?Chapter 256:
Lise had been emphasizing the authenticity of the document with a confident tone.
Yet Katelyn remained skeptical.
She suspected Lise hade solely for financial gain.
Perhaps she hadn’t even informed Neil.
The funds might represent thest remaining assets of the entire Wheeler Group.
Without any assets left, Lise stood to gain nothing.
“This agreement involves Neil and me. Was he aware that you approached me?” Katelyn asked, curious.
With a heart full of resentment, Lise clenched her teeth. “Neil, bless his kind and softhearted nature, has been deceived by you. If you had any regard for your past, you wouldn’t strike such a harsh deal now.”
Lisemented Neil’s naivety. How could he overlook discussing such a critical issue with her?
Their entire enterprise risked copse at Vincent’s hands without the funds.
Irony yed on Katelyn’s smile.
“It appears he’s unaware. If you want the deal to proceed, Neil must speak with me himself.”
As Katelyn rose to leave, Lise’s anxiety surged.
She fixed her gaze on Katelyn’s departing figure, teeth gritted. “Aren’t you curious about your real parents? They’ve searched for you for years, yet you’ve consistently avoided them.”
Katelyn paused, then turned slightly. “Should I choose to learn about them, I’ll investigate on my own terms. It’s none of your concern.”
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“You!” Lise blurted out in rage.
In her fury, Lise swept everything from the table to the floor, causing amotion that drew the attention of other patrons. She kept ring at Katelyn as the woman left.
She was determined to exact retribution on Katelyn.
Upon returning to the coffee shop, Katelyn’s nervousness was palpable, and her mood grew increasinglyplex.
Katelyn wrestled with the decision to verify the authenticity of the document Lise held.
Fear gripped her, leaving her paralyzed and unable to act. She was acutely aware of her limits. Discovering any hint about her origins wouldpel her to explore further, despite knowing the agony it could bring, reminiscent of what had happened with the Baileys.
On her drive home, the day’s events at the café haunted her thoughts.
Aware of Katelyn’s vulnerability, Lise had intentionally stirred the issue of her biological parents.
Katelyn feltpelled to act, prompting her to call Neil directly.
The connection was quick, and Neil’s voice soon filled the line. “I just wanted to touch base,” Neil began. “I’ve done as you requested. When do we finalize the contract?”
Katelyn’s reply was icy, her smile sharp. “Let’s not rush the contract just yet.”
Anger was palpable in Neil’s response, apanied by the loud crash of something hitting the floor.
It sounded as if he had knocked over a chair in his frustration.
“Katelyn, are you trying to manipte me?” he challenged. Trapped and desperate, Neil was stunned by her hesitation now after he had done everything she had asked.
“I was willing to work with you initially, but Lise just confronted me, demanding I return your deposit. How about I just return the money, and we end our agreement? Please, no more interference from her.”
As Katelyn’s demeanor grew increasingly frosty, she reclined against the sofa, her gaze piercing.
The debacle with the Wheeler Group had escted dramatically. Regardless of Neil’s feelings for Lise, this conflict was bound to provoke a fierce reaction from him. With Lise stirring up a sensitive issue, Katelyn was prepared to retaliate without a second thought.
“Excuse me?” she said sharply.
Frustration was evident in Neil’s clenched jaw and the fierce look in his eyes.
Why must Lise keepplicating things?
It had been a struggle to get Katelyn on board, and Lise’s actions had nearly jeopardized everything.
“Give me some time. I’ll handle this to your satisfaction,” Neil promised.
“I’ll be waiting,” Katelyn replied coolly, ending the call. Just then, the doorbell echoed through the house.
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