?Chapter 457:
Katelyn’s mind drifted back to the ordeal with Marlon and his mother.
Though it had all been a ruse, Katelyn’s search for her biological parents had been sincere. The longing to find them had persisted over the years, never fading from her thoughts.
It was like a seed, quietly nted deep within her soul, growing over time into an almost consuming obsession. This desire had only intensified after the events with Earl Poulos.
Could her parents, much like the Earl, have been searching for her all these years?
A shiver passed through Katelyn, but she held off on responding immediately. “Why should I trust you? Go away,” she replied sharply.
Neil quickly sent over a photo.
Katelyn zoomed in on the image, her pupils narrowing without intending to. The photograph seemed to be from an old newspaper. Its quality was poor, showing pixted and somewhat blurry images in stark ck and white.
Despite the poor quality, Katelyn could see that the person in the photo bore a striking resemnce to her—likely a rtive.
Clutching her phone tightly, Katelyn responded with a simple question mark.
“This image is a gesture of my sincerity,” Neil’s message read. “If you seek further details,e meet me downstairs.”
After a moment of inner conflict and hesitation, Katelyn made her decision. “I’m on my way down,” she replied. She then stood up, ncing over at Vincent and Jaxen. “I’m heading downstairs for some coffee.”
Jaxen immediately sat up from the bed. “I’lle with you. I could use some coffee too.”
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A hint of hesitation shed across Katelyn’s eyes. She preferred to keep her appointment with Neil to herself. Vincent, sensing Katelyn’s unease, suggested to Jaxen, “We can just order room service. They’ll bring whatever we need.”
Jaxen nodded in agreement but kept his eyes on Katelyn as she moved toward the door. “Isn’t room service an option for coffee too? Why go all the way downstairs?”
Katelyn casually made an excuse. “It’s a pleasant day outside. I could use some fresh air.”
Jaxen, persistent as always, added, “It is a nice day indeed. How about we all take a walk?”
Vincent was at a loss for words, and so was Katelyn.
Sometimes, it was hard to tell if Jaxen was being clever or not. Katelyn found herself running out of excuses to avoid him. Finally, Vincent stepped in to help. “I need your assistance with some work.”
Jaxen scowled and waved dismissively. “I came to Yata to rx, not to get caught up in work. You should ask Samuel for that.”
Vincent shot him a stern look.
Jaxen, who had been about to rise, reluctantly settled back down.<fn7878> Discover more novels at FιndNovel</fn7878>
“Fine, fine, you’re in charge. I’ll do as you say.”
Katelyn seized the opportunity to quickly leave, making her way downstairs.
Jaxen watched her go, visibly puzzled. He turned to Vincent and asked, “Don’t you think Katelyn’s been acting strange? She seems distracted.”
Vincent had also noticed Katelyn’s odd demeanor, which seemed to have started after she received a certain message. Still, he couldn’t make out what was on her screen from where he was sitting.
“I don’t meddle in her affairs. If she decides she wants to talk, I’m here to listen.”
Jaxen clicked his tongue and sarcastically gave a thumbs up.
“You’re not so young anymore. I don’t get this tonic thing you have. When are you nning to make your move?”
Observing the dynamics between Vincent and Katelyn, Jaxen felt a sense of urgency for them.
They would risk their lives for one another in dangerous situations, but in daily life, they maintained a quiet, almost strained distance, seemingly constrained by some invisible barrier.
At this rate, when would they evere together?
Vincent gave Jaxen another sharp nce. Meanwhile, Katelyn had reached the café downstairs where Neil awaited her. She cut straight to the point. “What have you discovered?”
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