“Even if Katelyn and my grandson are divorced, she’ll always be my granddaughter. She’s family. What’s wrong with giving my possessions to her?” Carol announced, her tone resolute, effectively silencing everyone—especially Neil.

Neil was taken aback. This was new even to him. But the next moment, Carol’s words made Neil’s expression darken even further.

Carol’s demeanor softened as she turned to Katelyn, asking, “Katelyn, would you be willing to be my granddaughter and call me Grandma?”

Without hesitation, Katelyn replied, “I am!”

Having no parents or close relatives left, Carol was the only source of familial warmth available to her. Turning her down was out of the question. The care and affection Carol had shown her over the years were deeply cherished by Katelyn.

Carol nodded in satisfaction and smiled. “Then let everyone here witness this moment. From now on, Katelyn is my sworn granddaughter. She has no ties to Neil; her only connection is with me.” Her voice carried a decisive authority.

Katelyn stepped forward from among the guests and bowed deeply to Carol. “Grandma!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing clear and strong.

Carol’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Good child. With me here, no one will dare to mistreat you. Anyone who troubles you will answer to the Wheeler family!”

This turn of events was unexpected for everyone. Lise, so furious she almost damaged her teeth from clenching them, was beside herself. What was Carol thinking?

She disliked Lise, yet treated Katelyn—who came from a similar background and was now arguably in a worse position—like a precious jewel, even vowing the support of the Wheeler family for her.

: ν?

And what about Lise’s place? Everyone knew about her rocky relationship with Katelyn. Wasn’t this move clearly designed to humiliate her? For original chapters go to fin?novel.net

Lise mustered her courage and stepped forward, managing a strained smile.

“Mrs. Wheeler, if you do this, how am I supposed to relate to Katelyn? Everything will be all mixed up,” she argued.

Carol gave Lise a dismissive glance and retorted, “Since when do outsiders have a say in Wheeler family matters? You and Neil aren’t even married yet, and let me make this clear—I will never allow a woman like you into our family.”

If Carol’s previous comments had been humiliating, this statement was a direct assault on Lise’s dignity.

Even Jeff could no longer hold his silence. If word of today’s events spread, how could the Bailey family maintain its standing?

“Mrs. Wheeler, Lise and Neil truly love each other. As family, we should support them. Are you implying that the Bailey family is forcing this union?” Jeff argued. He had always placed great value on his family’s reputation, and under no circumstances could he allow it to be diminished.

His sudden assertiveness even took his wife, Sharon, by surprise. So, he did have a backbone. She had almost thought she’d brought a mute to the banquet.

Bolstered by Jeff’s stance, Sharon became more confrontational. “Mrs. Wheeler, remember the condition your grandson is in. Despite everything, Lise has remained loyal to him. Yet, you continue to undermine her.”

Neil’s expression darkened, stormy like a gathering thundercloud. Since when did the Bailey family have the audacity to look down on him? This was absurd.

His gaze turned icy as he retorted sharply, “Mrs. Bailey, if you think I’m not good enough for Lise, then take her back.”

Lise stood at a loss for words. What had she done to deserve such foolish parents? Couldn’t they be a bit more diplomatic? Why were they so intent on antagonizing the Wheeler family? They were completely oblivious to their own limitations.

With no other option, Lise stepped forward, asserting, “Grandma, Neil and I are genuinely in love. No matter what, I will always be by his side. Even if you don’t approve of me now, I’ll prove I deserve to be part of the Wheeler family.”

Before Carol could respond to Lise’s heartfelt plea, Sharon interrupted again. “What are you talking about, Lise? Our Bailey family is every bit the equal of the Wheelers. Why should you demean yourself by trying to be part of them?”

Lise felt herself on the brink of madness. She desperately wished Sharon would just be quiet. Neil was her best prospect.

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