If she had gone abroad, those people would have had a reason to frame her, claiming that she did something to betray the country abroad. This was precisely how the downfall of the Ruiz family started.

Katelyn was pulled back from her thoughts and looked at Amy, offering her gentle reassurance, “Your parents are simply protecting you. After all, if a family isn’t strong enough to stand against everyone, they’ll eventually be overwhelmed.”

Amy nodded, acknowledging the truth. “Yeah, I understand.” This was the reason she had always followed her parents’ advice. She never wanted to be the cause of any danger to her family.

Observing Amy, Katelyn felt a surge of empathy. Amy had spent her life being extremely cautious, always treading lightly. Despite such a cautious upbringing, Amy remained so innocent and joyful. This was a testament to her parents’ upbringing. If they hadn’t raised her properly, she wouldn’t be the person she is today.

Katelyn shook off her thoughts and turned to Amy. “Let’s put aside these gloomy topics. Come on, let’s enjoy a drink.”

Amy quickly snapped out of her sadness, lifting her glass of red wine to clink it with Katelyn’s.

“I’m truly happy to have met you, Miss Bailey.”

It had been quite some time since she had such an open conversation with anyone.

As Katelyn was about to reply, her phone unexpectedly rang.

Katelyn glanced at her phone. A message from Jaxen popped up. “I’ve arrived in Yata. I’m going to see Alfy now. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

She raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t wasting any time—going straight for Alfy the moment he arrived. Jaxen had never been one to hide his feelings, which, in a way, was a good thing. At least Alfy wouldn’t be hurt.

Amy caught Katelyn’s reaction and figured it must be a message from a friend. But she didn’t ask. She simply continued sipping her drink and picking at her food. After all the heavy conversations, she was finally starting to unwind.

But just as she finished eating, her phone rang. She answered, and after a brief exchange, she looked at Katelyn with a hint of urgency. “Miss Bailey, I need to head home now.” Her parents would worry too much if she didn’t return early.

Katelyn understood and didn’t insist. She simply nodded. “Alright, I’ll walk you downstairs.”

Amy wasn’t exactly great with directions. If she got lost in the hotel, finding her again would be a hassle.

Amy chuckled awkwardly but didn’t refuse. “Then I’ll trouble you, Miss Bailey.”

Katelyn smiled lightly. “It’s nothing.”

Since both of them had been drinking, they were a little unsteady as they stood up.

Katelyn saw Amy off, watching as Amy got into the car. But just as she turned to head back inside, a hand grabbed her arm. Before she could react—Smack! A sharp slap echoed through the hotel entrance, turning heads.

Slightly dulled by the alcohol, Katelyn turned to see who had hit her. Fiona.

Fiona’s face was twisted with rage as she glared at Katelyn. “It’s all your fault, you bitch! My family is ruined because of you! I’ll kill you today!” She rolled up her sleeves, hand raised for another slap. But this time, Katelyn wasn’t about to take it. The moment Fiona swung, Katelyn caught her wrist. Katelyn’s grip was iron-tight. Fiona’s face went pale. Pain shot through her arm, and she screamed, “Ouch! Let go of me, you bitch!” Even through the pain, she kept cursing.

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