Chapter 504
There’s no way Katrina could mess up so badly and just carry on as if nothing happened, still parading around as Miss Prescott.
Impossible.
Xavier was someone who always repaid a kindness, but he never let a grudge slide either.
After making all the necessary arrangements with his assistant, Xavier turned to Caitlin. “Freya, thank you. If you hadn’t found out the truth in time, who knows how much longer I would’ve been fooled by Katrina p>
Thinking back on every moment he’d spent with Katrina now made his skin crawl. It felt suffocating.
What Xavier found hardest to swallow was that he’d almost walked down the aisle with someone like her.
The thought was terrifying-worse than any horror movie.
“Xavier, how many times are you going to thank me? We’re siblings, remember?” Caitlin rolled her eyes, then continued, “But there’s something I need to say p>
“Go ahead, Freya p>
Caitlin turned to look at him, her tone gentle but firm. “It’s right to repay someone who’s helped you, but there’s a right way to do it. You can’t throw away your self- respect and dignity just to return a favor p>
“Did it ever cross your mind-what if Katrina really was the one who saved you? What if she really was your rescuer would you let yourself be her doormat for life p>
“Real gratitude isn’t about blind obedience. It’s about reaching out a hand when someone stumbles. That’s what true kindness is about-helping when it matters, not just giving up your entire self p>
The moment Caitlin had seen that photo of Xavier kneeling-caught on Katrina’s phone-her heart clenched. She never imagined her bright, confident brother would let himself go so far for someone who’d once helped him.
Xavier was taken aback for a moment.
Caitlin was right.
Her words deserved some serious thought.
Only now did Xavier truly understand what it meant to return kindness with kindness-not subservience.
He glanced up at Caitlin, finally smiling. “Freya, you have my word. I won’t let this happen again p>
“Good.” Caitlin nodded slightly.
Katrina and Jeanette had just gotten back to their hotel room when the doorbell rang.
A triumphant smirk curled on Katrina’s lips. “That must be Xavier, here to beg for forgiveness. Jeanette, go answer the door p>
Ten minutes. He’d arrived even faster than she’d expected.
Jeanette was a little flustered herself, surprised by how quickly Xavier had shown up. “Alright, I’ll get it p>
But just as she was about to open the door, Katrina stopped her. “Wait p>
“What is it?” Jeanette paused, turning back.
Katrina tossed her hair and declared, “I’m going to lie down on the bed. Tell Xavier
I fainted from the stress he caused me p>
“Okay.” Jeanette nodded, but as she prepared to open the door, Katrina’s voice rang out again. “And another thing p>
“What else?” Jeanette looked back.
“Tell Xavier he needs to kneel by my bedside for a full hour. Not a minute less p>
Hannah’s birthday luncheon started at 11:18. was now eight o’clock. If Xavier knelt for an hour, it would be
nine ea plenty
of time for
makeup and a wardrobe change
before heading out.
to
“Alright, got it.” Jeanette had her hand on the doorknob but hesitated, glancing at
Katrina. “Is there anything else p>
“That’s all.” Katrina shook her head.
“I’m opening the door then p>
Jeanette finally swung open the door.
“Mr. Richards, Katrina—” Jeanette’s greeting died on her lips. She froze, staring at
the three people standing in the hallway. They weren’t Xavier-they were hotel staff.
“What do you want?” Jeanette frowned.
“Miss Winslow, I’m Campbell, the manager of guest services. I’m here to inform you that your stay is over. Please vacate the room within the next thirty minutes, or well have to take further action p>
Further action?
Are they nuts?
Katrina, who’d been lounging on the bed, shot up and stormed to the door, hands on her hips. “What’s your name p>
“Campbell p>
Katrina nodded with the air of someone who owned the place. “Campbell, is it? Well, I’m officially letting you know-you’re fired! Pack your bags and get out p>
She wouldn’t dare say this in most situations-but as Xavier’s supposed savior and beloved, firing a low-level hotel manager was hardly a stretch.
But Campbell just shook his head. “Sorry, Miss Prescott, but you don’t have the authority to fire me p>
Katrina scoffed. “Do you know who I am? I’m Xavier’s fiancée! Firing a guest services manager is hardly a big deal p>
She fully expected Campbell and his colleagues to panic.
But none of them so much as blinked.
Katrina narrowed her eyes.
Campbell, clearly done with this
charade, checked his watch. “You’ve already used up two minutes of your half hour. Please start packing-if to intervene, it won’t be pleasant for anyone p>
We have