A faint smile played on Katelyn’s lips as she replied, “Of course not. I always believe in speaking my mind immediately.”
Ryanna’s expression flickered, a subtle shadow crossing her features. The message in Katelyn’s words was unmistakable. If Annie dared to act up again, there would be no holding back. Naturally, Katelyn hadn’t softened her stance before, and she had no intention of sparing Ryanna any special treatment now.
Ryanna, fully aware of this, chose not to press further. A faint smile graced her lips as she replied, “You are right.”
After a brief pause, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “By the way, are you and Vincent officially together now?”
Katelyn paused briefly. It was no surprise that Ryanna would ask—her observant nature ensured she missed little. The confession in the suburbs, paired with the spectacular fireworks, had hardly been subtle. Even in such a remote location, Katelyn was certain Ryanna had caught wind of it.
Deciding there was no need to feign denial, Katelyn nodded once and confirmed, “Yes, we are.”
Ryanna hadn’t expected such a straightforward admission. Her eyes flickered with emotion, though she quickly masked it behind a serene expression.
“Congratulations,” she said warmly, her tone unchanging. “When the wedding happens, make sure I’m on the guest list.”
“Naturally,” Katelyn answered, her tone concise yet polite.
Sensing Katelyn’s reluctance to prolong the exchange, Ryanna chose to end it there. With a graceful smile, she bid her farewell, turning to leave without further comment.
Katelyn’s gaze followed her retreating figure, a thoughtful glint flickering in her eyes as her expression grew contemplative. She truly embodied the elegance expected of a princess from Yata, her demeanor effortlessly commanding respect in any crowd.
Meanwhile, Katelyn remained seated, unmoved by the shifting dynamics around her. Out of nowhere, a woman in a beige short dress approached, her soft sigh breaking the surrounding murmurs. “You shouldn’t have come to the banquet tonight.”
Instead of malice, her gaze carried an unexpected hint of pity.
Katelyn hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the sincerity in the woman’s tone. She had been a bit surprised that someone actually felt sorry for her and openly expressed it. She had thought that everyone present that day had only come to watch her embarrass herself.
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Turning her attention to the stranger, Katelyn examined her carefully. The woman’s face was unfamiliar—someone Katelyn couldn’t recall ever meeting before. “Who might you be?” Katelyn asked, her curiosity tinged with caution.
Realizing she hadn’t introduced herself, the woman offered a faint smile and prepared to explain.
“Hello, I am Amy Gillini, the daughter of Earl Marcus Gillini,” said Amy as she introduced herself.
Katelyn suddenly recalled who she was. The Gillini family was a prominent and influential household in Yata, known to have connections with Ryanna’s aunt. Technically, Amy could be considered Ryanna’s relative, though their familial ties were distant and insignificant.
Even so, Amy’s words and demeanor took Katelyn by surprise.
With a faint smile, Katelyn replied, “Katelyn Bailey.”
Amy, holding a glass of red wine, took a seat directly in front of Katelyn. Looking at her with a spark of excitement, Amy said, “I’ve heard of you before, but this is the first time we’re meeting in person. You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”
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