Katelyn tamped down the rush of emotions and approached Ashlyn.
Ashlyn was dressed in a light yellow spaghetti strap dress today, her neck free of tattoos or any disguises.
Before Katelyn could utter a word, Ashlyn said apologetically, “Miss Bailey, I’m sorry to have called you out here. It’s just, I don’t really have many acquaintances in Granville.”
Katelyn offered a gentle smile and took the seat beside her, softly responding, “No trouble at all. Fate brought us together, so that makes us acquaintances, at least, wouldn’t you say?” Her gaze remained sharply on Ashlyn, searching for any signs of deceit.
However, Ashlyn appeared serene, responding with a soft smile, “Certainly.”
The stylist then respectfully said, “Miss Marshall, your hairstyle is complete. Would you like anything else?”
Ashlyn replied politely, “No, that’s all; thank you.”
Katelyn then stood and took care of the bill.
Ashlyn expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you, Miss Bailey, for covering my bill.”
She gracefully accepted Katelyn’s gesture.
Given her social standing, it would be unseemly for her to make a scene in the salon.
“We’re friends, so there’s no need to be so formal. Let me show you around some of Granville’s unique spots,” she said with a warm smile, gently reaching out to take Ashlyn’s hand.
In that instant, Ashlyn’s reaction was one of complete comfort. She took Katelyn’s hand, and her grip was firm and unhesitant, like that of a true friend without reservations.
If she were indeed Sophia, her response might have been different.
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Sophia held a deep-seated grudge against Katelyn, and typically, such strong emotions would trigger an instinctive withdrawal, but Ashlyn showed no sign of it.
This unexpected behavior puzzled Katelyn as her suspicions grew.
Was it possible that Ashlyn really wasn’t Sophia?
Elsewhere, Jaxen had reached Westine Mall with Alfy in tow. Their quick trip from the nearby arcade had only taken ten minutes.
Inside Vincent’s car, Jaxen swung the door open and guided Alfy in.
Upon encountering Vincent, Alfy cheerfully called out, “Hi, Mr. Adams.”
This was her initial meeting with Vincent since her arrival in Granville.
His demeanor appeared as reserved as she remembered. Alfy mused silently on whether Vincent’s cool exterior could ever offer warmth to Katelyn.
Vincent gave Alfy a brief nod in acknowledgment.
Without delay, Jaxen produced a high-end laptop from his bag. This device, specially ordered and assembled, boasted capabilities comparable to the more substantial computers he typically used.
As Jaxen powered up the laptop, he looked at Vincent, his expression tinged with confusion.
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