?Chapter 30:


    Later that evening, a post titled Vincent’s Rendezvous with a Mystery Woman surged in poprity, igniting discussions among tens of thousands ofizens. Along with it, multiple topics regarding his love life surfaced.


    The post featured a photo. The restaurant’s soft lighting bathed the two figures in a warm glow. Vincent’s lips curled into a faint smile, and the woman opposite him wore her hair in a simple low ponytail, her profile striking. Though her full face wasn’t visible, her beauty was evident.


    Online viewers erupted with excitement. In just half an hour, the post amassed millions of views and hundreds of thousands ofments, all centered around Vincent.


    Ever since Vincent had stepped into the public eye, he had been described as stern, handsome, and adept. This was the first time he had been photographed with a woman.


    The image piqued the curiosity ofizens, who eagerly began to investigate the identity of the woman. Onement read, “Vincent looks handsome from every angle, without exception.”


    Another remarked, “Just glimpsing the side profile through the screen suggests they make a great couple.”


    One user asked, “Hispanion is so beautiful. Is she a celebrity? Her face is lovely, and her aura is captivating.”


    Othersmented, “The long-time bachelor has finally found love. The typically work-focused Vincent is actually having dinner with a woman.”


    Upon reading thesements, Lise was overwhelmed with jealousy, to the point of nearly dropping her phone. Vincent had never shown such tenderness with any woman. How had Katelyn, of all people, managed to attract his attention?


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    Why did she deserve such an outstanding man?


    Shouldn’t Katelyn be devastated over Neil’s betrayal?


    Lise’s mood soured, and she inadvertently dropped her fork during the meal. The others at the table turned to look at her.


    Neil looked up, concerned. “Lise, what’s wrong?”


    Lise hesitated before responding, “Neil, I stumbled upon a news article, but I’m hesitant to share it with you.”


    Confused, Neil inquired, “What is it? Why can’t you tell me?”


    After pausing, Lise handed her phone to Neil.


    “Looks like Katelyn has started anew. The inte is celebrating their union,” she exined.


    Neil’s expression turned grim instantly. As he read the article, his eyes grew cold.


    Lise sighed, a mock guilt weighing on her. “Neil, this is partly my fault. If I hadn’t appeared, Katelyn might not have tried to retaliate by getting close to other men. But this is damaging her reputation more than anything.” The more Lise spoke, the guiltier she felt, her eyes beginning to water.


    Neil clutched the phone, scrutinizing the photo, his brows knitted in concern.


    “So, they even clicked after you and the Baileys left? Toasting to their newfound camaraderie?”


    “What could possibly follow?” he pondered aloud. “Could it lead to something more intimate?”


    A coil of anger and jealousy formed inside Neil. This scenario was far from what he had envisioned. Katelyn should be remorseful and longing for his return. Neil returned the phone with a sneer. “A woman who maniptes situations for her advantage doesn’t deserve true love. She’ll face the consequences of her actions eventually.”


    Sharon gently patted Lise’s hand, offeringfort. “Lise, don’t me yourself for everything. Katelyn is beyond redemption. It’s best to just ignore her.”


    Sharon’s gaze darkened with contempt as she added, “Katelyn can’t hold a candle to you.”


    Lise hesitated but then nodded. Despite the reassurance, jealousy lingered in her heart.


    Jeff exhaled, evidently weary of the topic, and suggested, “Let’s just focus on the meal.”


    Meanwhile, Katelyn had just exited the restaurant when her phone rang with a call from Aimee.


    “I didn’t expect your rtionship to advance so swiftly. How was the dinner date tonight?”


    Confused, Katelyn responded, “What are you referring to? I’m at a loss here.”


    Aimeeughed knowingly. “Thetest online post has revealed your outing with Vincent. Now, everyone knows about your dinner date tonight.”


    “What?!” Katelyn was shocked.


    Without wasting another moment, Katelyn essed the trending search.


    Disyed prominently were Vincent’s name and their photo together.


    A past incident shed through her mind, causing her heart to flutter anxiously.


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