Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Kaylee stared at the scene before her, utterly stunned. Everything was happening so quickly that she found herself momentarily frozen, unsure of how to respond. Oblivious onlookers began cheering for Vincent.

“Say yes! Say yes!”

Kaylee felt so embarrassed she could curl her toes into the ground. She tugged at Vincent’s sleeve, trying to get him to stand up.

But Vincent, unmoved, said, “I’ll stand up as soon as you accept this ring and agree to reconcile with me.”

“You’re threatening me?”

Kaylee glanced between him and the crowd, her patience wearing thin. The scene reminded her of the Disney parade that day–when Vincent and Alina shared that “unavoidable” kiss.

A sarcastic smile tugged at her lips. “Are you trying to remind me of that kiss with Alina at Disney? The one you didn’t refuse?”

“Just because you didn’t reject her then doesn’t mean I’ll accept you now.”

With that, she pushed Vincent away and strode through the crowd without looking back. She wasn’t blind or foolish, and she certainly wasn’t about to recycle a man like Vincent. Not far away, Steven, who had been negotiating a business deal, witnessed the entire scene. He watched as Kaylee walked away with poise and dignity, a trace of admiration glinting in his eyes.

Once she was out of sight, he turned to his assistant and gave a calm order.

“Inform Mr. Anderson about this. Someone attempted to harass his sister.”

“Yes, sir,” the assistant responded respectfully.

Steven stepped into the building, while Vincent remained kneeling on the ground, his eyes full of hurt as he watched Kaylee leave. it really impossible to win her back? He stood there like a statue, watching her figure disappear until she was completely out of sight. Only then did he get up and walk away in defeat.

But he hadn’t gone far when a local news headline caught his attention, sending his emotions spiraling out of control. Power Couple Alert! Steven and Kaylee Rumored to Be Engaged.

The article included photos of the Millers and Kaylee entering a hotel for dinner, along with pictures of Kaylee and Steven having a private conversation upon leaving. Vincent instantly recognized Steven as the man who had blocked him that night.

The mention of an engagement party and memories of that banquet filled him with regret. How did everything change so drastically in less than a month? Kaylee’s identity had changed, her family had changed, and now, her love for him was completely gone.

Meanwhile, Kaylee had just returned to the villa when Margot rushed over to check her from head to toe. Kaylee looked at her mother in confusion.

“Mom, what’s going on?”

Margot, relieved to see she was unharmed, finally let out a breath.

“Your brother said your ex–boyfriend stopped you on the road. I was worried you might be hurt. I think it’s time we assign some bodyguards to you when you go out.”

After searching for her daughter for over a decade, Margot wasn’t about to take any risks now. Kaylee paused before laughing.

“Mom, don’t exaggerate. It’s a society governed by law these days.”

Margot didn’t argue, but the previous incident had left her cautious. Turning to the household staff, she instructed, “From now on, Miss Kaylee must have two bodyguards with her whenever she goes out. Make the arrangements.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the staff responded promptly.

Kaylee opened her mouth to protest, but Margot cut her off.

“I listen to you on everything else, but on this, you have to listen to me. Otherwise, I’ll be constantly worried.”

The memory of those years of anguish still haunted Margot, and she couldn’t bear to let her guard down. Kaylee understood her mother’s concerns and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll do as you say.”

After all, her mother only had her best interests at heart. Besides, having bodyguards might save her from unnecessary trouble in the future. When it came to dealing with Vincent, she wouldn’t need to waste her breath anymore–she could simply let the bodyguards handle him.