?Chapter 499:


    After Katelyn called out, a sudden jolt of recognition hit her. The figure standing before her wasn’t just anothernd dealer eager to discuss a property deal—it was Bartley. Her disdain for him ran as deep as her hatred for the greedy businessmen, and she barely had the energy to entertain his presence. He was someone who always hid behind a false facade.


    “What do you want?” she asked, her words sharper than she intended.


    “Miss Bailey, I came to congratte you,” Bartley said, his voiceced with a smile. “You’ve made it into the top hundred wealthiest people in the world. And soon, the fortune beneath the castle will make you the richest person alive.”


    Bartley’s tone dripped with sincerity, and his gaze locked onto hers, as if he truly meant what he said. For a fleeting moment, it almost seemed believable.


    Katelyn’s anger red up, but she forced herself to hold it back. It was difficult to be rude to someone who was being outwardly kind.


    “What do you really want?” she asked, her voice more controlled, though still tinged with frustration.


    Bartley, unfazed, stepped closer, maintaining his calm demeanor. “Miss Bailey, I’vee to apologize for the past and to see if you’d join me for dinner tonight.”


    Katelyn folded her arms across her chest, her posture rigid. She studied him carefully, narrowing her eyes. “I believe I’ve rejected that offer more than once.”


    What game was he ying? Did he seriously think whatever he wanted from her was more valuable than what he could gain from Elora?


    Bartley’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Ah, but it’s precisely because you’ve turned me down so many times that you really shouldn’t disappoint me again.”


    Katelyn’s brow furrowed, a small sign that she was starting to catch the subtle maniption in Bartley’s tone. Perhaps dealing with Lise’s tricks so often had made her extra sensitive to this kind of approach.


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    “I don’t have time for this,” Katelyn said, her voice t as she moved to shut the door. But Bartley was quick, stepping in to block her before she could.


    His smile faded, reced by a more serious expression. His tone grew firm. “Everyone in Yata knows the castle is yours now. And with something this valuable right in front of them, do you know how many people are after you now, Miss Bailey?”


    Katelyn stayed quiet, her curiosity holding her in ce. She wasn’t ready to push him out—just yet.


    Seeing her silence, Bartley assumed she was starting to understand. His smile returned, just slightly. “I’m sure you’ve already figured it out. After all, you had people lining up this morning to talk business. No one would dare cross Earl Poulos because of his reputation. But you? You’re an outsider. That makes you an easy target.”


    Katelyn’s sharp mind immediately caught his meaning. “You’re saying that if I want to hold on to the castle, I’ll need a strong ally.”


    A flicker of respect shed in Bartley’s eyes. Conversations with smart people always flowed smoother.


    As Katelyn pieced it together, she could see the satisfaction growing in Bartley’s expression. His smile widened.


    “Exactly. Your ally must not only be powerful but also have enough influence to keep others in Yata at bay.”


    Katelyn arched an eyebrow slightly, a small smile ying at her lips. “And who, in your expert opinion, would be the right ally for me?”


    Bartley had been anticipating this question. With a quick adjustment of his cor, he straightened up, refining his already polished appearance.


    “When you consider the whole country, Miss Bailey, I would be your best option. You might not be familiar with my family’s business, but the Lawrence family is deeply invested in all the profitable new industries, with our reach extending across the nation.”


    As Bartley spoke, Katelyn couldn’t help but feel like he was marketing himself, much like a product showcasing its best features. He seemed determined to sell her on the idea.


    The amusement that had sparked in Katelyn’s eyes began to fade, reced by a sharper, more sarcastic edge. “So, are you really done with Elora?”


    Bartley’s expression didn’t change. “My rtionship with Elora has always been strictly business. She overestimated her ce. After everything that happened, the Lawrence family would never wee someone like her as one of us.”<fn7113> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN()vel</fn7113>


    His voice carried a faint trace of disdain. If the Williams family had stayed at the top, perhaps he could have tolerated having a wife like Elora. Her noble status would have been good for appearances, a perfect asset to expand the Lawrence family’s business empire. But Elora’s foolishness had ruined that option for him—she had be intolerable.


    “I think you should seriously consider my offer. From every angle, I’m only looking out for your best interests, Miss Bailey,” Bartley added, his tone sliding back into a practiced charm.


    Katelyn’s eyes darkened with contempt. Before Bartley could say more, she raised her hands and gave a slow, mocking p, the sound echoing with disdain.


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