Chapter: 83

“What now? Was using us to create that spectacle with Oasis Jewelry your idea of a strategy? Brilliant, indeed." Kaitlin's voice dripped with sarcasm; she regretted her decision to attend.

Alan, aware of Yvette's manipulative setup, didn't hold it against her. After all, she was also doing that to help him reconcile with Kaitlin.

"I had Yvette design this ring especially for you," he said, offering her a small, elegantly designed piece. Unlike the ostentatious diamond he had given her at their wedding, this one was understated, symbolizing a sincerity he had previously lacked.

Kaitlin eyed the ring warily, her resolve to refuse unwavering.

“Please, take it,” Alan pressed, his tone earnest. “Consider it a promise. If you ever feel ready to forgive me, wearing this ring will be the sign."

Kaitlin's hand closed over the ring before she could decide, Alan's gesture leaving her momentarily speechless.

Alan left swiftly, leaving Kaitlin holding the small ring. She glanced at it, the urge to toss it into a nearby trash can strong, yet her feet remained rooted.

Quintin, catching her indecision, cleared his throat. "Kaitlin, you seem hesitant. Want me to throw it away for you?"

Kaitlin quickly retracted her hand, clutching the ring tighter. “No need. I might as well sell it-no use wasting it," she muttered, trying to justify her reluctance.

"Let's head back. This whole show turned out to be quite the snooze fest," she declared, trying to shift the focus.

They rode back in silence, each wrapped in their thoughts, the car's hum the only sound between them.

By the next day, images of Kaitlin and Alan at the jewelry show had spread across the media, fueling widespread speculation.

Frustrated, Kaitlin contacted Three Drops, asking him to quell the rumors.

Despite a full day of efforts, the photographs continued to dominate the headlines.

Finally, Three Drops messaged her, "Kay, I think the Hewitt Group is pushing this narrative. There's nothing more I can do."

Kaitlin stared at her phone, pondering her next move when another message popped up.

"Kay, the public seems even more enamored with the idea of you and Mr. Hewitt than with you and Quintin! I'm sending over some screenshots."

Three Drops' attempts to quell the media storm had fizzled out, leaving the gossip to spiral.

Kaitlin sighed as she clicked through the new messages flashing across her screen.

"A CEO and a top designer caught together! Kay's beauty and youth shine bright next to him!"

"Talk about a power couple. They could rule the city!"

"Mr. Hewitt's taste has improved. Kay is a genuine catch, not like that manipulative bitch Lilliana."

Annoyed, Kaitlin switched off her phone. She thought that the netizens had a talent for weaving elaborate stories from mere snapshots.

At that moment, Quintin entered her office, his face unusually stern.