Katrina spoke with an air of superiority, her chin held high.

In this world, the weak have always had to bow before the strong. So what if she was in the wrong this time? It didn't matter in the slightest.

After all, she was practically engaged to Theodore Richards the fourth son of the Richards family—and Lady Hedwig herself! The Richardses were the undisputed royalty of Neon Spire, and Xavier, her soon-to-be brother-in-law, was a legend in his own right. He'd made a fortune before turning thirty, with a net worth in the billions; hardly anyone in the city could compare.

So, of course, Celeste and Caitlin would have to apologize to her.

Celeste frowned, feeling her entire mood sour. "Did I hear you right? You screw up, and I'm the one who's supposed to apologize? Shouldn't it be the other way around? You should say sorry to me--and pay for my dress. I bought this for thirteen and a half grand, and today's the first time I've worn it. It's ruined. Tell you what, I'll even cut you a deal—just transfer me thirteen thousand, and we'll call it even."

Her dress was pure silk-completely ruined by water. Normally, Celeste wouldn't have made such a fuss over a piece of clothing. But now? If she let this go, Katrina would think she was an easy target. If only Katrina had been the least bit apologetic. But no-she stood there acting as if nothing could touch her, like nothing in the world could faze her.

Unbelievable.

What?

Katrina's eyes widened in disbelief. Celeste wanted her to pay? No one in Silverhaven had ever dared speak to her like that. From city officials to wealthy businessmen, everyone treated her with the utmost respect, always eager to flatter her and avoid stepping on her toes. After all, she was about to meet Xavier's family—the mighty Richardses! In another month, it would be Dowager Hannah Richards' birthday. Xavier had personally invited her, as his girlfriend, to attend the grand banquet. That night, Hannah would announce to all their guests that Katrina was her future granddaughter-in-law.

Katrina had come to the mall today for one reason: to pick out a birthday present for Hannah. This was her first time visiting the Richards family estate of course she wanted to make the right impression.

But now these two random nobodies dared to talk to her like this.

Katrina let out a laugh, folding her arms and staring at Celeste and Caitlin. "Do you two even know who I am?"

If they knew she was practically engaged to the Richards' fourth son and Lady Hedwig's chosen daughter-in-law, they'd be scared out of their wits.

"I don't care who you are!" Celeste planted her hands on her hips. "You ruined my dress, you pay for it. I don't care if you're the Queen herself—you're not going anywhere until you pay up!"

"That's right,” Caitlin chimed in, standing firmly by Celeste's side. "Whoever you are, you're responsible for your actions."

Katrina jabbed a finger at Celeste. "You might want to think twice. There's no going back once you cross a line. If you make an enemy of me, you'll regret it."

"Nothing to think about. Pay up." Celeste held out her hand, palm up.

Jeanette stepped forward. "Celeste! Are you blind? Do you even know who Katrina's boyfriend is? If he finds out about this, your family will be bankrupt before you know it!"

At that, Katrina crossed her arms, a smug grin spreading across her face.

"Oh, I'm so scared!" Celeste slapped a hand to her chest in mock terror. "Honestly, if her boyfriend has such terrible taste, I doubt he's any better than she is."

She turned to Caitlin. "Am I wrong, Catie?"

Birds of a feather flock together. What kind of sane person would end up with someone like Katrina?

"You're absolutely right." Caitlin nodded, deadpan.

The insults made Katrina's blood boil. Not only had they dared to talk back, now they were trashing Xavier too! She took a step forward, hand raised, ready to slap Celeste across the face.

The Prescotts doted on Katrina, and with her about to marry into the Richards family, they covered for her no matter what trouble she stirred up. Slapping Celeste was nothing. Once she married Xavier, she'd make Celeste disappear for good. She was Xavier's first love, his one and only-he'd do anything for her.

Katrina moved fast-so fast that Celeste didn't even have time to dodge. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the blow.

But the pain never came.

Curious, Celeste opened her eyes.

Caitlin was standing in front of her, hand clamped firmly around Katrina's wrist. It looked effortless, but there was a wild confidence in the way she stood.

Celeste almost saw stars-Caitlin was just that cool.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Katrina yelped, her

face contorting in pain. It looked like Caitlin was just holding her, but

Katrina felt as if her bones were about to shatter. "Let go! Let me go!"

"You little brat!" Jeanette shrieked. "You've got a death wish, don't you? Let

Katrina go!" She lunged to grab Caitlin's hair.

But Caitlin didn't even flinch. She raised her other hand, and in a second,

Jeanette found her own wrist trapped in Caitlin's iron grip.

Now Jeanette understood exactly what Katrina was feeling—agony, like her bones might split in two.

Celeste fought the urge to cheer. Caitlin was all kinds of impressive.

Katrina's face turned pale. "Let-let me go..."

If this went on any longer, her wrist might actually snap.

"Apologize," Caitlin said, her voice cool and even.

Katrina frowned, trying to muster her bravado. "My-my boyfriend.....”

Caitlin only tightened her grip.

Pain nearly made Katrina faint. "Fine, I'm sorry! I apologize! I was wrong!"

Caitlin looked down at Jeanette. "And you?"

Jeanette was sweating bullets, her mouth racing ahead of her brain. "I'm sorry too! I apologize!"

Katrina gasped, "We've both apologized! Now let go of me, will you?"