“I’ll handle this call.” Before Jaxen could respond, Katelyn ended the call and answered the incoming one.

Katelyn picked up the phone, her voice gentle as she pushed aside her irritation.

“Hello, Carol.”

It had been a while since she had heard from Carol.

From her living room, Carol, wearing an expression of concern, spoke softly.

“Katelyn, I’ve been feeling anxious lately. Do you think Neil is hiding something from me? It’s been ages since he called. All I know is that he’s been away on business.”

Katelyn was caught off guard. She was surprised to learn that Neil had not shared news of his hospitalization with Carol. It seemed that Neil preferred to keep his health issues from Carol, likely to avoid worrying her. Katelyn couldn’t think of any other reason.

With a softened tone, Katelyn reassured her.

“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. Try not to stress, Carol.”

Given that Neil hadn’t shared anything, Katelyn chose to keep the information to herself. She still couldn’t be sure if Neil was genuinely sick, but she didn’t want Carol to worry. It was especially important since Carol had recently undergone significant surgery, and her health was fragile.

Carol’s anxiety remained, however. She gripped her chest, her voice filled with concern.

“I’ve been waking up frequently at night. I’ve tried calling Neil but got no response. I’m really worried about his wellbeing. If something were to happen to him, we could lose the Wheeler Group.”

The Wheeler Group represented the labor of multiple generations. Carol couldn’t bear the thought of it crumbling before her.

Katelyn’s expression grew serious as she recognized the urgency of protecting the Wheeler Group. If Neil were to pass away, Carol would lose a vital source of emotional support as well. At this point, Carol’s lifespan remained uncertain.

Katelyn responded soothingly, “Carol, don’t worry too much. He’s likely just caught up with work and will reach out once he’s less busy.” Driven by her concerns, Carol had reached out to Katelyn. At that moment, Carol regretted calling. After all, the animosity between Katelyn and Neil had only grown, and by sharing her worries, she felt she was merely burdening Katelyn further.

Feeling remorseful, Carol said, “I’m sorry, Katelyn. I just couldn’t help worrying about Neil.”

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Katelyn empathized with Carol’s anxiety. Despite her strained relationship with Neil and their inability to get along, she didn’t get upset just from hearing his name.

Katelyn reassured Carol, aiming to prevent her from worrying.

“Don’t worry, Carol. He’s going to be okay.”

It was the only reassurance she could offer, hoping to comfort Carol. The truth of the situation would only become clear once everything had been resolved.

Suddenly, Katelyn’s phone vibrated with an incoming message. She checked it, and her face visibly shifted.

“How could this be?!” she exclaimed. Startled by Katelyn’s reaction, Carol quickly asked, “What’s happened, Katelyn?”

Katelyn didn’t conceal the truth and said directly, “Lise is dead. They found her body in the river. The police have it at the station now. I need to go there.”

Carol was taken aback.

“How could this be?!” Despite her dislike for Lise, Carol found the news difficult to process.

Katelyn swiftly rose to her feet, grabbed her bag, and made for the door.

“I don’t have all the facts yet. Carol, I’ll update you as soon as I learn more. Try not to worry too much.”

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