?Chapter 393:


    Dale’s hands fidgeted with barely contained excitement, his eyes gleaming with hungry curiosity. “Are you serious right now? You’re saying you’ll grant me any wish?”


    Vincent nodded deliberately and calmly, his gaze steady. “That’s right, but only if you persuade your uncle and help us secure thend.”


    Dale’s smile faltered for a moment as he mulled over the offer, his face reflecting a deepening calction.


    Katelyn nced at Vincent, her face a blend of concern and suspicion. She couldn’t shake the thought that Dale might use this opportunity to demand more than they were prepared to give.


    After a moment of contemtion, Dale’s expression firmed with determination. “Consider it a deal. I’ll help you.”


    “Give me your number. We’ll head to the castle first thing tomorrow,” Vincent said. They exchanged phone numbers.


    With everything arranged, Vincent and Katelyn climbed into the car and drove back to the hotel. Katelyn’s mind churned with unasked questions, but she chose to remain silent, trusting that Vincent’s decisions were guided by careful thought.


    Halfway through their drive, Katelyn’s phone chimed repeatedly with a video call. Seeing the name sh on the screen, she answered immediately.


    An elderly woman appeared, her eyes warm and inviting. Her silver hair framed a face marked with the dignified lines of experience, adding to her serene elegance. Katelyn greeted her with a courteous smile. “Hello, Ms. Lyons.”


    Vincent turned to nce at the screen, his expression shifting to one of astonished recognition. He recognized the woman as Marjory Lyons, a name synonymous with design excellence.


    Her reputation for stunning work remained strong, and her influence was still deeply felt in the design world, even though she had been retired for years. Numerous designers she had mentored had achieved great sess, many publicly acknowledging her as a guiding force in their careers.


    The best reads are at g?lnσν???s?c?m


    Vincent was astonished to discover that Katelyn was also a student of Marjory’s. This fact had never been publicly known, suggesting that Katelyn might be Marjory’sst protégé.


    “How are you doing, Ms. Lyons? Is your cough any better?” Katelyn asked, her concern evident.


    Marjory’s health had been slipping with age, gued by persistent but minor ailments. While not dangerous, they were a constant nuisance.


    Marjory smiled warmly. “I’m much better now, thank you.” She noticed the darkness in Katelyn’s background and asked with curiosity, “Why is it so dark there? Where are you?”


    Katelyn replied, “I’m actually abroad, Ms. Lyons. I’m in Yata at the moment.”


    There was a five-hour time difference between where Katelyn was and where Marjory was. That meant it was already around midnight where Katelyn was, while Marjory’s day was still unfolding.


    Marjory nodded with a reassuring smile. “Your work matters, but remember, your health should alwayse first. Don’t overdo it. Make sure you’re taking breaks when you need them.”


    “I promise, Ms. Lyons, I’lle see you as soon as things settle down here.” Katelyn’s smile was warm and sincere. Since her marriage to Neil, she had stepped away from design and hadn’t been able to see her mentor. Although she frequently called, it wasn’t the same as being there in person.


    “Good,” Marjory said softly. “As long as you’re taking care of yourself, we can catch up on everything else when you’re back.”


    Katelyn’s smile broadened. “Of course. Take care, Ms. Lyons.”


    As she ended the call, Katelyn felt a sense of peace and happiness. Marjory was more than a mentor to her; she was a beloved woman who felt more like family.


    Marjory had promised herself she would never take on another student, but she made an exception for Katelyn—a gesture Katelyn had always treasured.


    Vincent, his eyes lighting up with recognition, said, “I didn’t realize your mentor was Ms. Marjory Lyons.”


    Katelyn, surprised, asked, “You know her too?”


    “I’ve heard of her, but we’ve never met. I actually wanted to work with her on this project, but she retired a few years ago, and I had to find someone else,” Vincent said.<fn1ba9> Fresh chapters posted on f?ndnovel</fn1ba9>


    Katelyn settled back in her seat, reflecting on this new information.


    “I see,” she said quietly.


    The conversation ended as they reached the hotel.


    With ns to visit the Earl at the castle the next morning, Katelyn decided to go to bed early.


    Though she had long imagined what a grand castle might look like, she was excited to see one in person.


    .


    .


    .