Katelyn blinked, caught off guard. Could this have something to do with her connection to Vincent? But they were only friends. Even if she had a few feelings for him, she never revealed that.

Surely, Ryanna was aware of that. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have remained so composed—or waited this long to act.

Katelyn, feeling the heat of Vincent’s gaze, decided to dodge the moment.

“I’m starving. Let’s eat first!” She had to pretend not to know that.

Vincent’s lips curled into a faint smile. He didn’t press the matter.

The invitation was for a banquet the following evening.

After breakfast, Katelyn went shopping with Ashlyn. For once, she felt an air of leisure in her step. Though it was meant to be a simple outing, her habit of analyzing jewelry designs kicked in. She peered through display cases, mentally comparing brands, hunting for the spark of originality.

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye.

By mid-afternoon, Vincent had left nothing to chance. He’d arranged for makeup artists, elegant dresses, and even dazzling jewelry to be delivered to Katelyn’s room.

When the staff began unloading the items, Katelyn’s eyebrows twitched in disbelief.

Ashlyn, who had been lounging on the sofa with a book in hand, looked up at the commotion. She approached Katelyn, her curiosity piqued.

“Vincent’s taking you to see his fiancée, but he’s dressing you up like royalty? Seems like he’s sending a loud and clear message.”

Katelyn was momentarily lost for words and couldn’t answer right away. She glanced at Ashlyn.

“You’re overthinking it. The Adams family and Ryanna’s family are tied by a marriage alliance. If Vincent were to go against them, his family wouldn’t let him off so easily. You know how these powerful families operate.”

Ashlyn might not have fully grasped the tangled web between the Adams and Ryanna’s families, but she was no stranger to the cutthroat alliances and rivalries among powerful clans. It was far too intricate to explain in a few words.

Ashlyn tilted her head as she put down the book.

“Ryanna’s from the Cromwell family, right?”

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Katelyn nodded.

“That’s right.”

At this moment, Ashlyn’s expression softened with sympathy.

“That’s a family granted noble status by the Yata royal family. Vincent’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. Your relationship isn’t exactly a walk in the park.”

Katelyn handed Ashlyn a cup of coffee.

“There’s no relationship. Vincent and I are just friends. Don’t read too much into it.”

Even if her heart whispered otherwise, Katelyn had drawn a line she wouldn’t cross. She would never become a wedge in someone else’s marriage.

Ashlyn took a sip of the coffee, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“Of course. That’s why you’ve been ‘just friends’ with him all this time, isn’t it? Because of Ryanna.”

Ashlyn knew little about Katelyn’s romantic history. Her words cut close to the truth, but Katelyn remained silent. Even so, Ashlyn caught on immediately. Her brows lifted slightly—she had her suspicions.

Judging by Vincent’s attitude now, it was clear this matter wouldn’t blow over easily, leaving Ashlyn uncertain about their future. She didn’t press further. Whatever the case, the ball was in Vincent’s court. Anything anyone else said or did was useless. If he truly cared for Katelyn, his actions would speak louder than words.

Katelyn didn’t dwell on it. She sat down as the makeup artists began their work.

For two hours, Ashlyn flipped through her book, occasionally chatting with Katelyn. The time passed quickly.

When the styling was done, Ashlyn glanced up—and her jaw dropped.

“OMG—!” She couldn’t find the words.

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