?Chapter 156:

    Katelyn spun around to find Vincent at the door. Her eyes lit up with surprise. She had just been about to message him.

    She straightened up and greeted him warmly, “Mr. Adams.”

    Vincent entered, clutching an elegantly wrapped gift box.

    He cast a concerned look at Katelyn.

    “Are you feeling better?” he inquired.

    “Yes, there’s nothing serious. I think they’ll discharge me this afternoon,” she responded.

    While speaking, she noticed the gift box in his hand, piquing her curiosity. “What’s this?” she asked.

    “The gift I promised,” Vincent replied with a smile, opening the box to reveal the Star series.

    Instantly, Katelyn’s demeanor shifted to one of solemnity. She gingerly touched the jewelry known as the uncrowned king.

    The series had be a global sensation upon its release due to its unique design and exquisite details. Eventually, its value increased after a private collector acquired it, and it vanished from public view.

    Katelyn gazed at the round pearl on the ne, her expression filled with mixed emotions. This piece was her friend’s life’s work.

    Now, it was finally in her hands again.

    Her friend would have been thrilled to see it.

    Vincent watched as various emotions yed across Katelyn’s face, especially when she reached out to touch the ne. She seemed both exhrated and nervous, as if reiming a long-lost treasure.

    “Does this set of jewels hold special significance for you?” he asked.

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    She quickly returned to the present and nodded emphatically.

    “This set was designed by my friend, but it was stolen, leading to the creation of the renowned Star collection,” she exined.

    To designers, their creations were more akin to offspring than mere objects.

    Katelyn’s friend had hoped to recover her design, but Katelyn aspired to more—she aimed to apprehend the thief and ensure justice was served.

    Vincent nodded thoughtfully, understanding the depth of the situation. “I see.”

    After securing the jewelry back in its box, Katelyn looked at Vincent with a probing question.

    “I thought Neil won the auction for this set, correct?” Though she knew Vincent was cautious and reliable, her curiosity got the better of her.

    Vincent remarked nonchntly, “His main focus was on Lise at the time. He forfeited his bid and incurred a penalty. I secured the jewelry at its bid price.”

    Katelyn’s gaze dimmed.

    Neil was as ubiquitous and bothersome as a fly. At the auction, his spiteful bidding against Vincent had driven the price sky-high.

    She withdrew her phone, transferred the funds to Vincent’s ount, and then gave it a shake.

    “Mr. Adams, thank you. I want to present this to my friend, so I should pay for it myself.”

    Vincent remained silent, understanding Katelyn’s decision, and did not object.

    Shifting the conversation, he mentioned, “I’ve submitted the aphrodisiac for analysis. I’ll update you once I have the results.”

    Katelyn, leaning against the bed’s headboard, nodded firmly.

    “Thank you, Mr. Adams.”

    She had nearly forgotten her resolve to confront Lise.

    Vincent seated himself on the sofa, his legs elegantly crossed—a simple pose, yet filled with grace and distinction.

    He gazed at Katelyn with tranquility.

    “Do you think Lise is responsible for this?”

    After a moment of contemtion, Katelyn shook her head. “Probably not. This came from the pharmacy. She couldn’t know how to procure such drugs.”

    They were in agreement.

    Lise excelled only at ying the victim and deceiving people like Neil. Beyond that, shecked the courage or capacity for much else.

    Should her facade crack, she would likely face imprisonment.

    As she reflected on this, Katelyn nced at Vincent. A sudden realization made her cheeks flush, leaving her momentarily speechless.

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