Katelyn turned to look over.
When she clearly saw who it was, a flicker of coldness crossed her eyes.
Annie?
Why had she left Yata to come to Granville?
The scars on Annie’s face had nearly vanished, a testament to her resilience. Though the cast was gone, her hand movements still seemed restrained.
Annie approached Vincent with a poised smile and an air of elegance.
Jacques looked on, surprised, his eyes darting between Vincent and Annie. “I didn’t expect you two to be acquainted.” Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find(?)ovel.net
Vincent’s gaze was icy as he scrutinized Annie. “What are you doing here?”
For a moment, Annie’s smile faltered under his stern look. Despite her fear of Vincent, the potential benefits of winning his favor straightened her posture.
“I’m modeling for Jacques,” she said.
Katelyn’s brow furrowed slightly.
A model?
Jacques had been moving towards financial ventures; why would he need a model now?
Catching the puzzlement in her gaze, Jacques explained with a smile.
“I’m revamping a clothing line and have specifically chosen Miss Cromwell as the face of our new ready-to-wear collection, which is inspired by her style.”
Vincent’s nod was slight, his expression unreadable.
“I see.”
Annie, recalling another matter, quickly added, “Oh, Mr. Adams, my cousin wanted me to send her regards. She’s coming to Granville soon to discuss potential business ventures.”
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Katelyn’s frown deepened.
Ryanna was coming to Granville too?
Was it for business, or something related to Vincent?
“Okay.”
Vincent’s reply was dismissive, signaling he wasn’t interested in further discussion.
Jacques noticed the tension, sensing Vincent’s displeasure toward Annie.
“Mr. Adams, I will demonstrate my worth,” Jacques said.
Vincent’s response was terse. “Okay.”
His brisk tone left no room for further conversation. Jacques took the hint and excused himself, but Annie lingered.
Gathering her courage, she asked, “Mr. Adams, there’s a dance later. May I have the honor of dancing with you?”
“No.” Vincent’s gaze narrowed on Annie, his eyes radiating a silent warning. “Leave my sight.”
Katelyn blinked, taken aback by his bluntness. Vincent seldom showed his emotions so openly to outsiders. He typically concealed his feelings, burying them deep within his eyes.
Annie’s smile stiffened, and their exchange had already caught the attention of onlookers. Vincent’s stark dismissal was a public rebuke—a significant humiliation for her.
Moreover, this was Granville, not Yata; her noble status held no sway here.
“Mr. Adams, there’s no need for such resistance. Once you marry my cousin, we’ll be seeing more of each other. It’s only a dance. My cousin is understanding and wouldn’t mind such a minor matter.”
“I said no,” Vincent replied, his tone even colder.
His eyes flashed frostily. “I don’t care why you’re here, but keep out of my sight.”
His warning was clear, tempered only by the fact that Annie belonged to the royal family. Anyone else attempting such familiarity would have faced harsher consequences.
Vincent’s dismissal struck Annie deeply. The courage and confidence she had meticulously built up dissipated in an instant. She retreated hastily.
Katelyn observed Annie’s swift exit, her eyes clouded with curiosity. What had Annie done to earn such disdain from Vincent?
She chose not to inquire further, instead turning her attention to the stage, where the emcee was beginning to speak.
“Welcome, everyone, to tonight’s banquet. I hope you all enjoy your evening.” The emcee paused, surveying the crowd before continuing.
“We have a special activity planned. Everyone will wear masks and matching outfits to see if they can identify their partners and perform a dance on stage. The pair with the highest score will win extra prizes.”
Katelyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unique event. She hadn’t expected such an interactive game at the banquet.
The crowd buzzed with excitement and anticipation.
Just then, someone approached her.
“Excuse me, Miss—”
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