Katelyn met Hilary’s glare with a calm she didn’t entirely feel.

“I didn’t steal the crown. But I can help you find out who did.” Her voice was steady, showing no fear of the gun aimed at her.

Before Hilary could respond, she turned away and walked toward the security guard, taking the laptop from his hands. Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, Katelyn began typing on the keyboard with precision and focus.

Her composure startled Hilary. Few people could remain this unshaken with a gun to their head.

Ryanna frowned, her voice sharp.

“Miss Bailey, if you took the crown, just return it. Stop wasting everyone’s time with this act.” There was a tinge of unease in her tone, a hint of something more.

Ashlyn scoffed, glancing at Ryanna.

“Why are you in such a hurry? Katelyn said she’d find the crown. What’s with your rush to accuse her? Got something to hide?”

Logically, it made sense to wait and let Katelyn uncover the truth. If she was guilty, the evidence would reveal it soon enough. So why was Ryanna so anxious?

Ryanna’s face turned even paler.

“Miss Marshall, I’m just stating the facts. Why would I hide anything? This is my crown. Of course, I’m more worried than anyone!”

Fiona, who had always disliked Katelyn and Ashlyn, seized the opportunity to chime in.

“Exactly! That crown is worth billions, and now it’s just gone? She’s probably stalling for time so her accomplices can transfer it!”

Katelyn paused her typing and looked up, her gaze ice-cold as it locked onto Fiona.

“Oh, is that so? And what happens if it’s proven that I didn’t steal it?”

Katelyn had always loved it when people bet against her. The best part was watching them lose everything. She enjoyed it.

Ashlyn, who had been fuming earlier, caught the spark in Katelyn’s eyes and couldn’t help but grin. She had seen this side of Katelyn before—calculated, confident, and always one step ahead. And usually, the other side never stood a chance.

They had nothing to hide, so she let events unfold and see how it all played out. Ashlyn smirked.

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“Let’s make a bet, then. We’ll even let you choose the stakes.”

Ryanna’s frown deepened. Something about this felt like a trap. But before she could respond, Fiona spoke up eagerly.

“Fine! If you’re the thief, you’ll not only return the crown but also pay its full value. What about that? Do you dare to bet?”

Ashlyn clicked her tongue, saying mockingly, “So confident. What happens if you lose? A real wager needs consequences for both sides.”

Hilary’s gaze lingered on Katelyn, intrigued. What kind of woman could inspire Vincent to risk everything for her? Could she truly be more extraordinary than Ryanna?

“Very well. If she’s innocent, I’ll compensate her with the equivalent value of the crown,” he said, his voice calm yet firm.

Ryanna shook her head in disagreement.

“Uncle Hilary, you shouldn’t be betting with them!”

Ashlyn sneered, “Are you frightened? Or do you panic because you did it? Perhaps you’re hiding the real crown?”

Ashlyn was well aware of what was happening now. She wasn’t going to fall for any tricks.

Hilary also looked at Ryanna, his silence heavy with expectation, waiting for her to explain.

Ryanna’s body tensed. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to respond, trying to appear brave, “What reason do I have to be scared? Why should I hide it? Just make sure you’re ready to pay up if you lose the bet.” With everyone watching, she couldn’t confess to Ashlyn’s accusations.

Having made this declaration, Ryanna effectively accepted the challenge.

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