?Chapter 369:


    If Elora woke up one day and found herself surrounded by lies and hatred, how would she handle it?


    Selina didn’t dwell on Elora’s visit. Instead, she smoothed out the newly drawn designs on the desk, the edges still crisp from the printer.


    Dealing with Vincent was much easier than handling Elora. With Vincent and Katelyn, Selina didn’t need to exin herself. Both were sharp and understood quickly. Elora, on the other hand, moved unpredictably, always driven by hertest impulse.


    If Elora ever hit a roadblock, it would be a huge one.


    As for the threats Elora had made before storming out, Selina hadn’t taken them seriously. By the time those threats turned real, any chance for regret would have long passed. But right now, she wasn’t thinking about that.


    Selina’s focus was entirely on Poulos Castle.


    “Honestly, the designs you’ve given me are better than I expected. You’re more than qualified to discuss a partnership,” Selina said, her voice steady.


    As she spoke, her eyes lingered on Katelyn, watching her closely. Even after hearing such praise, Katelyn’s face remained calm. She didn’t allow her pride to show, and that impressed Selina even more. She had no patience for people who inted their worth when praised or fell apart when criticized.


    Katelyn smiled softly and nodded. “I’m ttered, Miss Hathaway.”


    Selina’s praise washed over her, making every sleepless night feel worthwhile. Every detail of the design had been crafted around Selina’s vision. People’s tastes were always specific, but a design that felt like art? That could transcend any niche.


    A flicker of satisfaction crossed Vincent’s face. What he valued most in Katelyn went beyond her talent or beauty.


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    It was her reliability. Whenever a task demanded precision and excellence, Katelyn delivered wlessly, every single time. Naturally, he trusted her.


    From the moment they had set the deadline, Vincent had known she wouldn’t disappoint.


    “Now, as for your wish to enter the exhibition and secure the grand finale spot,” Selina began, her tone measured, “it will depend on how quickly you can hand over the estate.”


    Selina’s words came after careful thought. “If there’s something you want from beneath the castle, I’ll make sure to secure it once I take ownership.”


    The treasures buried under the castle were numerous, and parting with ten items, or even just one, would not be a problem at all.


    Vincent’s tone remained easygoing. “I’ve already made contact with Earl Poulos. I’ll update you as soon as there’s any news.”


    Selina leaned forward slightly, her voice soft but carrying a warning. “Just a heads-up—don’t assume it will be smooth sailing. The Earl is known for being difficult. If not for his quirks, many people wouldn’t have walked away empty-handed.”


    Her eyes shifted back to Katelyn, and something about her struck a chord. As Selina studied Katelyn’s face more closely, an odd sense of recognition crept in. It puzzled her, and for a moment, she couldn’t figure out why. The feeling was so unexpected that she straightened up, her curiosity piqued.


    “Have you ever been to Yata before?” Selina asked. “I could swear I’ve seen you somewhere. You look so familiar.”


    Katelyn hesitated for a moment, clearly surprised, before shaking her head. “I think you’re confusing me with someone else. I’ve never been to Yata, and we’ve definitely never met. Maybe you’ve seen my picture in the news from back home.”


    It was a reasonable exnation, but Selina wasn’t convinced. She slowly shook her head, still trying to connect the dots.


    Her demeanor changed. No longer rxed, Selina stood up and began pacing around Katelyn, her eyes never leaving her. With each step, that strange feeling of familiarity grew stronger. Her lips pressed into a tight line.


    “Actually,” Selina said, her voice softer now, “when I really look at you, your features don’t quite match those of people from your country. Are you of mixed heritage?”


    Katelyn’s face was striking—beautifully bnced and refined. Her eyes held something different, something umon for someone from her background. Selina’s surprise deepened as the realization hit her. In an instant, her expression shifted, shock flooding her features.


    She had just uncovered a huge secret!


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