Vincent continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, “They’ve also had dealings with the T Organization. And the Robles family? They’re just a minor connection point in the grand scheme of things.” A cold shiver traced its icy fingers down Katelyn’s spine.
For the Robles family—a noble house of such distinguished stature—to serve as merely the smallest point of contact… what formidable power lurked behind the largest hub in this operation?
Katelyn couldn’t even begin to fathom the vast scale of the illicit industry at play, its tentacles reaching into places she’d never imagined.
Vincent, after providing a brief explanation, didn’t elaborate further. Instead, his voice dropped to a grave whisper as he warned, “You must shield yourself and avoid reckless actions. If Bernie is indeed involved, then he’s likely entangled in this entire web.”
Once someone became ensnared in the black market’s grip, their humanity practically evaporated like morning dew under a merciless sun. Going head-to-head with such individuals would inevitably end in devastating loss.
Katelyn immediately grasped Vincent’s meaning, her expression hardening with resolve. “I understand.”
Vincent, seeing her comprehension, didn’t press the matter further. After exchanging a few more cautionary words, he ended the call. Katelyn pondered his warning intensely, methodically crafting a plan in her mind. Tonight, vigilance would be her closest companion.
Deep within her heart, she genuinely hoped Bernie was innocent. If he became entangled in this treacherous affair, it would shatter Alfy’s world beyond repair.
She forced herself to push aside the tempest of her personal feelings. Regardless of what ugly truths might surface, tonight would unveil them all.
: gν
That evening, when Alfy received Bernie’s news that Katelyn would be joining them for dinner, unbridled joy swept across her face like sunshine breaking through clouds.
To Alfy, Katelyn represented the person she cherished most, while Bernie remained her beloved uncle. She had always yearned for harmony between these two pillars of her life. Being surrounded by her loved ones filled her heart with genuine happiness.
Her excitement ran so deep that despite never having ventured into culinary territory before, Alfy now immersed herself in planning the evening’s menu with meticulous care. She might not know how to cook, but she knew Katelyn’s preferences by heart.
The household servants, who had devoted themselves to Alfy’s care, couldn’t suppress their tender smiles. Never before had they witnessed her so animated about a visitor gracing their home. From Alfy’s reaction, they observed the profound affection she harbored for Katelyn. Clutching her phone with determined focus, Alfy scrolled through recipes while instructing with unexpected authority, “Ensure the broccoli maintains its crispness.”
She rarely gave orders, preferring to treat the staff with genuine kindness, which created a lighthearted atmosphere throughout the kitchen. One of the maids chuckled warmly. “Don’t worry, we will follow your instructions to the letter.”
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