama as it unfolded.

Vincent was seated across from her, dressed in a light gray casual suit. This attire gave him a more approachable air than an authoritative one.

“Well done, the strategy worked,” he commented.

Startled, Katelyn looked up at him.

Their eyes locked, and she felt as though he could see right through her.

? ?ν[.]

Katelyn hadn’t felt this way since she was a child. Vincent’s piercing gaze left her feeling utterly exposed, as if he could see every thought in her mind.

Surprisingly, she didn’t resist this sensation but openly embraced it.

“You always see right through me, Mr. Adams.”

“Miss Bailey,” he replied with a grin, “your insight and intelligence are too valuable for just design work. Have you considered joining my company?”

“You can name your position and salary, and I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”

Katelyn’s eyes widened as she held back a smile. “Your generosity is much appreciated, Mr. Adams, but being a designer really suits me best.”

“Given your skills and resources, you could certainly carve out a successful career in business too,” Vincent said casually.

Upon hearing this, Samuel was stunned. Was Vincent actually complimenting Katelyn on her intelligence? After years of working for Vincent, this was the first time Samuel had heard him praise someone with such admiration.

More than that, Vincent was ready to offer any position and salary if Katelyn agreed to join his company.

What was going on?

Was this really the Vincent Adams he knew?

Vincent stared at Katelyn with keen interest. Exceptional talents, he believed, would thrive in any industry. Yet, Katelyn declined his offer once more, still smiling.

“Thanks for the proposal, Mr. Adams. However, I’ve decided to stick with design as my life’s work. Your compliments flatter me, though.”

Vincent ceased his attempts to persuade her. He relaxed back into his chair, legs slightly apart. “You are an exceptional woman. Neil has married above himself but fails to recognize that you’re a pearl, seeing you as nothing more than a common bead. He doesn’t appreciate your value.”

Katelyn’s gaze grew colder as she replied sarcastically, “Choosing such a jerk was my biggest mistake. If I could turn back time, I’d give myself a couple of sharp slaps.”

That had been her sentiment.

How had she been so blinded by love that she failed to see Neil’s true character?

Vincent simply smiled in response.

Just then, Katelyn’s phone beside her started buzzing with a barrage of incoming messages.

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