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Caitlin flipped to thest two photos. These weren’t taken at the same time or ce as the earlier ones–they looked older.

And there it was. Nicoletta and Fletcher, locked in a kiss, their embrace captured in perfect rity.

That was the brilliance of paparazzi–they could dig out the most private moments no one wanted exposed.

“Yes. Perfect. These two are worth far more than twenty grand,” Caitlin said, a surge of energy rushing through her. Atst, she had found Nicoletta’s weak spot. With this in hand, that woman would think twice before making a move against her.

“You all did well. I’ll see to it you get a bonus. Tomorrow everything depends on how smoothly this goes.” Caitlin’s voice carried a sharp edge of confidence, firing up her team.

By the next morning, Magnus had recoveredpletely. When he saw Caitlin again, gratitude lit his eyes.

“Thanks to you, Mrs. Vanderbilt, I’m fine today.”

“No need for such formality,” Caitlin said lightly. “You can call me by my name.”

Magnus hesitated, then smiled. “If you don’t mind, then perhaps you can call me Magnus as well. I’d like us to be more than formal acquaintances.”

Caitlin blinked at the suggestion, exchanging a quick nce with Sebastian. She smiled, amused. “I hardly deserve such familiarity. Surely it’s not proper for me to be so close to a prince.”

Magnus shook his head. “You saved my life. That makes us closer than most. In my eyes, you’re like family

now.”

Caitlin tilted her head. “Family, is it? Funny–you’re actually two years younger than me. So if anything, I’d have to be the older oneb./bb” /b

Magnusughed, rubbing the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. “Fair enough. Then from now on, I’ll call you Caitlin, and you can think of me as a younger brother. Deal?”

“Deal, Magnus,” Caitlin said warmly, giving his shoulder a light pat, the way an older sister might.

Sebastian offered no objection. If Magnus wanted to ce himself in the role of younger brother, all the better–it meant one less rival to worry about.

After breakfast, Caitlin prepared to leave for the Jonathan estate with her team. Sebastian saw them off at the door.

Once they were gone, Magnus gave a discreet order to his personal aide. The man slipped into Caitlin’s guest room, quietly collecting a few strands of her hair from the bathroom.

At around nine, Caitlin’s vehicle stopped at the grand gates of the Jonathan estate.

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Zinnia banged on the gate and addressed the guard. “Go tell your master that his distant rtive Caitlin is here!”

The guard’s lip curled in disdain. “Again? Caitlin? Why do you people keep showing up?”

It was obvious Hector hadn’t given orders to expect her. The guard started to close the gate, but Zinnia nted a boot against it and sent him sprawling back inside.

“You littlepdog,” she spat. “You’d better deliver the message. If you waste our time, you’ll pay for it.”

The guard, shaken by her ferocity and her mention of the old master, dared not defy them. “Wait here. I’ll announce it at once.”

Inside the Jonathan residence, Nicoletta was fussing with her daughter’s outfit. Fletcher, Carson, and the others hadn’t left yet.

Liliana was dressed with particr care today. She was meeting the prince for lunch, and her pale cream Chanel–style suit hugged her figure perfectly, showing off her fair skin and delicate beauty.

“My daughter is stunning,” Nicoletta praised with a smile. “You’d look good in anything.”

Liliana returned the smile. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll seize the chance today.”

“Good. If you head out early, you’ll have more time with him.”

“I know.”

Just then, a call came in from the gatehouse. Devin picked it up, then turned to Nicoletta. “Madam, the guards report Caitlin is at the gate.”

Nicoletta frozei, /iher pulse spiking. “What? Caitlin? She dares toe here openly?”

Liliana’s brows knitted. “She’s bold enough to show up at our door?”

Nicoletta’s eyes darkened. She looked at Fletcher. Their silent exchange spoke volumes.

Carson, clueless about the family’s feud with Caitlin, asked curiously, “What’s going on? Why would Caitline here? Does she have ties to us?b” /b

He remembered Liliana once mentioning Odessa. Out of curiosity, he’d researched Caitlin online. A sessful entrepreneur, married with children–she seemed worlds apart from their circle.

Fletcher exined stiffly, “Her grandfather and yours were half–brothers.”

Carson’s jaw dropped. “Really?” He had never imagined he and Odessa were distantly rted.

Devin spoke again. “Madam, the guards are waiting for orders. Do you want them to let her in?”

“Of course not.” Nicoletta’s voice was sharp as steel. “Bring more men. Seize Caitlin at once.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The guards were ready to obey-

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But just then Hector appeared, leaning on his cane, servants supporting him. His voice rang out, hoarse butmanding. “Stop. No oneys a hand on Caitlin.”

“Sir!” The guards immediately bowed.

Nicoletta hurried forward, grabbing Hector’s arm. “What are you saying? Caitlin is at our gate, loud and arrogant. I was just about to have her taken down.”

“No. Prepare the carriage. I’ll greet her myself.”

Nicoletta’s face twisted in shock. “What? You want to greet her personally? Why?”

No one knew Hector had met Caitlin the day before. Now, under Nicoletta’s questioning, he sighed. “Let her in. If she’s turned away, it will cost me my life.”

Nicoletta’s frown deepened. “You don’t need to fear her. What could she possibly do? Or do you think the Seventh Door’s power is for show?” fn2900 This content belongs to find?novel/fn2900

No one in the room understood Hector’s sudden change of heart. Invite Caitlin in? Personally greet her? It seemed madnessb. /b

“Father,” Liliana protested. “She’s here to undermine our family. Letting her in is inviting the wolf into our home.”

“She’s right,” Fletcher added firmly. “Caitlin is not to be trusted.”

Only Carson remained bewildered. “Why not let her in? Isn’t she family? What’s the big deal?”

“You don’t understand a thing. Stay out of this,” Fletcher snapped, silencing his son.

“Enough,” Hector barked. He mmed the end of his cane against the floor, his face pale, sweat beading at his temples. “My life is already in her hands. Prepare the carriage–now.”

The antidote he had taken yesterday was wearing off, and the crawling agony was already stirring again inside him. He struck the cane harder, his voice breaking with urgency. “Do you hear me? Prepare it at once!”

bAD /b

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