She placed her hand over her heart. The sensation was baffling. For a moment, Katelyn found herself confused.

Ashlyn’s brow furrowed, and she suggested, “You might be ill. We should see a doctor.”

Katelyn shook her head, dismissing the idea.

“I don’t think that’s it.”

Regardless, Ashlyn was adamant and began leading her away.

“We need to get you to a doctor first, then we can figure out the rest.” Her concern for Katelyn’s well-being was her priority.

As they reached the doorway, Katelyn cast a lingering look back at the crown before exiting with Ashlyn.

Of course, there were no doctors at the banquet. Therefore, Ashlyn took her away from the festivities and toward the hospital.

A hospital visit implied undergoing various tests, which Katelyn felt were unnecessary. However, Ashlyn was firm about having a thorough check-up. Unable to persuade her otherwise, Katelyn reluctantly agreed.

Meanwhile, Vincent was with Ryanna. They continued deeper into the building, but as they walked through the corridor, Vincent’s steps began to slow. Ryanna thought Vincent was slowing his pace for her to catch up, and she felt a burst of happiness. She gently said, “I can keep up.”

“Ryanna, I’m here today to annul our engagement, but I wanted to tell you beforehand,” Vincent said sharply.

Ryanna’s joy disappeared in an instant. She stared at Vincent in shock, struggling to believe what she was hearing.

“Annul the engagement? Do you even know what you’re saying? Once you lose the protection of the king, do you really think you can remain the heir to the Adams family?”

Both came from wealthy families, familiar with the strategic maneuvers within their circles. An alliance marriage was simply a means to boost each other’s power and create caution among outsiders. Ryanna was acutely aware of these dynamics, which only intensified her desire to align with Vincent. After all, he was competent, attractive, and free of bad habits. Aligning with him seemed to offer her no disadvantages. The potential fallout from forming an alliance with anyone else was unimaginable to Ryanna.

Furthermore, breaking off her engagement with Vincent would make her the subject of ridicule among Yata’s high society. Ryanna had always been proud. How could she allow herself to become something like this?

At that moment, a voice suddenly interjected, “Vincent, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Don’t ever mention this again!” Vincent and Ryanna turned to see who had spoken.

M s s.

It was Hilary Crane, the brother of Ryanna’s mother.

Ryanna quickly approached, giving Hilary a slightly girlish nod, and said, “Uncle, Vincent is merely teasing. He couldn’t truly intend to end our engagement.”

However, Hilary’s gaze remained locked on Vincent. He adopted an imposing demeanor, trying to unsettle Vincent. Yet, Vincent stayed composed and said firmly, “I apologize, but there are no feelings between Ryanna and me, and it would be best to end the engagement now while we are still on good terms. This allows Ryanna the chance to seek her own happiness.”

The impact of his words hit Ryanna deeply. She stood frozen, slowly shaking her head, her disbelief evident.

“Why? Why end things? I’ve never hindered you in any way.”

Although Ryanna didn’t speak it outright, Vincent understood that she was referring to Katelyn. What Vincent wanted most wasn’t simply the absence of interference.

Hilary approached Vincent and delivered a sharp punch to his stomach.

“I will act as if today’s words were never spoken, or you will regret it!”

Vincent took the threat seriously. Yet, he knew there was no retracting his decision. Standing tall, Vincent responded clearly, “Mr. Crane, please understand that Ryanna and I are not well-matched. As a gesture of goodwill, I am prepared to offer Ryanna thirty percent of my assets in Yata.”

.

.

.