"If I were her, I'd never be able to put up with this."

Just then-

Snap!

Caitlin popped open the lid of the music box with effortless ease.

A cascade of delicate chimes spilled out, filling the room with enchanting music. Celia's smile froze, hanging awkwardly on her lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "How-how is this possible?"

The lid of the Vitality music box was supposed to open only for her. So why-why had Caitlin managed to open it too? Wasn't Caitlin accused of cheating during her marriage, of having an abortion? If those rumors were true, how could she possibly open the Vitality music box?

All the guests in the banquet hall fell silent, their surprise written plainly on their faces.

"My God! Miss Gonzales actually opened the Vitality box!"

"That means-Miss Gonzales is absolutely flawless, pure as can be!"

"I always knew Miss Gonzales was a woman of integrity. What you see is what you get."

"It's all lies! The rumors were all lies! Sure, Miss Gonzales got divorced, but she never cheated, and she's never had an abortion."

"I knew it! She's not that kind of person."

"Thank goodness! The Vitality box has finally cleared Miss Gonzales's name." Caitlin held the music box in her hands and turned calmly to Celia. “Thank you, Miss Celia, for your generous gift. I'll graciously accept it."

Her expression remained composed; there was no trace of gloating, not even the smallest hint of pride. Even her voice was steady and clear-she didn't sound like a twenty-year-old girl, but rather like a seasoned leader, perfectly in control of herself and the moment.

In that instant, she embodied dignity without arrogance.

Everyone in the hall looked at Caitlin with newfound respect, marveling among themselves:

"See? The heirs of the Richards and Gonzales families never disappoint."

"That's for sure! When two lions come together, how could their child be anything but exceptional?"

Caitlin handed the music box to the butler standing beside her. “Leland, please put this away for me."

"Yes, Miss Caitlin,” he replied respectfully, taking the box from her hands.

"A bet is a bet," Celia managed, swallowing down her shock as she met Caitlin's gaze. "I made a promise. I won't go back on my word."

Caitlin smiled and nodded. "You're a woman of your word-just as one would expect from a true Palmer."

Though Caitlin was a few years younger than Celia, the way she spoke lent her an air of authority, almost as if an elder were praising a junior. Celia felt so overpowered she could barely meet Caitlin's eyes.

She took a few steps forward.

"Miss Kensington, I have something else I want to say to you."

"Go ahead," Caitlin replied, her tone light.

Celia lowered her voice. "I don't know how you managed to open the Vitality box,

but I'm certain you used some trick. I'll expose you for what you really are!"

The words had barely left her lips when Celia's eyes rolled back. A sudden warmth flooded her body, running down her legs and pooling on the floor, filling the air with the sharp stench of urine.

Thud!

She collapsed onstage, limbs twitching, white foam bubbling at her mouth. The sight was terrifying.

It happened so fast that everyone stood frozen, unable to process what was happening.

Down in the crowd, Jennifer stood rooted to the spot, her face ashen.

The thirteen Richards brothers realized something was wrong and rushed to the stage. "Freya, what's going on?"

Caitlin handed a crimson silk cloth to Easton Richards. "Big brother, get the others and use this to form a barrier around us-keep Celia in the center. I need to examine her."

"Understood!" Easton immediately grasped her intent and passed the cloth to the other brothers.

Caitlin turned to another. "Sutton, go grab the first aid kit from the west side of the hall."

"Right away, Freya."

Most people would have panicked in a situation like this, but Caitlin remained calm and methodical. "Wesley, Norris-go reassure everyone else in the hall and make sure nobody comes up to the stage."

"Got it."

Wesley and Norris nodded and hurried off, joining the Richards uncles and aunts

in calming the guests. Even Hannah stepped in to help.

By the time the crowd realized what was happening, Celia was already hidden from view.

The crimson silk was wide and thick,

held taut by the ten Richards brothers, forming a private circle onstage. The brothers faced

wel.ne

outward, their backs to Celia and Caitlin, shielding them from prying eyes.

FindNovel.net

Jennifer snapped out of her shock and ran to the stage. "Miss Palmer!"

What were the Richardses doing? Trying to harm Miss Palmer? Surely they were taking advantage of her!

But as soon as Jennifer ducked inside the circle, she saw something unexpected.

Caitlin had slipped her own wrist into Celia's mouth, using her other hand to check Celia's pulse, her expression composed and unflinching.

Though a trickle of blood ran from Caitlin's wrist, she didn't even flinch.

Jennifer froze in disbelief. She'd never imagined she'd see this. The Richards family hadn't formed the circle to hurt Celia, but to protect her privacy And Caitlin-she was putting her own body at risk to keep Celia from biting her tongue.

In that moment, Jennifer saw something in Caitlin that could only be described as

true nobility.

"Miss Gonzales, Miss Palmer suffers from epilepsy. She needs to get to the hospital right away!" Jennifer blurted out.

"There's no time," Caitlin said, her

tone grave. This isn't just a simple seizure. She needs immediate treatment or her life will be in danger I'm a doctor need you to answer my questions carefully and honestly."

"Of course ask me anything."

Caitlin fixed Jennifer with a steady gaze. "Has Celia ever had a child?"