The voice on the phone carried a note of urgency and worry. Katelyn held her breath, listening carefully to the sounds coming from the other end of the call.

There was a brief pause before Carol spoke again.

“Katelyn, you must come to my birthday banquet next week. If you don’t show up, it will really upset me,” she said, her attempt to change the subject clumsy.

Katelyn, concerned, asked, “Did something just happen there? It sounded like someone was kicking your door.”

Carol caught Neil’s eye as he quietly entered the room but decided to avoid the issue.

“You must be mistaken. It was just a servant who stumbled,” she replied.

Only then did Katelyn feel her anxiety begin to ease. She clutched a pillow to her chest, biting her lip in indecision.

“I’ll think about the banquet. Though, I’m worried I might make things uncomfortable for everyone,” Katelyn said.

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I’ve got your back. Anyone who messes with you will have to go through me first,” Carol reassured her.

Despite her age, Carol’s voice carried a commanding presence.

She had taken charge of the Wheeler Group during tough times after her husband’s untimely death. Her resolve had only strengthened with time.

Katelyn thought for a moment, then replied, “Alright, I understand.”

Carol’s voice softened, filled with warmth. “Good. Now, go on with your plans, but remember to be there for me next week. Don’t disappoint me.”

“Sure,” Katelyn responded before hanging up.

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Looking at her reflection in the now dark phone screen, her delicate features soft and beautiful, Katelyn couldn’t help but sigh. Without realizing it, she clenched her fists.

She knew that going to the banquet would undoubtedly cause trouble. The bad blood between her and Neil had escalated beyond repair.

Katelyn sighed inwardly, aware that she was bound to disappoint Carol this time.

What she didn’t know was that Carol’s stern gaze was fixed on Neil after the call ended.

“You worthless brat! How many times have you broken Katelyn’s heart? Even my invitation to my birthday banquet makes her hesitate!” Carol scolded fiercely, disregarding the fact that Neil was her own biological grandson. Dressed in an elegant gown, she sat on the sofa, thumping her cane on the floor as she continued, “I’ve warned you before, and you’ve ignored it. Katelyn would make a wonderful wife, and yet you fail to appreciate her!”

Neil, looking grim, wheeled himself closer to Carol. “Grandma, I’m in this wheelchair because of Katelyn. If not for her, I wouldn’t be disabled!” Neil retorted.

“And that’s your own doing! Do you think she would have reacted that way for no reason?” Carol replied sharply. She had only one grandson and was fully aware of his turbulent love life.

Katelyn was known for her kindness and gentleness. For her to take such a drastic step, Neil must have hurt her badly.

Neil’s pupils narrowed, and veins stood out on his forehead.

“Grandma, who is your real family here? I’m your blood relative, not her!” he yelled.

“I don’t need you to keep reminding me. I know exactly what you’re like. You might be skilled in business, but when it comes to love, you’re clueless,” said Carol.

Her eyes showed disappointment as she sighed deeply, then said sternly, “To be clear, I only acknowledge Katelyn as my granddaughter-in-law. I don’t care about any of the random women you’re seeing. Don’t bring shame upon our family by bringing them home.”

Random woman? She was talking about Lise.

Carol had met Lise once and felt no affection for the woman who seemed to excel only at playing the victim and showing weakness.

If not for her, Katelyn would never have considered divorce. In the end, it all came down to Lise and Neil’s faults—one was always so fake, while the other remained blind to the truth.

Neil’s fists tightened until his knuckles turned white.

In a sharp, doubtful tone, he said, “Grandma, I’ve already been brought down to this point, and you still expect me to stay with Katelyn?”

“What I want is irrelevant. Katelyn will never choose you again. Neil, even though you’re my grandson, I feel no pity seeing you like this. You brought this upon yourself,” Carol said.

She slammed her cane down hard, her frustration evident. Her only regret was discovering the divorce too late to intervene.

In a hushed tone, she added, “And as for my possessions, don’t even think about getting them.” This update is available on

Neil’s eyes widened in disbelief.

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