Before Neil’s call could connect, there was a sharp knock at his office door.

“May I come in, Neil?”

Neil quickly ended the call and composed himself. “Come in.”

Lise entered, holding a lunch bag. Neil looked at her in puzzlement. “What brings you here, Lise?”

Lise placed the bag on his desk with a warm smile. “I was concerned you might not be eating properly these days, so I brought you your favorite soup. Please enjoy it while it’s still hot.”

She ladled out a bowl of soup and handed it to Neil.

Neil took a sip of the soup and nodded appreciatively. “Thanks, Lise. I didn’t realize you were such a skilled cook.”

Lise’s eyes brimmed with affection, but then she seemed to come to a realization, letting out a sigh.

Neil set the bowl down and regarded her with confusion. “You seem troubled. What’s wrong? You look a bit pale.”

Lise fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, uncertainty evident. She looked directly at Neil and asked softly, “Neil, have you seen the news about Katelyn online?”

Neil frowned slightly and nodded. “Yes. What about it?”

“I can’t believe she’s as bad as they say. There has to be more to it. I came here to ask if you could help her.”

Lise spoke with a resolve that masked her apprehension.

Neil’s irritation was visible. “Katelyn brought this on herself. She doesn’t deserve any sympathy. And let’s not forget, you’ve suffered because of her actions. This is just her just deserts.”

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A flicker of doubt crossed Lise’s face. She hesitated and began, “But Katelyn is—”

She hesitated again, leaving her sentence unfinished. Annoyed, Neil slammed the bowl onto the desk.

“Lise, you’re far too generous. Why are you still concerned about Katelyn? When you think about being kind to her, remember everything she’s put you through. Is it worth it?”

Lise was left without words.

She pressed her lips together, on the verge of speaking but ultimately holding her tongue. Neil drew her closer, letting out a resigned sigh.

He said firmly, “I’ve been following this situation closely from the start. Katelyn is the primary culprit in this whole fiasco. Don’t expect me to come to her aid. She brought this upon herself.”

After a moment of hesitation, Lise reluctantly agreed with Neil.

Inside, she felt a sense of satisfaction. She knew Neil had never held any regard for Katelyn.

With a sigh, she expressed her hope. “I just wish Katelyn would learn something from all of this and make…”

Neil gently placed his hand over Lise’s, his gaze soft and affectionate. “Lise, your kindness and sensibility are truly remarkable. If only Katelyn had just a fraction of your admirable qualities, she wouldn’t have ended up like this.”

Lise rested her head on his shoulder, a gentle smile crossing her face. However, when Neil wasn’t paying attention, a trace of a scheming look flashed through her eyes.

She had come to Neil to gauge his intentions. Now that she was certain he wouldn’t assist Katelyn, she felt a sense of relief.

Tricia’s suicide was a calculated trap, and Lise was eager to see how Katelyn would fare in its aftermath. Even if Katelyn survived, her life would be in shambles. Hidden away in a quiet corner, Lise texted an unsaved number:

“I will add another $100,000. Push the story harder. Make sure it spreads across the nation.”

The reply came swiftly: “Consider it done.”

Meanwhile, after receiving the room number, Katelyn made her way to Tricia’s ward. Her instincts told her that Tricia’s suicide was a desperate act; there was likely more to it. Perhaps Tricia and her allies had orchestrated this performance for the media, playing the victims. Katelyn was certain she could discern whether Tricia’s suicide attempt was genuine or just a carefully orchestrated act when she got to confront her.

As Katelyn reached the 22nd floor, she stepped out of the elevator and was met with the sight of reporters clustered around the ward. In front of the cameras, Tricia’s mother wept bitterly, putting on a heart-wrenching display.

“Katelyn Bailey has devastated my poor daughter beyond measure!” she cried. “I demand justice. Even if it means risking the entire Guerrero family, I will not rest until Katelyn pays the price.”

Katelyn let out a bitter laugh, her anger barely contained.

“The one who strikes first is always the first to cry foul,” she thought.

Suddenly, a roar erupted from behind her.

“How dare you come here!”

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