From the moment Khalid had entered the picture, Vincent had noticed the familiarity in Katelyn's gaze, the unspoken understanding between them. It wasn't something she shared with just anyone. And Khalid was a man. How could Vincent possibly stay indifferent? He might not have said anything, but that didn't mean he didn't care.

Katelyn's smile deepened. "Let me get a good look at a jealous you." She gently cradled Vincent's face in her hands. Holding it steady, she studied him for a moment. Then, with a soft smile, she pressed a light kiss to the tip of his nose.

"Jealousy looks good on you. But you really have no reason to be. His heart belongs to Ashlyn, and Ashlyn alone."

This wasn't something just Katelyn believed. She was certain Vincent could see it too. Otherwise, he would've lost his temper long ago.

Vincent let out a resigned sigh and muttered, "Of course I know that. Or do you really think he'd still be staying in my villa if I didn't?" If Khalid had any ulterior motives toward Katelyn, Vincent would've thrown him out ages ago. No way would he let another man linger so close to her.

Seeing his lingering sulkiness, Katelyn couldn't resist rubbing her nose against his cheek, coaxing him like a grumpy lover.

"I knew my man was the most understanding. The one who loves me the most. And the one I love the most."

Her bold declaration sent a flicker of embarrassment across Vincent's face. A faint blush crept up his ears, and at that moment, they burned bright red.

Amused, Katelyn leaned in and whispered, "I like you like this."

At that moment, Vincent pulled the car over to the side of the road. His eyes burned with an intense, fervent gaze. He drew Katelyn into his arms, resting his forehead against hers.

"Did you do that on purpose?" he questioned, his voice dropping to a low whisper.

They had both been preoccupied with their own affairs over the past few days, leaving little time for togetherness. Katelyn's deliberate affection had tested Vincent's self-control. His grip around her waist instinctively tightened.

But Katelyn only smiled, offering no response.

Vincent exhaled softly, his gaze softening. "Take good care of yourself during this time."

Katelyn knew he meant well, that he cared deeply for her. Naturally, she said no more, instead wrapping her arms around his neck and nestling into his embrace.

"Then let me hold you for a while."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Vincent's lips as they remained locked in an embrace. His mind drifted back to their earlier conversation about Khalid and Ashlyn. His expression softened as he looked at her. "You can't appear right now, but don't worry about them. I have people protecting them."

He knew what weighed most heavily on Katelyn's heart. Once, it had been the Bailey family that anchored her. But with them gone, she clung even tighter to those still in her life. If anything were to happen to Ashlyn because of her, Katelyn would drown in self-blame.

In truth, even without Vincent's assurance, Katelyn knew he had made these arrangements. The people around her had already detected shifts in Vincent's security personnel.

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