The message read, “Princess Ryanna, work has kept me extremely busy lately, leaving me with no spare time. Please take good care of yourself in the hospital. Once my tasks are complete here, I’ll fly out to Yata to see you. It’s been too long, and I miss you.”
Katelyn’s face reflected a mix of emotions. The number was indeed Vincent’s, but she found it hard to believe he would write such a cheesy message. Wasn’t Vincent known for his detached demeanor? Could the presence or absence of love really make such a drastic difference?
Vincent’s affection for Ryanna seemed to explain everything. But then why had Vincent tried to make it clear to Katelyn that his relationship with Ryanna was strictly business, devoid of any emotional ties?
The way Ryanna and Vincent described their relationship was starkly different. Ryanna portrayed it as a deep, passionate romance, whereas Vincent approached it as merely a business arrangement. Could these messages then be another strategic move in his business playbook?
For some reason, Katelyn felt a sharp twinge in her chest. It was like an invisible needle had pierced through, delivering not just physical pain but a touch of sadness too. Ryanna’s behavior appeared designed to show Katelyn the strength of their bond, reinforcing her status as an outsider.
Yet, Katelyn found herself compelled to ask, “Has your relationship always been this strong?”
Ryanna’s expression dimmed as she answered, “Things were great initially, but he grew colder over time. I can’t figure out what went wrong.” She sighed wearily.
Katelyn sensed the underlying message in her words. Was Ryanna suggesting that the deterioration of their relationship was due to Katelyn’s involvement? From their first meeting to the moment Ryanna flashed the affectionate message, everything she did seemed to subtly push Katelyn away.
At that moment, Katelyn finally pinpointed the real source of her discomfort. Despite everything, Ryanna never boasted about her royal status. Instead, she subtly hinted that Katelyn should leave of her own accord.
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Katelyn looked up and met Ryanna’s gaze calmly.
“Princess, Mr. Adams and I share a purely professional relationship. You needn’t treat me as if I’m interfering in your personal affairs. Your feelings and the future of your engagement are not my concern.”
Ryanna blinked, visibly confused.
“Why would you interpret things that way and say such things? I’ve just been recovering in the palace, feeling quite bored, and was glad to finally find someone to talk to.”
Her words elicited a faint sense of irony in Katelyn’s eyes. A woman often understands another well, catching subtle hints with just a glance.
Ryanna had sent Annie to cause trouble, yet now she acted generously. She left Katelyn with no room to argue.
“You jest, Princess. We’ve only just met, and we barely know each other. Any changes in your relationship with Mr. Adams are your private affair and of no concern to me.”
Katelyn paused for a moment before continuing, “Your tactful approach is interesting, but unfortunately, it’s ineffective with me.”
Ryanna’s smile faded, and she sighed helplessly.
Observing Katelyn’s flawless appearance, even as a princess, Ryanna had to acknowledge her striking beauty. Not even characters from a fairytale could rival Katelyn’s allure.
Perhaps their only real difference lay in their backgrounds.
Having left the Bailey family, Katelyn was merely an orphan, while Ryanna had the support of the royal family.
“I still hope we can be friends,” Ryanna said.
“Thank you for the kind words, Princess, but I doubt I have that privilege,” Katelyn replied, remaining composed.
In this initial confrontation, Katelyn already perceived Ryanna’s formidable disposition.
Had someone else been in Katelyn’s place, Ryanna’s veiled comments might have provoked a stronger reaction.
Perhaps Ryanna was deliberately trying to provoke her. How could a princess from such a distinguished royal family truly be so naive?
Katelyn gave Ryanna a slight nod after speaking and then headed towards the dining hall.
Ryanna, unable to do anything but chuckle, followed her. With Jaxen at the table, the atmosphere remained warm, and nothing seemed out of place.
Katelyn took her seat next to Alfy, and as Ryanna walked past Vincent, she suddenly tripped and, with a scream, fell right into Vincent’s arms!
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