Katelyn hesitated, lost in thought, before responding. “You’re worried I’ll be slighted, especially now without the Bailey family’s support.”

In their world, power and influence mattered more than wealth, and respect was earned by the strong. Though Katelyn had gained recognition as the globally famous designer Iris, it wasn’t a complete safety net for her. Carol’s gift of valuable land was her way of protecting Katelyn, fully aware of the world’s cruelty.

Carol nodded, but then shook her head, seeming to agree and disagree simultaneously. Katelyn felt confused.

“Grandma, what do you mean?”

“You’re partly correct,” Carol answered, her tone chilling. “More crucially, I want to secure the Wheeler family’s future.”

Her voice grew stern. “Neil may be business-savvy, but he fails in judging character. Tied to Lise, it’s only a matter of time before he jeopardizes the Wheelers.”

Katelyn stayed quiet, uncertain of what to say. Indeed, since Neil’s involvement with Lise, one scandal followed another. The Wheeler Group’s performance had also suffered. A person’s energy was limited. Lately, Neil’s focus had shifted to combating Vincent, neglecting his duties at the company.

Carol’s eyes looked distant as she continued. “Though I’m a Wheeler, that land is solely mine to keep. It once saved the Wheeler Group from near ruin.”

Katelyn pressed her lips together, her face set as she spoke. “Grandma, no matter what you say, I can’t take this land.”

Carol’s eyes softened, though her determination was clear. “I’m giving it to you because I trust you to protect it.”

If Neil had it, he’d sell it in a heartbeat. I’m not getting any younger, dear. Who knows how much time I have left?

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Carol then tenderly moved a stray lock of hair from Katelyn’s face, her touch filled with warmth. She had long considered Katelyn her honorary granddaughter, and now, her final wish was being fulfilled.

“This land is my last gift to you. With it, you’ll always be respected, wherever you go. Even if you enter a new relationship, you won’t be dismissed for lacking a powerful background.”

Katelyn’s eyes shimmered briefly. Carol had thought so much about her, even planning for the future. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Katelyn clenched her hands tightly. Slowly, she reached out and softly placed her hand over Carol’s, resting her head against the old woman’s hand.

“I’ll look after you, Grandma. I’ll always be here. You’re all the family I have now.”

A soft sigh escaped Carol, but her lips curved into a slight smile, masking the sorrow in her eyes.

“Thank you, my dear,” she said, her voice firm. “And about the land, don’t speak of returning it again. It would upset me.”

Katelyn paused, struggling with her emotions, but ultimately nodded in agreement. Even if she accepted the land, she didn’t view it as her own; it was merely something she held for Carol.

Carol wasn’t mistaken. Given Neil’s impulsive nature, who knew what he might do with the property?

Seeing Katelyn convinced, Carol felt a wave of relief. Yet, she hadn’t disclosed her full intentions. She had shared only a couple of reasons for her decision, but a more personal reason remained unspoken.

Now that Katelyn controlled the land, Neil would have to engage with her again if he wanted it back, possibly even reconsider their relationship. Deep down, Carol still harbored hopes that Katelyn would officially become her granddaughter-in-law. She kept these thoughts to herself, however, and leaned back, her voice showing her weariness.

“Katelyn, I’m feeling a bit tired. Why don’t you head back to the banquet? I need some rest.”

“Okay.”

Katelyn stood up, adjusting the blanket around Carol before quietly exiting the room.

She closed the door softly behind her, careful not to disturb Carol.

As she left, Carol’s words lingered in her mind. But as she turned the corner, she encountered Neil’s cold, venomous stare.

He sat in his wheelchair, his gaze sharp and filled with malice.

His expression was a mixture of resentment and contempt. A sarcastic smile twisted his lips.

“So, all your efforts at pretending finally paid off. You got what you wanted,” he hissed.

Katelyn’s gaze hardened. She inhaled deeply, standing her ground.

With a steady voice, she asked, “Neil, do you even understand why Grandma entrusted the land to me?”

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. Th?s chapter is updated by find·novel·net

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Message from Noah: Great Friday for you dear ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (﹏) ?

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