Katelyn ignored Sharon’s outburst, got dressed, and left the house. Sharon attempted to grab hold of Katelyn’s clothes but was quickly shoved to the ground. Katelyn didn’t even look back as she walked away.

Sharon remained crying on the ground for a while before realizing she was alone and getting up. She immediately called Jeff.

Forty minutes later, Katelyn arrived at the building where the officials were based.

As she entered, she noticed the lobby was bustling. Not only were Lise and some officials there, but Jeff was also present.

Katelyn barely had time to scan the room when, suddenly, someone dashed up and knelt in front of her.

Lise clung to Katelyn’s pant leg, her eyes flooded with tears as she pleaded, “Please, Katelyn, you have to help me. I didn’t steal anyone’s work.”

The crowd’s focus shifted toward Katelyn, with the officials particularly scrutinizing the connection between her and Lise. They were indebted to Katelyn, and her intervention on Lise’s behalf could sway their judgment, despite the regulations.

Katelyn kept her expression cold as she firmly pushed Lise away, saying, “It’s not up to me to decide whether you’re wronged or not; that’s for the officials to decide.”

She was already feeling angry, and Lise’s behavior only deepened her displeasure.

Suddenly, Jeff stepped forward, striking Katelyn across the face. His eyes burned with fury as he shouted, “After all the years I have looked after you, how can you refuse to help Lise?”

He was fully aware that if Lise were officially found guilty of plagiarism, the Bailey Group would also be held accountable—a downfall that might be irreversible. Having tasted the heights of success, how could he face disgrace? He was determined to keep Lise in her position, at any cost.

Although tears still adorned her cheeks, Lise couldn’t help but feel a wave of victory. In this decisive moment, her parents had chosen her side. No matter Katelyn’s status, Katelyn would have to yield to her demands.

Jeff’s slap had left everyone in the room stunned. Their first instinct was to rush to Katelyn’s defense.

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Katelyn touched her cheek tenderly, feeling the sharp sting, her tongue probing the sore spot. This morning, Sharon had slapped her left cheek, and now Jeff had taken his turn on the right. Both had made their mark.

Her eyes narrowed as she locked gazes with Jeff, her voice cold.

“And what if I refuse to help?”

In the next moment, Jeff, fueled by anger, lifted his hand to hit Katelyn once more.

This time, however, Katelyn was ready. Seizing his wrist firmly, she said, “I have had enough of your abuse!”

At that moment, Jeff could feel the unwavering determination in Katelyn’s gaze. An ominous feeling overwhelmed him.

Attempting to pull away, Jeff struggled, but Katelyn abruptly let go. Caught off guard by the sudden release, Jeff stumbled and fell. He landed hard, whining, “My back!” as he clutched the painful area.

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