In Resburn County, Vomez, Katherine's role as bridesmaid at a group wedding proved more demanding than usual. She not only served as a bridesmaid but also as an impromptu emcee. After a long wait for the wedding reception meal, she finally left the stage, her throat parched. Hurriedly approaching a waiter, she asked, "Excuse me, may I have a glass of water, please?"

The waiter stammered, "I'm sorry, Miss. I only serve alcoholic beverages and fruit juice. Would you like some fruit juice?"

Katherine glanced at the selection, thinking, "It's either peanut milk or orange juice. I'm so thirsty. Something sticky will ruin my voice!"

Just then, Dylan approached, offering a disposable cup of water. "Thirsty? Here."

Katherine refused. "It's okay."

Dylan's displeasure was evident. "Didn't you want water? This is water. Why won't you drink it?"

Katherine retorted, "Mr. Hart, I wouldn't dare drink anything you offer. Given our relationship, I couldn't trust it, even if you hadn't tampered with it."

"Damn!" Dylan exploded, his anger evident.

Ignoring him, Katherine headed for the hotel lobby. The coal magnate had booked the entire hotel for the event; the buffet was outdoors, leaving the interior deserted. She intended to find a waiter and discreetly avoid Dylan. Her disdain was palpable.

Humiliated twice that day, Dylan crushed the disposable cup in anger. He overheard nearby men whispering and pointing at Katherine:

"Is that the bridesmaid? She's stunning, prettier than many brides! Why haven't I seen her before?"

"Me neither. The boss probably paid extra for her. You like her, huh? Good taste."

The men then huddled, whispering conspiratorially before approaching the hotel with furtive glances. Dylan, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes, poured himself two drinks and followed them.

Unaware, Katherine found some water in the pantry, relieving her thirst. Checking her phone, she saw numerous missed calls from Valerie. Startled, she was about to return the call when she heard footsteps.

A group of drunken men blocked the pantry entrance.

"Who are you?" Katherine demanded.

"Young lady, my pals…hic… want to add you on WhatsApp…" Their slurred speech and alcohol-laden breath repulsed Katherine.

"I'm sorry," she said, "I don't add strangers. Please move." She attempted to push past them.

One drunkard blocked her path, leering. "Hey, don't be disrespectful! You're hired help! We'll complain to the boss!"

Katherine, detesting intimidation, retorted, "Fine. Let's see what your boss offers. Get lost! I'm here out of respect for the brides. If you continue this nonsense, I won't be polite!"

Initially intimidated, the men were emboldened by another man who shouted, "It's a celebration! Let's have some fun with the bridesmaids!"

The men echoed his sentiment. The leading drunkard, spurred on by alcohol, lunged at Katherine and lifted her.