A quiet smile tugged at the corners of Katelyn’s lips as the pieces fell into place. So it was him. She hadn’t realized Vincent owned this hotel. What an unexpected turn of events.
She turned toward the manager, offering a soft, gracious smile.
“Please convey my thanks to Mr. Adams.”
The manager bowed slightly, his response respectful and composed.
“Of course, Miss Bailey. It’s my pleasure.”
Once the manager stepped away, Ashlyn shifted her position, her back against the smooth, heated stone of the spring’s edge. She lazily picked up her wine glass. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she took a slow sip. Her gaze flicked toward Katelyn, a playful gleam in her eyes.
“You and Mr. Adams seem pretty cozy. Is he pursuing you?” Since her arrival in Granville, the whispers about them had reached her ears. Though she hadn’t spent much time with Katelyn, Ashlyn could already see the quiet allure that attracted men.
Before Katelyn could answer, Alfy’s voice rang out.
“Right? They look like they’d be a perfect match!”
“Alfy.” Katelyn pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly exasperated. There was nothing between her and Vincent, yet rumors spread as though the truth didn’t matter.
Alfy stuck his tongue out, pulling a silly face before hopping off to grab a dessert.
Katelyn sighed, reaching for her own wine glass and settling beside Ashlyn with a quiet exhale.
“Ignore Alfy,” she said, her voice calm but firm.
“Mr. Adams and I are just business partners. He’s engaged, and that’s all there is to it.”
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That was all they were, and nothing could happen between them. Her morals wouldn’t allow anything more to develop, no matter how the rumors swirled.
Ashlyn looked at Katelyn, a hint of surprise in her expression.
“He’s engaged?”
Vincent had been the subject of countless rumors, and it became evident that he held deep feelings for Katelyn. However, despite all that, they never found their way to each other.
Katelyn gave a small nod before taking a careful sip from her drink. The sweet fragrance of the drink lingered, but there was an undertone of something bitter.
Ashlyn glanced at Katelyn with a playful smile and said, “You’re not exactly who I thought you’d be.”
Katelyn raised an eyebrow, her surprise clear.
“Who did you think I’d be?” So, Ashlyn had known about her before?
Ashlyn gently moved her hand through the pool water, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“Yes, in Miexham, I came across a few stories about you.” Her tone was disarming, as if she didn’t mind whether Katelyn questioned her words.
Katelyn, intrigued by the mention of Miexham, asked, “Is it as fun as they say? I’ve only heard about it, but I’ve never been there.” The moment Miexham was mentioned, Ashlyn’s smile grew, her eyes lighting up with a warmth that made her seem even more animated. She nodded excitedly, her eyes sparkling, and said, “Oh, it’s amazing there. Vast fields of grass, mountains dusted with snow, and the most stunning alpine peonies. They’re especially breathtaking when they bloom.”
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