Neil clenched his fists, his expression dark as he focused on Katelyn. His suspicions only grew stronger. If it weren’t for the mask Hades wore, her actions and words would be indistinguishable from Katelyn’s. Her words sounded just like something Katelyn would say. Could friends truly become so alike over time?

“This isn’t just about Katelyn anymore. That woman needs to be taught a lesson,” Sharon barked, fuming. If word got out, how could she uphold her status among the elite? Who would ever take her seriously again? Still, mindful of Hades’ power, Sharon left a sliver of room for negotiation. “If you apologize to me now and bring Katelyn here, I might let this go. But…” Sharon paused, her eyes narrowing.

Katelyn’s curiosity was stirred, and she leaned in. “But what?”

Sharon gritted her teeth in fury and continued, “This is your only shot. Miss it, and even if you grovel for my forgiveness, you won’t get a second chance!”

Katelyn couldn’t suppress a laugh. Did Sharon truly realize how ridiculous her ultimatum sounded? The whole thing was just too amusing.

Katelyn finally stopped laughing when she’d had her fill, but by then, the expressions on Sharon and the others had turned visibly grim.

“What’s so funny?” Sharon snapped, glaring at her.

Katelyn’s lips curled into a knowing smile, her voice laced with mischief. “You want me to bring Katelyn here…”

With a hint of urgency, Sharon asked, “What’s your deal?”

“You’ll all have to beg me,” Katelyn replied, her gaze returning to Sharon. Her lips curled into a playful smile. With a teasing glance at Sharon, she added, “I’m the only one who can connect with Katelyn now. If you want to see her, you’ll have to beg.”

Sharon’s face contorted with fury, her eyes blazing as she hissed, “Don’t overestimate yourself, Hades. You’ll pay for this arrogance.” Katelyn’s smile stayed icy as she gave a careless shrug.

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“And then what?”

Those three words left Sharon momentarily stunned. This vile woman was just as unbearable as Katelyn. Concerned that the Wheeler and Bailey families could be dragged into this, Lise quickly said, “Mom, maybe we should just leave it alone. Katelyn probably realizes how intense things are getting and is likely hiding by now.”

Sharon’s eyes fell on Lise’s injured arm, and a surge of anger and heartache filled her. “When I find that bitch, I’ll make her pay—I’ll break both her legs myself,” Sharon said.

Katelyn’s eyes flashed with contempt, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, really? I’d love to see if you have the guts.”

“You!” Sharon stammered, but once again, words failed her.

Neil had been silent from the start, his intense gaze locked on Katelyn. If he shut his eyes and blocked out the rough tone, the way Hades spoke would be eerily like Katelyn. Could it really be just a coincidence?

A calm voice suddenly echoed down the hallway.

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