Neil’s face hardened as he replied, “I didn’t succeed this time. But when I do, they won’t say that anymore.”

In the very next moment, a sharp slap resonated through the room.

Carol delivered a sharp slap across Neil’s face.

It was a common belief that some businessmen would do anything for profit. Yet, a family that had maintained its integrity for over a century should possess some moral fiber. But Neil simply couldn’t understand this.

Carol, breathing heavily and shaking with rage, fixed Neil with a stare and said, “As long as I’m alive, you won’t harm her!” The words made her body shake uncontrollably.

Neil realized that prolonging this confrontation could worsen Carol’s health. So, he chose to stay silent. Nonetheless, when it concerned Katelyn, he was resolute and wouldn’t yield.

Carol perceived his silence as continued defiance. She warned him, “Neil, I went through a lot to raise you. If you care about my well-being, you’ll stop this now!”

Katelyn had once saved her life, an act of kindness Carol could never repay. How could she just watch her grandson cause harm to Katelyn? Especially considering all that Katelyn had done for both Neil and the Wheeler family, which Carol had seen over the years. Katelyn was inherently good-natured. How could Neil be so merciless?

At this point, Carol had given up hope that Neil would reflect on their years together. She felt compelled to use her own life as leverage. She knew all too well Neil’s deep-seated stubbornness.

Neil, visibly shaken, with a shadow crossing his eyes, lowered his head and said, “Understood. I won’t harm her again.” At least, not for the time being.

The recent troubles involving the Wheeler Group had hit him hard. Recovering from this setback would take considerable time. For now, he needed to maintain a low profile. He must ensure Katelyn remained unaware of any details. Otherwise, his effort would have been wasted.

Carol exhaled deeply, uncertain if Neil truly grasped the significance of their discussion. At that moment, a severe headache struck her, feeling as though her head might burst. She dismissed Neil with a wave of her hand.

“Leave now. I can’t stand your presence.”

Neil moved closer to help Carol get comfortable.

“Grandma, please try to rest and calm down. I’ll heed your advice.”

Half-sitting on the bed, Carol observed Neil, her frustration easing slightly. She murmured gently, “Neil, we are rational people. I’m not taking sides against you, but we can’t ignore what Katelyn has done for us.”

She was uncertain of Neil’s true feelings. Yet, she felt compelled to express the necessity.

Neil preferred not to prolong the conversation with Carol. The more they conversed, the more unsettled he became. He merely whispered back, “I understand, Grandma.”

Realizing Neil was not open to more discussion, Carol said, “Enough now. Go back to your tasks.”

She hoped his assurances were sincere and not merely superficial. Neil gave a respectful nod and exited. As he shut Carol’s door behind him, a chill crossed his gaze.

Katelyn! She would pay for what she had done to him! And he would sacrifice anything to make that happen. This affair had turned him into a joke among their peers, all because of Katelyn, that disgraceful woman!

In the following days, Katelyn spent two nights with Vincent at the hospital until he was released. It was only a snake bite, and once the wound had scabbed over, he was able to walk again. Moreover, Vincent had too much work to do to stay in the hospital. He also needed to travel to Yata soon. Such plans required early preparation.

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