?Chapter 42:


    Katelyn showed no mercy as she kicked Lise, causing her to fall and clutch her stomach in agony.


    “My belly hurts,” Lise cried in pain.


    Neil quickly helped her up, ring at Katelyn with intense fury. “Are you insane? How could you kick Lise?!” he yelled.


    Unperturbed, Katelyn responded with a sneer. “Didn’t you hear her? She asked me to. I was merely fulfilling her request.”


    Meanwhile, Lise, pale and sweating, tried to bear the intense pain. Her actions contradicted her initial reaction to the leg injury—her focus was now on her stomach.


    Impressed by the discrepancy, Katelynmented sarcastically, “I targeted your leg, but here you are clutching your belly. Try to stay in character, will you?”


    Lise’s difort was obvious, but before she could correct the misunderstanding, Neil angrily interjected, “What do you know about her pain? You caused her pain! Lise, should we see a doctor?”


    Worried, Neil reflected on the fact that Lise’s period waste, and her fall only added to their concern. However, since there was no bleeding, he hoped the situation wasn’t dire.


    After a brief moment of relief, Lise nced at Katelyn and remarked sadly, “Katelyn, you’ve really let your anger out, haven’t you? When will you ask Aimee to finalize the contract?”


    Despite her pain, Lise’s concern for Neil moved him deeply. He tightened his hold on her hand affectionately, whispering tenderly.


    Lise mustered a weak smile. “As long as it helps you, it’s worth it.”


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    Katelyn, observing their dramatics, responded coldly, “I’m not the one handling the contracts. You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”


    “What?” Neil was stunned.


    As Katelyn turned away with a dismissive smile, Neil clenched his teeth in anger. “Katelyn Bailey, you will pay the price for this.”


    Lise sighed softly, gazing at him with affection.


    “Don’t worry, Neil. I’ll be with you every step of the way through all the challenges. I’ll make sure Iris signs the contract with you.”


    Her words reached the deepest corners of Neil’s heart, a ce entirely devoted to Lise.


    Neil believed that only a woman like Lise deserved his lifelong devotion and care. With a firm nod, he sped Lise’s hands.


    “Lise, your kindness overwhelms me, but please, look after yourself. I can’t bear the thought of you wearing yourself out.”


    Lise simply shook her head. “Your business is my concern too.”


    She had already devised a n to ensure the contract’s signing, confident that once sessful, Neil would value and love her even more. To maximize the impact, she decided to dy the announcement until everything was settled.


    Neil helped her to her feet and proposed softly, “Let’s go get you a doctor for a checkup. I’ll make sure Katelyn regrets her actions.”


    “Okay,” Lise replied.


    The following day, Katelyn visited Vincent’s hospital room early in the morning. She ced the insted container on the table and asked with concern, “Good morning, Mr. Adams. How are you today? Is your wound still bothering you?”


    “Much better,” Vincent replied, appearing more rested than the day before. Katelyn offered a warm smile.


    “I brought you some chicken soup. Would you like to try it?” she asked.


    Vincent arched an eyebrow but epted.


    Katelyn set down a bowl and gentlydled the soup. The broth, simmered for hours, was rich and quickly neutralized the room’s harsh disinfectant aroma. She handed the bowl to Vincent and took a seat beside his bed.


    Vincent picked up the spoon and sipped slowly, his strikingly handsome features making even the simplest of movements seem elegant.


    Gazing at him, Katelyn said solemnly, “Mr. Adams, you saved my life. I’ll always remember it. If you ever need help, please let me know.”


    Vincent shook his head slowly. “It’s no big deal, Miss Bailey. I’ve inadvertently dragged you into my mess.” Due to his unique circumstances, anyone close to him risked getting hurt. He didn’t want Katelyn to suffer because of him.


    “But you took the bullet for me, and that’s a fact,” she countered.


    Katelyn gazed at him intently, moved by his selflessness. She had never imagined anyone would shield her so bravely.


    Despite their limited acquaintance, having only met three times as business partners, there was an undeniable bond between them.


    Vincent smiled at her. As he attempted to sit up further, Katelyn quickly lent her support. However, as she reached out, her hand brushed against the sharp splinter in the wooden headboard.


    Suddenly—


    Swoosh!


    Her blouse tore from bottom to top. Katelyn’s face drained of color with shock. In an instant, her sleeve ripped apart, revealing her delicate skin underneath.


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