?Chapter 523:


    In the brief moment their eyes locked, Katelyn recognized the woman sitting by Vincent’s bedside. It was Annie, the same woman who had provoked her in the hotel lobby the other day.


    Annie’s wrist was wrapped in a cast, yet her makeup was wless, as if she hadn’t broken a sweat. Her eyes zed with hatred, sharp and dangerous, like a snake ready to strike.


    “You shameless fool, how dare you show up here? I swear I’ll rip that smug look off your face right here and now!” Annie spat, her voice dripping with fury, as if she wished she had a weapon in her hand.


    Katelyn stood still, holding her thermos, her eyes calm and steady as she watched Annie. In stark contrast, the wild anger on Annie’s face made her look almost ridiculous, like a performer in a y who didn’t know when to stop.


    “That’s my line, actually,” Katelyn replied coolly, her tone unbothered. “Guess you didn’t learn your lessonst time.”


    Annie’s eyes narrowed, and her jaw clenched. “Shut up!” The memory of their previous encounter had be a stain on her life, one she could never forget. She wouldn’t be satisfied until Katelyn had suffered enough to match her own pain.


    Annie lunged toward her but froze when she saw the cold, unflinching look in Katelyn’s eyes.


    With her head held high, Annie sneered. “I’m a countess, and ourst run-in was only the beginning. You’ll regret crossing me.”


    Katelyn’s expression barely changed. Her patience was thin as she pointed toward the door. “Get out.”


    “You think you can talk to me like that?” Annie’s temper red again, her face flushing with anger. “You dirty mistress, going after someone else’s fiancé! If my cousin wasn’t too sick to be here herself, she’d make sure you paid for this!”


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    A brief flicker of something dark crossed Katelyn’s eyes. This cousin, ording to Annie, was the one who had been promised to Vincent.


    “Get out.”


    Katelyn’s lips barely moved, but her voice cut through the room—soft yet firm. There was no arguing with hermand.


    Annie’s face twisted in rage. Never in her life had she been treated with such disrespect.


    Still, when it came to power, she knew she couldn’t stand up to Katelyn.


    “Katelyn!” Annie spat, her voice growing colder. “When you’re on your knees begging for my mercy one day, remember this moment. In Yata, no one gets away with insulting the nobility.”


    Her words lingered in the air, cold and bitter.


    “Guards! What are you waiting for? Arrest her now!”


    “Guards?” Katelyn barely had time to process Annie’s words before the door mmed open, and several men rushed in, each wearing an insignia that marked them as part of the noble family. Anyone who knew anything about Yata’s royalty would recognize the symbol instantly.


    Four guards entered, their presence intimidating, filling the room with tension.


    Katelyn’s fists tightened, but she kept herposure. She could tell this wasn’t going to end without a confrontation. She nced at Vincent, still unconscious on the bed. If things got loud, it would surely wake him.


    After a brief pause, Katelyn looked back at Annie. “I’ll go with you.”


    Annie froze for a moment, surprised.


    Was Katelyn really giving in that easily? She thought it would take some work to bring her under control.


    A slow smile crept across Annie’s face. “Toote for apologies. The nobles have ways of dealing with people who don’t know their ce.”


    Annie moved closer to Katelyn, her eyes locked on the face in front of her—a face so perfect it seemed almost unreal. Jealousy red in Annie’s gaze, hot and sharp.


    “I’ll strip your skin off, bit by bit!” she hissed.


    Katelyn didn’t flinch. Her expression stayed cold and still. She said nothing as the guards grabbed her by the arms and started leading her out.


    As they moved, Katelyn couldn’t help but nce at Vincent. His shoulder, still bandaged from the gunshot wound, was healing, but it was clear the injury would leave a scar—one that would be hard to forget.


    Katelyn followed the guards down the winding staircase into the dimly lit underground parking lot. Annie’s car awaited there, the royal insignia gleaming on its hood, reflecting off the cold concrete walls.


    Annie, unaware of Katelyn’s quiet nces, felt a wave of satisfaction. Her n wasing together perfectly.


    “Do you really think you can challenge my cousin for Vincent?” Annie sneered, grabbing Katelyn’s chin roughly and forcing her to look up.


    Katelyn’s light, clear eyes remained calm, showing no sign of fear or worry, even as Annie’s grip tightened.


    With a look of disgust, Annie let go of her.


    “Such a pretty face,” she muttered, her voiceced with bitterness. “And such a shame.” She turned to the guards, her tone harsh. “As long as she’s still breathing afterward, you can do whatever you want.”


    “Thank you, Countess,” the guards replied in unison, their eyes gleaming with lewdness as they stepped closer to Katelyn.


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