?Chapter 38:


    With her hands sped tightly, Katelyn shook her head slowly, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.


    “I don’t know. It’s just a suspicion—I don’t have any solid evidence,” she murmured.


    Currently, her main concern was Vincent’s recovery, not uncovering the schemer behind the attack. She held a silent prayer in her heart for Vincent’s safety. The wait outside the operating room felt endless, each minute stretching into what seemed like an eternity. Katelyn was engulfed in misery and anxiety.


    Then the doors of the operating room swung open. Katelyn, propelled by urgency, surged forward and nearly stumbled in her haste.


    Her eyes, wide with concern, searched the doctor’s face for any sign.


    “Doctor, how is he? Is he out of danger?” she asked, her voice tight with worry.


    The doctor removed his mask and reassured her. “Don’t worry. The bullet missed his heart by merely an inch, but he’ll be fine. He must avoid strenuous activities while he recovers, though.”


    Relief washed over Katelyn, and she let out a long breath, her tension easing.


    “Thank you, doctor,” she responded gratefully.


    Vincent, still under the effects of anesthesia, was carefully moved to the intensive care unit, with Samuel handling the necessary paperwork.


    Just then, the sound of hurried high heels echoed down the corridor.


    A woman appeared, her presence marked by a blend of elegance and urgency. Herplexion was wless, a testament to meticulous care, yet her expression was undeniably anxious, revealing inner turmoil. Cristina Adams hurried over and intercepted the doctor.


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    “How is my son? Is he alright?” she asked urgently.


    “The surgery went very well. He’s no longer in danger,” the doctor replied quickly.


    Cristina let out a relieved sigh and murmured, “Thank goodness.”


    Katelyn observed from the side, realizing that this poised woman was Vincent’s mother.


    Cristina exuded an aura of dignity and authority. Suddenly, her gaze shifted to Katelyn, eyes narrowing with suspicion.


    “Who are you? Why are you here?” Cristina demanded.


    Before Katelyn could respond, one of Cristina’s aides interjected,


    “Mrs. Adams, thisdy is the designer coborating with ourpany. Mr. Adams was injured while trying to protect her during the shooting.”


    Cristina’s demeanor changed instantly. “Exin,” shemanded.


    The aide continued, “There was an ambush, and during the attack, Mr. Adams shielded her, taking a bullet in the process. Also, she’s under suspicion for another incident at thepany today involving the murder of the design department head.”


    With each revtion, Cristina’s expression grew sterner. Katelyn, caught off guard, struggled to find the right words.


    Indeed, she was a prime suspect in the murder case. Vincent had been injured because of her, albeit unintentionally. She attempted to defend herself,


    “Mrs. Adams, this is all a misunderstanding. I did not kill anyone.”


    Cristina scoffed, “A misunderstanding? That seems far-fetched. Why were you even in the same car as Vincent?”


    Katelyn clenched her fists, trying to remainposed. “I was at the police station providing a statement. Mr. Adams kindly offered me a ride afterward.”


    Cristina spoke harshly, her tone dripping with skepticism. “Are you serious? Vincent has never been this attentive to any woman. Who are you really? Are you trying to seduce my son, or is someone trying to nt you by his side?”


    Taken aback, Katelyn quickly shook her head in denial. “You’ve got it all wrong. We are purely business partners, nothing more,” she asserted.


    Seizing the moment, Cristina’s subordinate interjected sharply, “Justst night, you were seen dining with Mr. Adams, and suddenly he’s in the public eye. Then today, there’s a shooting. Quite the coincidence, don’t you think?”


    Katelyn didn’t know what to say, her frustration evident. Facing Cristina, she pleaded earnestly, “Mrs. Adams, the truth is, there’s a conspiracy aimed at framing me.”


    Before Cristina could respond, her subordinate used Katelyn with a piercing stare, “Why do all these suspicious events revolve around you? If not for you, why would Mr. Adams be in the hospital right now?”


    Cristina’s expression darkened with fury, her anger palpable.


    Katelyn began to attempt a defense, but before she could continue, Cristina struck her across the face without a second thought.


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