Since Vincent intended to break off the engagement, this compensation had become necessary. This was his way of showing sincerity. If they could settle things peacefully, everything would be alright. If not, Vincent had resolved to do his utmost. Should that fail, an all-out war would be inevitable.
Hilary stopped, fixing Vincent with a furious glare. Suddenly, he withdrew a gun from his waist and aimed it straight at Vincent’s forehead, his expression seething.
“Are you seeking disaster?!” The Crane family was indifferent to mere financial assets. Furthermore, as a princess, Ryanna was above such concerns.
Initially, it was the Adams family who benefited from the engagement, as they sought to elevate their social standing. Now, however, Vincent was looking to dissolve his ties with Ryanna, who was considered far above his league. This would surely bring shame upon Ryanna’s family in Yata.
Vincent met Hilary’s gaze steadily, showing no fear, and said coldly, “Mr. Crane, I urge you to consider the consequences. If you harm me, it could spell trouble for both the Crane family and Yata.”
Vincent was no longer the ineffective young man he once was. He had grown into a significant force, one that could not easily be threatened. Hilary, trembling with rage, pressed the gun even closer to Vincent’s forehead and said, “I might let you walk out today, but do you think your family will spare you?”
Without the king’s protection, Vincent was vulnerable to being overthrown by his own siblings within the Adams family!
Vincent’s expression remained unflinchingly cold as he retorted, “They are welcome to try. I am more than ready to confront them.”
Despite his reluctance, Hilary found himself compelled to restrain his actions. Vincent had changed; he was no longer the person he used to be. No one could deny this reality.
When things didn’t unfold as she had expected, Ryanna completely panicked. She rushed forward, taking Vincent’s hand and shaking her head in refusal.
“No, Vincent, you can be with Katelyn if you wish. I won’t stand in your way. Just marry me, please?”
Her heritage was of the highest nobility. She was the daughter of the king. Yet here she was, humbly pleading with Vincent, desperate not to lose him. It was as if she could hear all the coming critical voices around her. She couldn’t take it! Being a princess, the thought of being cast aside by Vincent was unbearable.
Vincent gently removed Ryanna’s hand, his tone regretful as he said, “I’m sorry. You will receive all the compensation that’s due, but my decision isn’t about Katelyn. I simply don’t want a marriage dictated by external interests.”
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Their marriage had been arranged by their families. Katelyn wasn’t part of his life when those decisions were made, and he was too young to oppose them. But now, faced with a critical decision, he needed to follow his heart.
At that moment, Ryanna’s heart sank completely!
Vincent then gave Hilary a deep bow, offering his apologies. He began to walk away.
Just then, a servant burst in from outside and exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency, “Bad news. The crown has gone missing!”
Ryanna snapped her head up, her eyes locking on the servant’s.
“What did you just say?” she asked, disbelief thick in her voice.
Without sparing another thought for Vincent, she turned on her heel and strode toward the jewelry room.
Vincent’s frown deepened as he watched her retreating. Something gnawed at the edges of his mind, but despite the foreboding, he followed Ryanna.
Hilary’s face, however, darkened considerably. A chilling aura emanated from him as he followed suit.
Inside the room, chaos awaited. When Ryanna and the others arrived, the glass case that usually held the crown had been knocked to its side, and the crown itself had vanished without a trace.
.
.
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