?Chapter 295:


    Katelyn’s response took everyone by surprise. She now regarded Neil as an enemy and seemed determined to see him face financial ruin as soon as possible. Her thoughts were clear, with no attempt to conceal them. Her expression made it evident, and she didn’t care what anyone else thought.


    Standing with her arms crossed, Katelyn positioned herself as a mere spectator, watching the drama unfold.


    “If you choose not to work with me, I can refund the deposit at any time. However, there will be a 30% penalty fee for breaching the agreement. If we continue working together and I hear any more attempts to manipte me, I will terminate the contract on my own, and the deposit will not be returned.”


    Lise red at Katelyn, unable to believe what she was hearing. She gritted her teeth and said, “You haven’t even signed a formal contract with Neil—just a verbal agreement. How can you enforce such one-sided terms?”


    Katelyn’s voice remained calm and detached as she replied, “The name ‘Iris’ carries its own reputation. You can ask anyone about the contracts I’ve been involved with over the years. Isn’t it standard practice to deduct a penalty fee when someone breaks an agreement?”


    Lise was so enraged that she could barely find her voice. Her thoughts were a torrent of curses.


    She cursed inwardly, This woman! How dare she act so arrogantly?


    Lise believed Katelyn was being bold only because she knew the Wheeler Group urgently needed her designs. Silently, she vowed that once they were past this crisis, she would make Katelyn pay double for the insult.


    Still, Katelyn’s defiant stance should have made it clear to Neil that things between them were finished.


    Neil’s eyes were filled with anger, and his voice was strained as he spoke through clenched teeth.


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    “And what if you’re the one who breaks the contract?”


    “That won’t happen. Instead of waiting for me to slip up, you’d be better off making sure Lise stops targeting me again. When I say the deposit is non-refundable, I mean it.” Katelyn’s words were firm, but a sh of regret flickered in her eyes. Why did I even bother to warn them? she thought.


    Walking away with arge sum without having to design anything would have been perfect!


    If things yed out that way, Katelyn might even find herself thanking Lise.


    Lise forced herself to take a deep breath, holding back the angry words she longed to unleash.


    Putting on her best act, she spoke in a soft, wounded tone. “Katelyn, you’ve misunderstood me from the start. No matter what I say, you always twist my words, even when I’m just trying to offer some friendly advice.”


    “I’m not interested in your friendly advice,” Katelyn replied, cutting her off sharply before she could continue.


    She still held the sniper rifle effortlessly, her gaze calm and almost indifferent.


    “Are you done talking? If so, get out of here. Don’t spoil my mood.”


    She would rather face a year of nonstop overtime at thepany than spend another moment looking at Neil and Lise.


    Neil took a deep breath, his teeth clenched, and turned to Vincent, who seemed lost in thought.


    “Mr. Adams, can’t you see what’s happening here? Katelyn is far from simple. She’s a master maniptor who deceived me for three years. My painful experience should serve as a warning to you. Don’t let yourself be fooled.”


    His words,den with the tone of a victim, only deepened the disgust in Katelyn’s eyes. Before Vincent could respond, she interrupted, her voice cold and sharp.


    “Neil, your shamelessness truly knows no limits.”<fn90df> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on fin?novel</fn90df>


    Her tone was heavy with sarcasm and bitterness. At one point, Katelyn had thought Neil was simply clueless about rtionships, but now she saw just how despicable he had be.


    “You deceived me for three years. Do you really think I can just let that go?” Katelyn’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Adams, you should consider this carefully. Not only is Katelyn a liar, but she’s also a divorced woman with a tarnished reputation. What will people think if you two be involved? How will the public perceive it? Can the Adams family truly ept someone like her?”


    Katelyn’s thoughts were spinning with confusion.


    This was supposed to be a discussion about their issues, so how had it suddenly turned into an attack on her rtionship with Vincent?


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