Carol’s sudden outburst left everyone stunned, particularly Lise. The hurt in her eyes was real, not an act. Since reclaiming her identity as a Bailey, she had never faced such hostility.

It was even more unsettling that Carol had targeted her, leaving Lise too intimidated to defend herself.

Lise glanced at Neil with a pleading look, hoping he would come to her rescue.

The photographer, caught off guard by the scene, struggled to find the right words to ease the tension. Finally, Neil spoke up with a hint of resignation, saying, “Grandma, Lise is your future granddaughter-in-law. It’s normal for her to be in the family photo with us.” With so many people watching, Carol’s open hostility toward Lise would surely become a topic of gossip if it continued.

Mabel joined in, trying to ease the situation. “If you really don’t want Lise in the photo, why don’t we take one with just our family first?”

Lise clenched her fists, tears brimming in her eyes.

Carol snorted dismissively.

“Stop with the act. I have a granddaughter-in-law, so why should an outsider like you sit here?”

After saying this, Carol’s gaze softened as she looked at Katelyn, warmth flooding her eyes. Her shift in attitude was as quick as flipping a switch.

“Katelyn, come sit by me. Let’s take a proper family photo.”

Katelyn was at a loss for words, her expression a mix of emotions. In that moment, she couldn’t help but wonder if Carol had lost her grip on reality.

She and Neil were already divorced—what ex-wife would pose for a family photo?

Especially after Carol’s comment, all eyes turned to Katelyn. Neil’s gaze was piercing, filled with hostility. He was convinced Katelyn was using her bond with his grandmother to stir up trouble.

He knew her too well and believed Katelyn’s actions were always driven by malice.

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Forcing a smile, Katelyn politely declined.

“No, I won’t be joining the family photo. You all go ahead.”

But Carol patted the seat beside her insistently.

“Katelyn, come now. It’s my birthday, and if you don’t join us, I’ll be upset.”

“But…”

Katelyn found herself caught in an awkward situation. She didn’t want to join the family photo, but she also didn’t want to upset Carol.

Embarrassed, she said, “But Carol, Neil and I are already divorced.”

Katelyn thought this would make Carol drop the idea, but what Carol said next left her stunned.

“So what if you’re divorced? You can always remarry. Anyway, you’re still family.”

Katelyn was at a loss for words.

Carol’s stance was clear—she insisted on having Katelyn in the photo.

Neil, however, could no longer stay quiet. His voice turned cold as he finally spoke up.

“Grandma, let’s not make a scene on a day like this. Katelyn and I are officially divorced, so she has no right to be in our family photo.”

After saying this, Neil shot a cold look at Katelyn.

Carol responded with impatience.

“If I say she belongs here, then she does. No matter what happens, Katelyn is the only daughter-in-law I acknowledge. Some things can’t be taken from her, even if she doesn’t want them.”

Her words clearly hinted at something left unsaid.

Lise clenched her teeth in frustration.

She had hoped this banquet would be her chance to secure her place, only to end up feeling foolish.

She forced a smile.

“Carol, am I doing something wrong that makes you dislike me? You can tell me directly. You see, Neil and I are really in love.”

“I don’t want to hear from you,” Carol cut her off coldly, her eyes still on Katelyn.

“Katelyn, come over. It’s my wish to have a family photo with you. We may not get another chance.”

A trace of sadness flickered in Carol’s eyes, and once again, Katelyn felt swayed.

She had only come today to make sure Carol had a happy birthday.

Reluctantly, Katelyn moved over to Carol and sat down beside her.

Neil’s face darkened even further.

What spell had Katelyn cast over his grandmother to earn such favor?

The photographer quickly took advantage of the moment, lifting his camera and calling out, “Everyone, look at the camera. Let’s see some happy, natural smiles.”

Katelyn managed a forced smile. She had never felt more awkward before. ? ?s? ?s find?novel.net

The moment the shutter clicked, she stood and quickly stepped away.

Just then, a voice from the doorway announced, “Mr. Adams is here!”

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