Just then, Katelyn’s phone rang. She checked the caller ID, and her expression immediately darkened.
Vincent, sensing something was amiss, quickly asked, “Is something wrong?”
Katelyn didn’t answer him directly. Instead, she answered the phone, saying, “Princess Ryanna, how can I help you?”
It had been some time since Ryanna last reached out, and her call now left Katelyn feeling somewhat perplexed.
As always, Ryanna’s voice was gentle. “Miss Bailey, I deeply regret not intervening sooner. I apologize.”
Katelyn was caught off guard. Was this call really just to apologize? She felt skeptical.
Ryanna had always stayed in the background, never confronting Katelyn directly. Katelyn knew well that Ryanna’s motives were often less than sincere. Given that Ryanna had once been engaged to Vincent, her sudden warmth seemed highly implausible.
Katelyn had come to understand through past interactions that while some people were genuinely kind, Ryanna wasn’t one of them. Playing along with Ryanna’s courteous facade, Katelyn responded gently, “It’s alright. Let’s just move on from it.”
Though Katelyn could see through Ryanna’s likely intentions, she chose not to confront her. She had no interest in extending the conversation.
Ryanna added, “I’ve been feeling guilty about it. I have a voucher for you, and I’d like to offer it as a way to make up for things.” Katelyn’s brow furrowed.
Even Vincent frowned when he heard this. Such compensation felt inappropriate.
Sensing their skepticism, Ryanna quickly clarified, “Please don’t misunderstand. This voucher entitles you to choose any ten items from a prestigious gem collection.”
? ．
A voucher for ten items from a prestigious gem collection? The worth of those items was extraordinary.
Katelyn was not lacking in wealth, but even she was taken aback by Ryanna’s generous offer. Could Ryanna really afford to part with such valuable possessions? Katelyn found herself puzzled. Vincent, overhearing the conversation, shared Katelyn’s astonishme
Yet, with Ryanna extending what seemed like an olive branch, Katelyn felt compelled to respond.
Katelyn replied with restraint, “Princess Ryanna, your offer is overly generous, but I must decline. We are quite content as things stand.” While indifferent to the gems themselves, Katelyn recognized the significance of the gesture.
Ryanna, realizing that further persuasion would be useless, smiled faintly and said, “If you insist. Would you consider visiting my palace instead?”
She quickly added, worried about any misinterpretation, “I thought, since you’ve made the journey to Yata, it might be nice to spend some time together.”
Katelyn then understood Ryanna’s intent. Ryanna was attempting to forge a closer connection.
Still, Ryanna’s approach made Katelyn uncertain how to reply. Before responding, Katelyn shared a look with Vincent and then agreed, “Of course.”
.
.
.