A sense of dread settled over Xavier, dark and heavy, as if something terrible was about to happen.

No... it couldn't be... Could Katrina really be-

He couldn't bring himself to finish the thought.

Caitlin's voice cut through the silence. She stared at Katrina, her lips painted a cool red as she spoke, "Brother Xavier, your guess is right. The two people who bullied me they were both Miss Prescott."

Both... Katrina?

A thunderclap seemed to explode in Xavier's mind, leaving him frozen in place.

In his eyes, Katrina had always been gentle and kind, warm-hearted a person who radiated goodness. He couldn't believe it. Was this really who she was, when he wasn't looking?

Hannah and the rest of the Richards family were just as stunned, their faces shifting in an instant.

Cold sweat broke out on Katrina's skin. She had never expected to run into Caitlin here of all places, in the Richards' home-never imagined that Caitlin was Freya all along.

What made even less sense was how Caitlin, the beloved daughter of both the Gonzales and the Richards families, would be flying in economy class.

What was she supposed to do now?

Katrina felt like she couldn't breathe.

If she'd known Caitlin was Freya, she would have treated her like royalty-done everything to please her.

But now, it was too late for regrets.

No. She couldn't just sit here and wait for disaster. She had to do something.

Katrina clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm.

Just then, Xavier snapped out of his shock, turning to her with eyes full of disappointment. "Katrina! Why? Are you still the sweet, innocent person I thought I

knew?"

He'd braced himself for the worst, but hearing Caitlin's words out loud was almost too much to take.

He'd been with Katrina for over half a year. He'd even thought about spending his life with her.

And now? She'd hit him with a shock he could never have imagined.

Katrina looked at Xavier, her face pale as she tried to play the innocent. "I didn't do anything, Xavier. I have no idea what Miss Gonzales is talking about!"

She turned to Caitlin next, her voice trembling just enough to seem fragile. "Miss Gonzales, we don't even know each other! Why are you accusing me like this? If you don't want me dating Xavier, you could just say so. There's no need to smear the reputation of someone like me—I swear, I've never even met you before!"

All she could do now was deny everything.

They were in Neon Spire, and the security footage was long gone. As long as she didn't admit anything, there was no way Caitlin could convince the Richards family.

That's right-she just had to keep denying it.

With that thought, Katrina darted behind Xavier, eyes red and brimming with tears, playing the part of the wronged victim. "Xavier, you have to believe me. I don't even know Miss Gonzales, I don't understand what she's saying!"

Caitlin just watched her

performance without a trace of emotion. "Miss Prescott, if your memory's that bad, let me jog it for you: Last time I was at the mall, I was with a girl named March March is in Silverasen right now. If you want evidence, I can have her get the security footage sent over in minutes."

For a split second, Katrina's nerves flared. But then she realized-mall surveillance was only kept for fifteen days.

It had already been seventeen. There was no way Caitlin could get that footage.

As for the airplane incident, there was even less chance-commercial planes weren't allowed to record passengers on camera.

Relief flooded Katrina. She wasn't

marrying Caitlín, after all-she was marrying Xavier. As long as he believed her nothing else mattered. Xavier um sorry. I love you. But it's clear Miss Gonzales doesn't like me.

Maybe I should just go. I won't

bother you again... Don't try to stop me."

FindNovel.net

She turned and walked away, shoulders shaking with the weight of her supposed heartbreak.

She knew Xavier would stop her. She was, after all, the love of his life.

Any reasonable person would choose their partner over a sister-especially a sister who'd only recently returned to his life.

Katrina counted silently in her mind.

Three... two...

"Stop!" Xavier's voice rang out behind her.

A smirk almost crept onto Katrina's lips. She knew he'd never let her go.

She hadn't even made it to one, and already Xavier was calling her back.

He'd defend her now-stand up for her in front of everyone. Just imagining Xavier's fierce loyalty made her heart race with triumph. Once they were married, she'd have him wrapped around her finger. Caitlin would have no choice but to accept her as her sister-in-law, whether she liked it or not.

But then Xavier spoke, cold and formal. "Take your things and leave." He held out the gifts Katrina had brought for Hannah and Caitlin. His gaze was icy, his voice colder still. Katrina had never seen him look at her this way.

"Katrina, I know exactly what kind of person Freya is. Even without security footage, I trust she wouldn't lie."

"From this day forward, we're done. There's nothing between us anymore."