Chapter: 244

Kaitlin observed Ashley's woeful appearance with indifference, even thinking she had it coming. “Let's leave."

Kaitlin made no attempt to speak to Ashley, instead signaling to Alan that it was time to leave.

Startled, Ashley scrambled after them, clutching at Alan's sleeve.

"Alan, don't leave me here by myself. I'm truly frightened. Owen threatened to slash my face if he finds me alone!"

Her voice trembled with genuine fear, given Owen's unpredictable behavior which posed a real threat to her safety.

Kaitlin, showing little interest in the unfolding drama, proceeded downstairs.

The bodyguards trailed behind her, leaving Alan to face Ashley's distress alone in the room.

Alan withdrew his hand, his expression one of annoyance. "Don't worry, I'll make sure someone is here to protect you. If Owen shows up, call me right away."

Through tears that soaked her swollen cheeks, Ashley begged him, “Alan, Owen assaulted me. Can't you stay here with me? I'm really shaken up tonight."

Alan spared her a glance, his demeanor unyielding. “Kaitlin is waiting for me in the car. I have to leave."

With that, he left the room decisively.

Ashley watched him depart, her expression twisted with jealousy.

In her eyes, Alan's indifference was a betrayal.

"This is all because of Kaitlin!" Ashley slammed her fist against the floor, her eyes blazing with fury. “One day, she'll regret this!"

Unbeknownst to her, no one heard her vengeful promise.

Outside, Kaitlin watched Alan slide into the car and mocked him.

“Leaving your true love behind?"

A slight twitch of his lips revealed his awareness of her jealousy.

"Kaitlin, I'm here only to track Owen down. He's a danger to us all. We need to locate him before he becomes a threat to you too."

Kaitlin shot him a piercing look. "You make it sound so noble, but weren't you just consoling Ashley?"

Alan, momentarily speechless, felt overwhelmed. "Kaitlin..."

"Qwen is Ashley's ex-husband. She's well aware of the kind of person he is. It's likely not the first time he's been violent with her. She knew this when she married him, and now she expects you to come to her aid," Kaitlin snorted, as she turned away, her patience worn thin.

It was late, and fatigue was setting in.

Upon returning to Alan's house, Kaitlin headed directly for the guest room.