Chapter 317
“Let’s eat first. Then we’ll talk,” Katelyn said.
Flora only nodded, lowering her head as she quietly resumed eating. Yet Katelyn’s earlier words gnawed at her, making her feel the discomfort. ’I don’t want to become evil again,’ she thought. ’I’ve walked that path once… and I’m still paying the price p>
When they finished, both submitted their trays before heading to the restroom. The tiled room was hushed except for the sound of running water. As Flora washed her hands, she heard Katelyn’s voice cut through the silence.
“How long do you think your heart and mind can endure those remarks?” Katelyn asked, her tone steady but probing.
Flora glanced at her reflection in the mirror before turning to the blower, letting the warm air wash over her damp hands. She straightened her posture, as if bracing herself.
“Then… will you help me find the solution?” Flora finally asked. “I wronged Amelie, my own sister. I can’t deny that. But I was trapped too p>
Katelyn, drying her hands with a tissue, met her gaze in the mirror. “Then fight back,” she urged. “Speak your truth. Tell them how you were deceived. Alex spun his web of lies and dragged you into it.” She paused for a moment. “Why must a woman always carry the full weight of hatred? He may be gone, but the scars of his cruelty remain. Don’t let his sins bury you alive p>
They stepped out of the restroom together, the hallway quieter than the crowded cafeteria they had left behind.
“What do you think of my suggestion?” Katelyn asked.
Flora’s hands fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. “You’re right,” she admitted softly. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, she glanced at Katelyn. “But… why did you help me? I thought you didn’t like me either. Not after… what I did to Amelie.” Her words trailed off, laced with guilt.
AddKatelyn shook her head. “I can’t keep hating you forever. Holding on to resentment doesn’t heal anyone. And you don’t deserve to be treated like this for the rest of your life p>
Flora blinked, visibly surprised by the honesty in her tone.
“By the way,” Katelyn continued, “have you met Amelie recently? I hope things are going well with her p>
“Aren’t you staying with them?” Flora asked cautiously.
Katelyn let out a short, almost bitter laugh. “No. I live in a separate apartment. I didn’t want Gabriel’s and Amelie’s privacy to be disturbed,” she asserted.
“Well, something is definitely going on with them,” Flora said. “Amelie came home the day before I joined. She shared some details about it… But I don’t think the office is the right place to talk about it p>
Katelyn’s brows knitted together in concern. ’Mom and Dad are also coming to San Ravendale. The matter must be more serious than I thought,’ she mused silently, unease prickling at the back of her mind.
“The break is almost over,” Flora said, forcing a small smile. “Thank you for keeping me company.” She gave a polite bow before turning to leave.
Katelyn watched her leave before heading to the topmost floor of the building.
As she approached her desk, she heard Sage’s angry voice. He was yelling at someone. Since the morning, he had been in a foul mood, which she found odd. Not caring much about it, she simply sat on the chair and started the work where she had left off.
As the evening approached, she was ready to leave. As she switched off the computer, Sage walked out of his office.
“Let’s go,” Sage said curtly, striding ahead without waiting for her response.
Katelyn hurried after him, and the two stepped into the elevator. She pressed the button for the ground floor; the doors slid shut, enclosing them in the quiet space.
For a moment, she simply watched him, her fingers tightening around the strap of her handbag. Finally, she broke the silence.
“Why are you in such a foul mood today?” she asked carefully.
Sage’s eyes flicked toward her. His lips curled into a faint smirk.
“Why? Do you plan to cheer me up?” he countered, raising a brow.
“No,” Katelyn shot back, shaking her head. “But you’ve been snapping at the staff since morning. You even fired a manager. You’re a director, Sage. People look up to you, showing a little empathy wouldn’t hurt p>
He exhaled a short, humorless laugh.
“I’m not a kind man, Katelyn. And in my position, I can’t afford to let mistakes keep repeating. Compassion doesn’t fix incompetence p>
“Even I made mistakes,” Katelyn said firmly.
“You want me to be angry at you,” Sage mused, his tone laced with amusement. “That can’t happen. You’re the princess p>
“So you admit you discriminate because of our ranks,” Katelyn shot back.
“That’s not it,” Sage countered. “I simply can’t afford to offend royalty. And if I may remind you, your temper is even shorter than mine p>
Katelyn’s eyes narrowed. “What did you just say p>
“You heard me,” he replied without hesitation.
Her frown deepened. Without warning, she kicked his shin, making him let out a sharp cry of pain.
Turning her back on him, she folded her arms across her chest and fixed her gaze on the elevator doors, silently willing them to open faster.
Behind her, Sage muttered through clenched teeth, “Only you’re allowed to treat me like this.” He stepped closer, closing the distance.
“Stay quiet,” Katelyn snapped, refusing to look at him.
“Kate, do you really believe we aren’t meant for each other?” Sage asked, his eyes lingering on the curve of her ear before daring to shift toward her face. “Because to me… you’re the perfect woman p>
Katelyn lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. “But you’re not the perfect man to me, Sage. I don’t see you as the one I desire, nor as the man I look up to p>
Sage chuckled softly when the elevator doors opened. Katelyn walked out first while he followed her suit.
“Get into my car,” Sage stated, brushing past her and guiding her way.
Katelyn quietly followed him when her eyes fell on Karmen, who was opening the door for Flora.