Annie’s eyes flashed with intense anger, her face contorting into a fierce scowl. In a moment of defiance, she ripped off her mask, her jaw clenched as fury surged through her veins. Every painstaking step had led her here, inching closer to Jacques to secure her place in Granville.

Her plan had been simple. She would pull Vincent into an intimate embrace at the end of the waltz, and then dance more with him. If she could create that closeness, she was certain he would finally notice her. But she never anticipated his swift rejection—or that he would turn his attention to Katelyn instead.

Annie’s fingers tightened around the mask. Katelyn had to go. She was an obstacle in her way. The applause swelled in the hall as the emcee stepped onto the stage, his excitement radiating from him.

“Thank you both for an unforgettable performance! It’s clear who tonight’s champions are. Here’s a special gift for you.”

As he finished, he handed Katelyn a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a carefully wrapped gift box. The audience’s cheers washed over them, a wave of enthusiasm. Inside the box lay a stunning butterfly bracelet, its wings shimmering like tiny jewels in the light.

Katelyn’s eyes lit up with joy as she smiled and nodded. “Thank you.” Th?s chapter is updated by find(?)ovel.net

Their dance had lifted the mood of the evening, filling the air with a cheerful buzz that enveloped everyone present.

Once the special activity ended, all the women hurried back to the changing room to switch back into their original outfits.

Katelyn slipped into a changing stall, her fingers quickly unzipping her dance gown. But as she reached for her clothes, she froze, her heart racing—her dress was ruined, splattered with a large, shocking patch of bright red paint.

“Who in the world… did this?” she gasped.

What had once been a lovely dress was now marred by the red paint, completely ruining its charm. Clutching the damaged fabric tightly, Katelyn stepped out of the stall, her expression cold as she scanned the other women in the dressing room.

Your adventure awaits at gα?ησν?s?c〇m

“Who ruined my dress? It’s covered in red paint!” Katelyn yelled, her anger boiling over.

The other women exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke up.

“We were all busy changing and didn’t see anything,” one woman finally said, her tone uncertain. Another added, “There are no cameras here. Whoever did this likely took advantage of that. Maybe someone has it out for you.”

Katelyn’s thoughts immediately went to Annie, a chill creeping over her.

Annie had been at the banquet and had danced on stage too. Katelyn fixed her gaze on Annie, sharp and intense. “Did you do this?” she demanded, her voice steady and fierce.

Annie leaned casually against the wall, a smirk playing on her lips, clearly enjoying the moment.

“Don’t try to pin this on me. I’m not part of your little drama,” she replied, crossing her arms and laughing dismissively. “I’d rather deal with you directly than ruin your dress. If we were in Yata, you wouldn’t still be breathing.”

Her eyes glinted with fierce hatred as she spoke. Although Annie was noble in Yata, she knew Granville wouldn’t show her any favors, especially with Katelyn being a local. If she truly tried to hurt Katelyn here, the laws would come down hard on her.

Annie cursed her past hesitation, wishing she had acted decisively to eliminate Katelyn from her life.

Katelyn clutched her ruined dress, her voice icy. “Looks like you’ve forgotten your lesson. Did your broken hand heal that quickly?”

Annie’s expression shifted, her jaw tightening with rage. “Stop throwing around accusations without proof. What evidence do you have that I did this?” she retorted, defiance flashing in her eyes.

A flicker of mockery danced in Katelyn’s eyes. Annie was as reckless as ever, stirring up trouble without a thought for the consequences.

With a firm grip, Katelyn stepped closer and seized Annie’s wrist. Red paint glimmered between her fingers—undeniable proof of Annie’s wrongdoing when she ruined Katelyn’s dress.

“What’s your excuse now?” Katelyn challenged, her voice steady and strong.

Annie jerked her arm, desperate to break free. “Let go of me, Katelyn! You have to let go!” She spat the words, fury twisting her features.

Hatred for Katelyn bubbled inside her. Why did it always seem like she was trapped in this woman’s shadow?

Katelyn’s voice rang out, cold and sharp. “You need to apologize for what you’ve done and pay for my dress.” She held Annie’s gaze, her expression fierce and unyielding.

From the start, Katelyn had sensed that Annie’s sudden arrival in Granville was part of a scheme to keep her under surveillance. Now, Ryanna’s remark about ending her engagement with Vincent in a year felt like yet another betrayal layered on top of everything.

But this time, Annie had really crossed a line. Katelyn’s custom-designed dress was ruined, and anger surged through her.

Annie’s jaw tightened, defiance burning in her eyes. “Apologize to you? Not a chance!”

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