Carol’s voice was firm, her words leaving no space for argument.
Neil’s face darkened, his tone colder as he countered, “Grandma, you’re ignoring reality. Katelyn broke the law. The public outrage is so intense that even the Wheeler family won’t be able to shield her.”
Katelyn’s gaze shifted to Neil, her face calm but distant. A sharp laugh escaped her lips, cutting through the tension. Her smile was razor-thin.
“Who asked for your help anyways? I can handle this myself.”
Her words hung in the air as her eyes locked onto Neil’s, unflinching. He didn’t flinch, though for a brief moment, there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something so close to concern that it baffled Katelyn. But in the blink of an eye, it was gone, leaving Katelyn to wonder if she had imagined it altogether.
She steadied herself, masking any trace of vulnerability. Why would Neil care about her situation?
His concern, if it existed, likely stemmed from protecting the Wheeler family’s reputation, just as he’d claimed.
“Our marriage is long over. Whatever scandal surrounds me now won’t touch the Wheeler family. You can rest easy,” Katelyn said.
Neil’s eyes narrowed, a frosty sharpness in his gaze.
“I’m only trying to help all of us here. If you cooperate, I can arrange for the best legal representation available.” Behind him, Lise’s expression faltered.
Neil had worked to quiet the rumors just yesterday, and now he was offering legal assistance. It was unmistakable—he still had a soft spot for Katelyn. Lise’s hands balled into fists at her sides, resentment flickering in her eyes like a smoldering flame.
“I don’t need your help,” Katelyn said firmly, dismissing his offer without hesitation.
Rising to her feet, she turned toward Carol.
ЯE P?ΛTΞ? IИ GΛ?И?VΞ.
“Grandma, I have work waiting for me. I’ll visit again later.”
Carol, propped up against the headboard, couldn’t hold back.
“Katelyn, I know you’re innocent in all this. But if things get too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask Neil for help, okay? He owes you that much—don’t feel ashamed to claim it.”
Neil’s brows furrowed, his frustration breaking through.
“Grandma, how is that fair? Katelyn has caused me harm, yet you insist I owe her?”
“You have no one to blame but yourself.” Carol didn’t flinch, her tone unwavering as she met his protest head-on.
“If you had any sense, you would’ve resolved Katelyn’s predicament right away instead of standing on the sidelines with heartless remarks. It’s no wonder she was so resolute about divorcing you.”
Both Neil and Lise fell into an uncomfortable silence.
Lise’s smile wavered, confusion creeping into her eyes. What did Carol mean by that? Was she being sarcastic?
Neil clenched his jaw, his expression darkening, but he bit back a retort, unwilling to stir Carol’s emotions further.
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