Ashlyn turned toward the source of the voice. There stood Katelyn in a dark green sheath dress that accentuated her elegant silhouette, radiating both sophistication and femininity. Her long black hair was swept up into a sleek bun, secured with a striking green hairpin. This was no ordinary ornament; it was crafted from a top-grade emerald.
Many attendees, deeply involved in the jewelry trade, immediately recognized the exceptional quality of the hairpin and admired it in silence.
Recently, Katelyn had been the subject of much buzz on social media. Although everyone at the event recognized her, most kept their distance, as they weren’t personally acquainted with her. With a welcoming smile, Ashlyn approached and softly called out, “Miss Bailey.”
Katelyn, noticing Ashlyn, approached with a warm smile.
“Are you feeling better now? Does anything still hurt?” she asked, mindful of the nerve toxicity Ashlyn had suffered. Knowing Neil had experienced clotting complications, Katelyn wondered if Ashlyn had any lingering symptoms.
Ashlyn smiled in return.
“I’m quite alright now, thank you for your concern.”
In that moment, Ashlyn felt deeply grateful to Katelyn. Without her intervention, things could have turned out much worse. As they continued their conversation, a watchful gaze observed them closely from the shadows.
Just then, Galen’s assistant approached with a friendly smile.
“Miss Bailey, Mr. Haynes would like to see you.” Katelyn briefly showed a flicker of surprise before responding with a smile, “Of course, lead the way, please.”
The assistant escorted Katelyn further inside. Katelyn had assumed that Galen wanted a private discussion, but soon realized this was not the case. In the banquet hall, guests mingled and enjoyed their drinks, while an adjacent room showcased an impressive array of gemstone carvings. The exhibition was open to all, drawing a number of attendees.
Ashlyn quickly caught up with them.
Murmurs spread through the crowd as they noticed Katelyn.
“That’s Iris. I’ve heard so much about her lately. She’s even more stunning in person than in the pictures.”
.cóm is the source
Another guest added, “I always thought her photos were enhanced, but seeing her in person, I realize the photos don’t do her justice.” Katelyn’s presence in real life was even more striking than in her photographs, leaving the onlookers in awe.
Galen, supporting himself with a cane, displayed a resilience reminiscent of an enduring pine, despite his years. His face, etched with the lines of age, bore a genuinely kind smile.
“Miss Bailey, what an honor it is to meet you.”
“Mr. Haynes, the pleasure is all mine,” Katelyn replied, offering a respectful nod and a warm smile. Though she stood before Galen, she maintained a composed and respectful demeanor, neither overly deferential nor submissive.
Galen, unaccustomed to encountering such a poised woman, smiled appreciatively.
“Miss Bailey, what are your thoughts on this piece?” Before them, under a glass dome, stood a gemstone carving depicting plum blossoms against rocks. The petals were highlighted in green, while the trunk was crafted from white sapphire. The rocks beneath were meticulously carved to evoke a naturalistic feel.
After a thoughtful inspection, Katelyn gently said, “The sculpture is beautifully crafted with exceptional skill and realism, though the choice of theme might not be entirely fitting.”
Whispers spread among the onlookers.
“Isn’t this Mr. Haynes’s creation? How bold of her to critique his thematic choice!”
Some people were dismissive of Katelyn, saying, “Just because she has some skill doesn’t mean she can speak so freely. The green plum is so delicate, perfectly showcasing the material’s color.”
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