It was Carol who scolded.
Her eyes fixed coldly on Sharon as she spoke sternly.
“How many scandals do you intend to create here? This is Wheeler territory, not a stage for the Baileys.”
Sharon reluctantly lowered her hand, feeling completely humiliated.
She gritted her teeth and responded, “I am merely guiding my adopted daughter. You have no right to interfere in our family matters, Mrs. Wheeler.”
Carol’s response was authoritative.
“Katelyn has long publicly severed ties with your family, and she is now part of mine. Even if not by marriage, she remains family to us.”
Katelyn observed Carol with mixed feelings.
In any situation, Carol was the only one who offered her a sense of family.
Sharon was visibly shaken by Carol’s stern words.
Unable to contain his frustration, Jeff pulled her aside, whispering sternly, “Do you want to cause even more of a scene?”
Their dramatic entrance now seemed ridiculous. Jeff could feel the judgmental stares from around the room.
Lise came over, her voice gentle.
“Mom, remember, we’re here to celebrate Mrs. Wheeler’s birthday.”
Feeling burdened by her mother’s actions, Lise was overwhelmed.
Had they simply retreated earlier, none of this embarrassment would have occurred.
Now, they had not only overshadowed the event but also brought significant disgrace upon themselves.
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She couldn’t even bring herself to look at Neil.
Neil, meanwhile, was struggling to keep his composure. What should have been a joyful occasion had devolved into chaos.
He realized it was time to reassess the longstanding ties with the Bailey family.
He understood Sharon’s motives.
The Bailey family had always been dependent on the Wheelers.
But now, with his injury making him appear vulnerable, the Baileys seemed to relish a perceived edge over the Wheelers.
It wasn’t just about maintaining ties anymore; it was about the Baileys pitying the Wheelers and grudgingly maintaining the engagement.
A firm rebuke was necessary for those who overstepped their bounds.
Sharon, finally noticing the disdainful looks from others, felt misunderstood.
She was only trying to support her daughter.
How had everything gone so wrong?
Carol spoke with composure.
“If you’re not pleased with the festivities, perhaps it’s best to leave now rather than spoil the mood for everyone else.”
Sharon’s barely contained anger threatened to erupt once more. Official source is FindN0vel.net
Lise, sensing the mounting tension, urgently tugged at her, signaling her to calm down.
Lise had remained steadfast by Neil’s side throughout his disability, gaining the respect and trust of the Wheeler family. Sharon’s current behavior jeopardized all of Lise’s hard-earned standing.
If this situation persisted, how could she hope to become Neil’s wife?
Sharon clenched her teeth and, with considerable effort, allowed Lise to guide her to a seat.
Yet, she was not ready to let the matter rest. The Wheeler family owed them an explanation.
Katelyn observed the unfolding drama with detached ease.
Having cut ties with the Bailey family, she felt a profound sense of freedom and lightness she hadn’t known before. She cast a discreet glance at Neil, noting his face clouded with anger. Clearly, a confrontation was looming after the banquet.
Despite the disruptions, the birthday celebration continued.
Carol’s gaze softened remarkably as she turned to Katelyn, her demeanor shifting from sternness to warmth.
“Katelyn, did you bring a gift for me?”
Katelyn responded with a serene smile, “Of course, but my gift is somewhat unique…”
She left her statement hanging, piquing Carol’s curiosity.
“What is it?”
With a playful grin, Katelyn clapped her hands. At her signal, the attendants she had prearranged wheeled in the gift.
The long, slender box that entered the room puzzled everyone.
What sort of gift required such unusual packaging?
Could it indeed be a painting?
At Katelyn’s cue, two attendants began to carefully extract the item from the box, each gripping an end of the scroll and gently unfurling it.
The scroll was so expansive it required four people to stretch it out entirely, displaying it to all the attendees.
As the contents were revealed, the crowd’s eyes widened in collective amazement, and murmurs of admiration filled the room.
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