Katelyn’s smile was subtle, her tone casual yet filled with unmistakable confidence.

Vincent glanced at Samuel, who was standing next to him, and received a nod of understanding in return.

Vincent, having always had faith in Katelyn, now found it even more convincing that the painting was indeed her creation.

Still, the idea that such a masterpiece could be hand-drawn seemed truly marvelous.

Neil was waiting for Katelyn’s response, skepticism clouding his eyes. He quickly retorted, “Don’t exaggerate. I don’t believe you can really do this. Show us by drawing another one right here, right now.”

Katelyn stayed calm, almost as if she were controlling a game and Neil was merely a reluctant participant.

“Sure,” she responded, her smile unwavering.

Her answer drew skeptical looks from those around them. Could they have misunderstood? Was it possible that Katelyn had truly painted the original, and could she replicate it on the spot?

Some in the crowd rushed back to the painting to take a closer look, struggling to accept that it was completely handmade.

Neil leaned back in his wheelchair, his eyes briefly showing disdain.

“Alright, then paint something here and show us what you’ve got,” he said.

Katelyn agreed without hesitation. “No problem. But doesn’t this seem like a bet now? If I manage this, how will you apologize for your earlier doubts?”

Determination gleamed in Neil’s eyes as he tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair.

“You set the terms, and I’ll follow through. But what happens if you fail to paint?”

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Katelyn paused to think, then replied, “In that case, you dictate the terms, and I will adhere to them.”

A slight narrowing of Neil’s eyes betrayed his anticipation of victory.

His goal for the day was clear: to utterly disgrace Katelyn. He accused her of using computer technology to create an artwork and then claiming it as her own handmade creation.

“Should you fail, you must leave Adams Group, join Wheeler Group, and fulfill the design commitment you made to me earlier.”

Neil’s tone was casual, yet it masked the true condition he had envisioned all along.

Despite his animosity toward Katelyn, Neil acknowledged the advantages her skills would bring. Having Katelyn join Wheeler Group could dramatically revive his stalled jewelry business. Read complete version only at find{n}ovel.net

Vincent’s eyes sparkled with intensity as he heard Neil, his presence overwhelming and commanding, enough to instill a trace of fear in Neil.

He marveled silently at the growing strength of Vincent’s presence.

Vincent’s voice was cold as he warned, “Mr. Wheeler, remember that Katelyn is contractually bound to me.”

Neil remained unfazed, replying casually, “But we’ve just agreed to a wager. Are you ready to accept defeat so soon, or do you doubt Katelyn’s capabilities?”

Katelyn’s gaze sharpened as she studied Neil, observing his serious demeanor. She recognized a complete transformation in him.

She had thought Neil’s recent setback in life might lead to his downfall, yet she hadn’t anticipated it becoming a pivotal lesson for him.

Neil now carried an inscrutable air, deep and unfathomable, making him more challenging to handle than before. He had even mastered the art of provocation.

Katelyn felt a hint of regret for discharging those two shots.

She discreetly pulled on Vincent’s sleeve, signaling him to remain calm.

No matter the stakes of the bet, she was confident in her ability to win.

Catching the signal in Katelyn’s gaze, Vincent nodded, easing the tense aura surrounding him.

His worry was not over Katelyn’s potential loss, but rather his displeasure at Neil using Katelyn’s employment as leverage in their bet. Neil had clearly not yet given up on Katelyn.

The only one left with a distinctly sour expression was Lise.

What was Neil’s true intention in proposing that Katelyn join Wheeler Group? Was it to reignite past affections? Had he ever considered her feelings?

This situation once again proved that men often failed to realize the value of what they had until it was gone—Neil included.

They didn’t appreciate their blessings until they were no longer theirs.

Suddenly, a figure rushed in.

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