Chapter 471: Chapter 471



His attention shifted to two figures in the distance, their eyes focused intently on them.

“Hey! Are you all doing alright?” Bobby called, his voice carrying across the space.

“We’re fine!” Shawn replied.

Katherine, still lost in her thoughts, pivoted to continue walking alone.

Shawn had scarcely noticed the scenery unfolding around him; his gaze remained fixed on Katherine, who moved gracefully ahead.

She wore a sleek black hiking jacket paired with form-fitting leggings.

Previously, Katherine had always been enveloped in professional attire, her business suits acting as an impenetrable armor. Over time, however, that commanding presence had faded into a predictable, almost unremarkable routine.

Yet Katherine was the rare kind of person who could transform even the most casual sportswear into an ensemble that exuded effortless style and undeniable allure.

Shawn lingered behind, stealing a few more glances at her, each one a fleeting indulgence he couldn’t resist.

“Shawn, let’s keep going,” Lily urged.

“Okay.”

By ten in the morning, Katherine’s brisk pace had slowed. The dull throb of her appendicitis began to gnaw at her, and soon enough, Shawn and Lily closed the distance.

“Katherine, are you okay?”

Katherine’s complexion had paled slightly, a subtle contrast to the bright sun that threatened to become the day’s hottest point. Strands of her hair clung to her forehead, damp with sweat.

“I’m fine. You two go ahead. I’ll rest for a bit.”

Bobby, ever the lone wolf, had long since disappeared from view, uninterested in team dynamics. If Katherine paused now, even for a moment, she risked losing sight of them completely and falling too far behind to catch up.

Shawn handed the backpack back to Lily and said to Katherine, “I’ll carry you.”

“No need!” Katherine quickly declined, though the anxiety seemed to intensify the sharp pangs of her aching appendicitis.

She feared that Lily might resent her, but Lily showed no sign of displeasure. “Katherine, don’t overexert yourself. Let Shawn carry you to the first rest stop.”

Katherine hesitated for only a moment before climbing onto Shawn’s back, surrendering to the moment. She had never been this close to him before.

Although they had known each other for years, Katherine’s understanding of Shawn had always remained somewhat superficial.

She had always believed it was inappropriate to flirt with people close to her. However, she suddenly found herself coming to an enlightening realization: the people closest to her weren’t so bad after all.

Shawn was undeniably handsome, but beyond his striking appearance, there was a delightful personality. He was caring, dependable, and truly remarkable—a man who radiated genuine goodness.

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