?Chapter 49:


    Standing on the stage, Katelyn surveyed the crowd below. Their gazes ranged from curiosity to contempt and disdain. But after everything she had endured, she was unfazed by their judgment.


    Taking the microphone, she spoke in a cold, steady voice. “I am no longer a member of the Bailey family. I never desired anything from them, and I will not interfere with their lives moving forward. As for all of you, just because I have left the Bailey family, it doesn’t mean you can push me around. I will not let this issue fade away. Tricia will be held ountable for her actions today.”


    She fixed Tricia with a cold, piercing gaze. Her voice, though not loud, carried an intimidating edge. “The Guerrero family deserves nothing but hell.”


    As her words hung in the air, shock gave way to increased disdain and mockery from the crowd. Without the support of the Bailey family, Katelyn was seen as insignificant. In contrast, the Guerrero family still held a position of influence. How could Katelyn possibly seek revenge?


    Tricia crossed her arms, eying Katelyn with cold disdain, and could not help butugh.


    “Do you really think your words have any weight? Without the Bailey family, you are nothing more than a pest that can be squashed with ease. How dare you talk about revenge? Let’s see if you have the capability.”


    Katelyn’s expression remained icy, her eyes calm andposed.


    “Is that so? I hope you still feel the same way tomorrow.”


    Tricia’s eyes suddenly narrowed, sensing an unexpected threat in Katelyn’s unnervingly calm tone. But how could it be? How could Katelyn possibly manage to take revenge on the Guerrero family after leaving the Bailey family?


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    It had to be a bluff, a desperate attempt to save face. With this thought, Tricia dismissed her unease and reverted to her arrogant demeanor.


    “Katelyn, let’s see who gets thestugh.”


    Katelyn maintained her expressionless demeanor as she walked out, carrying her bag.


    Ad, sneering, moved to follow Katelyn but was halted by Tricia as soon as she stepped forward.


    “Ad, you are on apletely different level from Katelyn. We share the same status. You have already betrayed us once; do you intend to do it again? If you leave with her now, you will be permanently excluded from this circle.”


    Ad’s eyes shed with sarcasm as she replied, “What’s so great about being associated with deceitful people like you?”


    Tricia, her teeth clenched in anger, said, “I am giving you onest chance. If you align with me now, I might forgive you.”


    Ad met her gaze coolly and responded, “No, thanks.”


    “You are only targeting Katelyn because she has fallen from grace. If my family were in trouble someday, you would be eager to crush me too.” She turned to address the crowd.


    “Everyone, think carefully. Associating with someone as two-faced as this is a constant risk of betrayal.”


    Tricia, fuming, clenched her fists tightly. “You—”


    Katelyn paused briefly before quickly exiting the hall, with Ad following close behind.


    Katelyn was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. She had once believed Tricia to be a true friend, only to find out that Tricia had set a trap to embarrass her. On the other hand, Ad, who had been just an ordinary friend, came to her aid when she needed it. Reflecting on her past, Katelyn realized she had been blind in both romantic and tonic rtionships.


    With a look of regret, Katelyn turned to Ad and said, “I am sorry for dragging you into this. You didn’t have to.”


    The dynamics among wealthy and influential families, even in personal rtionships, could impact future coborations between the ns. If word of this incident spread, Ad might find herself facing unwanted scrutiny.


    Katelyn was indifferent to such concerns, but Ad had more to worry about.


    Ad offered a reassuring smile and waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t overthink it. I am just following my heart. I value you more than them.”


    Despite her words, a trace of worry lingered in her eyes. “Be cautious, Katelyn,” Ad warned softly. “Tricia is quite spiteful. She mighte after you again.”


    Katelyn nodded with a smile, responding nonchntly, “I am aware.”


    Ad, her voice filled with concern, added, “I know you are strong, but please be more careful when facing people like her.”


    “Understood.” Katelyn nodded once more and gently shifted the conversation to a new topic. “I know of a great restaurant. Let’s go try their food.”


    “Sounds good.”


    After their meal, they parted ways to head home. It appeared that the day’s events had not caused significant trouble.


    The next day, Tricia received a call from her father, who was furiously berating her.


    “Tricia, who on earth did you offend?”


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