Katelyn’s heart clenched. For a moment, she feared he might stop breathing altogether and die right before their eyes.

Lise, frozen in shock, snapped out of it suddenly. Her expression twisted as she lunged at Jaxen, tearing the documents from his hands in a wild frenzy.

“You think you can use these lies to deceive Neil? Get out! All of you, get out!”

Shreds of paper scattered in the air, with a few pieces fluttering down to Katelyn’s feet. She crouched down, picked one up, and froze as her eyes landed on the words.

Lise had a child abroad. And the father wasn’t even the husband of Jaxen’s friend. It was someone else entirely. Lise had gotten pregnant back when she worked in a nightclub overseas. Now, the child was already three years old.

No one had found any trace of this child before, which showed just how well Lise had hidden her secret. But now, Jaxen had uncovered everything.

Neil’s coughing eventually subsided, though his breaths came shallow and weak.

Lise rushed to his side, clutching his hand desperately, her eyes brimming with panic. She shook her head, pleading, “Neil, believe me, these are all fake. None of it is true! It’s not me!”

If she admitted to any of this, Neil’s trust in her would shatter completely. She’d lose everything.

Neil slowly pulled his hand away, his voice cold and detached.

“Go home, Lise. I need peace.”

Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, shaking her head in denial.

But Neil’s tone grew even icier.

“If you don’t leave now, I’ll call the police.” The finality in his voice left no room for argument.

Lise stiffened, her face pale. She knew she had no choice—if she stayed, the situation would only escalate. Imprisonment was a very real possibility.

? .

Lowering her head, she whispered in grievance, “Fine, I’ll leave. But you have to believe me, Neil. We’ve been through so much together.”

“How could I ever deceive you? You’re everything to me.”

Neil didn’t respond, his frosty gaze fixed on her, unmoved.

Jaxen leaned casually against a cabinet, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

“What’s the plan, Lise? Want me to call the police for him? I’m more than happy to do it—I’m quite familiar with the process.” He pulled out his phone, as if ready to dial.

Lise’s eyes burned with hatred as she glared at Jaxen. She knew he was deliberately provoking her, savoring every moment of her downfall.

Still, she had no choice but to leave.

Katelyn stood silently, watching it all unfold. Her heart turned cold. Even now, Neil hadn’t spoken a single word of condemnation toward Lise. It was clear—Lise was Neil’s most cherished treasure. Even as he stood on the brink of death, he still protected her. Anyone who witnessed this would have no doubt—it was true love.

Lise finally left, glancing back repeatedly, her tear-streaked face full of sorrow. She looked like a tragic heroine straight out of a play.

Jaxen, however, found her display utterly revolting. He scoffed, glancing at Neil with disdain.

“Mr. Wheeler, you really know how to shield her.” His disgust was obvious.

Jaxen had hoped Neil would finally stand up to Lise. But no. Despite everything, Neil had done nothing to hold her accountable in a surge of anger, which left Jaxen feeling frustrated and defeated.

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