After exchanging numbers, they sealed their newfound connection.
Before the moment could settle, Fiona approached, her sharp eyes scanning the lively exchange between the two. A flicker of malice danced in her gaze, betraying her true intentions.
In a low, cutting tone, Fiona asked, “Amy, what could you possibly be discussing with Miss Bailey?”
The sudden question startled Amy. Rising to her feet, she fumbled for words.
“Miss Robles, we were just chatting about jewelry design.”
Fiona’s lips curled into a sneer, her tone dripping with disdain.
“You? Talking design with her? Don’t make me laugh. What could someone like you possibly know about it?”
Amy’s timid nature and overly submissive behavior made her seem utterly unsuited for gatherings of this caliber. The idea of her holding a meaningful conversation about design felt almost absurd.
Katelyn’s expression tightened as she observed the strange interaction. The dynamic between Amy and Fiona didn’t sit right with her. Despite Amy’s position as an earl’s daughter—a rank of significant importance—Fiona, who was merely a noblewoman, treated her with blatant disrespect.
In Yata, the importance of social status and hierarchy could not be overstated. However, the way Amy and Fiona interacted with one another seemed completely at odds with these societal expectations.
Amy chose not to react to Fiona’s insult. Instead, she forced a timid, apologetic smile. Holding her wine glass carefully, she excused herself and headed toward the wine-tasting area.
Fiona’s eyes followed Amy’s retreat, her expression twisted in disdain. She then turned her attention to Katelyn and said,
“Miss Bailey, Princess Ryanna has asked to see you.”
Katelyn took a slow sip of her red wine, her eyes twinkling with a deepening smile, but she didn’t offer a response to Fiona’s words. Rising gracefully, she walked toward the inner room.
By the time Katelyn arrived, Ryanna and Annie were already seated, with a spot next to Ryanna clearly saved for her.
Lλtτ чhαρτ?r? ιn gl?ov?ls.
With a warm smile, Ryanna gestured for Katelyn to join her and said,
“Miss Bailey, please, take a seat here.”
It was a position of honor—right beside the princess. Such an invitation was rare, yet Ryanna easily offered it to Katelyn, a foreigner. The others in the room cast curious glances at Katelyn, their expressions subtly shifting.
Without hesitation, Katelyn walked over and sat next to Ryanna. Pushing a glass of wine toward her, Ryanna gently said,
“You should try this—it’s rich and full-bodied, just the way I like it.”
She spoke as if they were old friends, chatting effortlessly.
The room went completely still, all eyes locked on the unfolding exchange. It was an odd sight—especially since the two women were believed to be rivals in love—yet here they were, appearing to get along with surprising ease.
Their interaction didn’t carry the weight of hostility, but rather the comfort of familiarity, which confused the rest of the room.
Katelyn raised the glass, savoring the wine before saying,
“The flavor is exceptional; it’s clear that the grapes are of the finest quality.”
Crafting such a wine required careful attention to detail at every stage.
.
.
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