“Katelyn, how did you get those wounds? Have you been infected by Hades?” Despite Vincent’s quick efforts to control the news, Hades had become a buzzing topic, with explosive headlines spreading rapidly.
Katelyn looked at Lise with a blank expression, her voice laced with annoyance. “Why are you here again?”
Lise stepped back, a frown creasing her face as she insisted, “You should get a test right away. If you’re carrying the infection, you can’t risk going to the hospital.”
Though Lise had no medical knowledge, the mere mention of an “infectious disease” sent a chill through her. Deep down, she hoped Katelyn was infected and that Carol would catch it—so long as she herself stayed safe.
Katelyn’s gaze was cold as she locked eyes with Lise. She took a step forward, making Lise retreat in haste.
“What’s your plan, Katelyn? Are you trying to infect me now that you’re sick?”
Katelyn’s lips curled into a frosty smile, her patience clearly wearing thin. “If I’m infected, I won’t let you get away with it.”
“How dare you!” Lise’s expression shifted sharply. Given Katelyn’s deep hatred for her, it wouldn’t have been beyond her to do something like that.
Katelyn cast Lise a dismissive glance before walking out of the hospital. But as soon as she returned to the company, a flurry of whispers greeted her.
Katelyn halted in her tracks.
The whole conversation centered on the startling news that Hades had contracted an infectious disease. The group heatedly debated the credibility of these claims and pondered the fate of those depending on Hades’ care should the rumors prove true. As endless murmurs filled the air, Katelyn entered with a calm expression. Silence took over the bustling break room the moment she appeared.
“Miss Bailey,” called out a voice.
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With a subtle nod, Katelyn acknowledged the greeting, clearly uninterested in joining the circulating rumors. Then, in a hushed tone, someone added, “I remember Hades and Miss Bailey used to be quite close.”
This remark suddenly brought their friendship back into focus. Nearby, Zoey, who had been quiet, tightened her grip into fists. She was only now finding out about this.
“How does Katelyn, of all people, get to be friends with someone as distinguished as Hades?” she wondered silently. Her eyes then drifted to a band-aid on Katelyn’s finger.
“Miss Bailey, what happened to your hand? Were you perhaps infected while with Hades?” Zoey asked, her voice dripping with feigned astonishment.
At her words, those standing close to Katelyn instinctively stepped back, reflecting Lise’s earlier cautiousness. Zoey placed a hand over her mouth, mimicking regret.
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