Katelyn recognized the voice without needing to turn around. It belonged to Annie.

Annie’s face, though not fully healed, was beautifully made up.

Vincent’s cold eyes and presence had scared Annie enough to keep her silent in the palace for several days. Annie was caught off guard by Katelyn’s arrival before she could stir up any trouble again. Newest update provided by find?novel.net

This was her territory—the royal palace. If she wanted Katelyn dead, nobody could interfere.

With a lift of her chin and an air of arrogance, Annie ordered the guards standing beside her, “What are you waiting for? Capture this woman! Throw her into the dungeon and make sure she learns her lesson.” The guards charged forward, weapons in hand.

Vincent blocked their path to Katelyn, his eyes fixed on Annie. “What are you planning?”

“Revenge,” Annie responded through clenched teeth.

Hatred for Katelyn was evident in her eyes.

“She turned me into a laughingstock. Now she’ll pay.” Had it not been for her fear of Vincent’s reaction, Annie would have already had Katelyn punished severely.

Katelyn stared at her challengers with unflinching eyes. “You obviously didn’t learn from our last encounter.”

Annie’s voice was strained as she replied, “I was too kind before, letting you slip away. But now that you’re here, I won’t let you off again.”

She snapped at the guards, saying, “What are you waiting for? Go on, do it now! I’ll take the blame.”

Barry quickly stepped in to shield Katelyn, glaring at Annie with displeasure.

“Your Highness, remember, this is the royal palace. It’s not your place to act so boldly. Miss Bailey is the king’s honored guest today. Are you prepared for the consequences if you harm her?”

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A sneer crossed Annie’s face as if she had just heard a ridiculous joke.

“What did you say? The king invited her? Impossible. She’s nothing but a bitch who stole another’s fiancé.” Annie’s eyes overflowed with scorn. She didn’t believe a word Barry said.

The idea that the king had invited Katelyn seemed unbelievable to Annie.

Growing impatient, Annie directly threatened, “Barry, this is a personal matter between her and me. You’d do well to stay out of it, or you might find yourself arrested too.”

Barry was merely a servant, while Annie was a member of the royal family.

In terms of status, Annie was undoubtedly the more prestigious one.

But Barry was more than just a servant; he was the king’s most trusted aide.

Barry’s expression grew cold as he mocked, “What exactly do you plan to do? Are you thinking of punishing me in private as well?”

“Step aside now, and I’ll spare you. But push me further, and…” Annie paused, her gaze dripping with disdain.

“When I acknowledge you, you are the king’s trusted aide. When I don’t, you’re nothing but a lackey at his side. How dare you interfere in my matters?”

Annie was no ordinary noble lady. She shared a bloodline with the current king.

Ryanna Cromwell, the king’s daughter, was her cousin. This connection alone was significant enough for Barry to reconsider his actions.

Ryanna and Annie had always shared a close bond. Yet, looking back at Katelyn, Barry decided to support her. His instincts told him that in a choice between Katelyn and Annie, the king would favor Katelyn.

Barry couldn’t pinpoint why he felt this way, but he was convinced of Katelyn’s importance to the king.

Annie was nearing the end of her patience. All she wanted was to capture Katelyn and imprison her in the dungeon to torture her.

“Take her!” Annie commanded sharply.

Vincent remained steadfast in front of Katelyn. “Annie, if you keep this up, I will make sure you pay the price.”

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