Vincent’s voice was stern as he said, “Go with the bodyguards to the hotel. They’ve reported the crown missing and suspect you two are involved.”

Katelyn was shocked. She had simply gone to the hospital for medication, and now she was under suspicion?

She dropped any thought of running and responded quietly, “Okay, I understand.”

After ending the call, Katelyn turned to Ashlyn.

“We should follow them.” She didn’t want to escalate the situation by being wrongfully accused of theft. It was clear this was a setup targeting her. Katelyn was determined to uncover the truth.

Standing beside Katelyn, Ashlyn had heard everything Vincent said over the phone and nodded in agreement.

Together, they followed the bodyguards back to the hotel. Twenty minutes later, they arrived, and the bodyguards escorted Katelyn and Ashlyn into the jewelry room.

Upon entering, Katelyn observed the now-empty display case and asked sternly, “Are you saying that I stole it?”

Fiona was visibly irritated by Katelyn’s bold demeanor. It was clear Katelyn was the prime suspect. The evidence seemed to point to her, yet her defiant attitude suggested she wasn’t concerned about the accusations.

Fiona retorted sharply, “Who else should we suspect? The security tapes show that only you and your companion entered this room. Now, with the jewelry missing, it must have been you.”

Her assertion prompted murmurs among the onlookers.

“Indeed, the security footage doesn’t lie. No one else went in there.”

Ryanna gazed at Katelyn, disappointment flickering in her eyes.

“Miss Bailey, I invited you to view my collection because you’re a jewelry designer, not expecting you to harbor such ill intentions.”

Every word they spoke cast Katelyn into the spotlight of shame for theft, leaving her no opportunity to defend herself.

At that moment, the distinct click of a gun being cocked sliced through the tension.

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Hilary aimed his gun directly at Katelyn’s forehead and said coldly, “Hand over the crown now, and I might let you live. Otherwise, don’t hold me responsible for whatever happens next!”

Vincent moved suddenly. In a flash, his gun was pointed at Hilary’s forehead.

“If you want answers, ask politely. But if you insist on threats, I won’t hesitate to make a move.” His stance was unwavering, leaving no doubt that he was ready to protect Katelyn.

Katelyn froze for a moment, her gaze snapping to Vincent. Hilary was Ryanna’s uncle—wasn’t it excessive to point a gun at his head?

Instinctively, Katelyn glanced at Ryanna. Ryanna’s face had gone pale, yet she remained silent. This only deepened Katelyn’s confusion. Why wasn’t Ryanna saying anything? Shouldn’t she be trying to stop this?

Ashlyn, noticing the tension, nudged Katelyn’s arm and whispered, “Something about this feels off.”

It was one thing for Hilary to threaten Katelyn over the crown—it was worth billions, after all. But Vincent’s reaction left her puzzled. Was he really willing to go against the Crane family and even the king for Katelyn? That didn’t seem right.

Katelyn herself couldn’t fully understand Vincent’s actions, but a part of her felt deeply moved. In the face of life-threatening danger, he had stood by her without hesitation. How could she not feel something?

Still, her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions.

Around them, the atmosphere had shifted. The bystanders who had been murmuring earlier fell silent, afraid to draw attention and risk their own safety.

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