"It's obviously because I have a deep-seated hatred for Kaylee," Taylor declared without hesitation. "She's so full of herself; when I pursued her in the past, she treated me like I was worthless. A hypocrite like her deserves to be condemned by everyone!"
Katie immediately dropped her guard and chimed in angrily, "You're right! Kaylee is the most hypocritical person out there, and her grandfather is no better. He only supports those who can benefit him and ignores anyone who can't. It's absolutely revolting!"
Taylor was stunned to realize that his idol was Claude's granddaughter; no wonder her literary skills were so impressive.
"Back then, I was young and entranced by Kaylee's beauty. Now, I can't seem to move on. I wonder if I'll ever be able to love anyone again…" Taylor sighed dramatically, fully embracing the role of a lovesick fool.
Noticing his mood, Katie quickly pulled out a pack of wet wipes and offered them to him. "Don't be too upset. There are plenty of women out there who would be interested in you."
Taylor raised his hand in refusal. "I appreciate your kindness, but men often cling to their first love. Kaylee has hurt me countless times, yet I still cherish her as if she were my one true love. I fear I won't be able to move on, and I don't want to burden anyone else with my troubles."
"That's not right!" Katie exclaimed, her urgency escalating.
In a moment of desperation, she unveiled a painful truth about Kaylee. "Honestly, Kaylee isn't as perfect as you believe. You might not know this, but she's already married—and she got her marriage certificate while pregnant! By the time we found out, she was already months along!"
"I don't believe you. You're just trying to tarnish Kaylee's reputation because you don't like her. I understand how you feel, but I can't accept that," Taylor said, turning away. His voice carried a hint of sadness, though a smile was starting to break through.
"You have to believe me!" Katie rushed forward, disclosing her identity. "I'm Kaylee's sister, and everything I'm saying is the truth. Kaylee doesn't deserve a noble and handsome guy like you. There are so many amazing women out there—why tie yourself to just one?"
Taylor's smile vanished as he leaned in closer, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "So, if I can't love her, am I supposed to fall for you instead?"
"What do you mean by that?" Katie asked, recoiling slightly.
With his hands tucked away, he added nonchalantly, "I also have proof of you hiring people to sabotage Kaylee's book signing. Do you realize how many years you could face for defaming an author and causing a public disturbance?"
Katie was completely taken aback. She had never anticipated running into someone at Claude's birthday party who knew two of her deepest secrets.
Today was rapidly turning into a total disaster.
Not wanting to drag out the confrontation, Taylor shot Katie a dismissive glance and walked away.
Just then, Claude reappeared in the crowd. Taylor grabbed another drink before making his way over to him.
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