“Mrs. Wheeler, I’m pleading with you to support my relationship with Neil. Our love is real.”

Lise’s eyes shone with deep sincerity, her words spilling forth like a cascade of heartfelt affection for Neil. For a brief moment, even Neil found himself momentarily astonished.

Aside from his assistant, no one knew that his leg injury was merely an elaborate charade. Yet here stood Lise, unwavering, ready to remain by his side without a second thought, undeterred by his visible limitations.

The unblemished sincerity of her devotion stirred something deep within Neil, making his fists tighten with resolve. A fierce determination ignited in his heart. He was resolute in his mission to safeguard Lise, unwavering in his commitment to her well-being.

Katelyn, standing just a few steps away, couldn’t help but narrow her eyes, her gaze piercing as she scrutinized the unfolding exchange. She shot a quick glance at Neil’s legs, her mind racing with thoughts and suspicions.

Lise had always been a master of self-interest, unyielding in her pursuit and prepared to go to any lengths to fulfill her ambitions. For her to set aside her pride and endure such indignity could only signify that the Wheeler family still held tremendous significance in her eyes.

Before the unveiling of the gifting agreement, Lise had been eager to offer her loyalty in exchange for the allure of oil-rich land. But now that Neil had nothing left to gain and was seen as a cripple, how could Lise possibly feel fulfilled staying by his side?

Carol’s expression hardened instantly, transforming into a mask of frosty disdain. She emitted a chilling laugh.

“Did I not make myself absolutely clear earlier? As long as I breathe, you can abandon any hope of being part of the Wheeler family.”

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She loathed Lise’s insincere facade, seeing right through her pretense. Despite being Sharon’s daughter, Lise had received none of her mother’s fiery boldness or unfiltered candor.

If Lise walked away now, all her sacrifices would have been in vain.

Lise clenched her teeth, resolute. She turned to Carol and, with a steely resolve, spoke softly, “Grandma…”

Had Lise possessed even a fraction of Sharon’s unapologetic bluntness, Carol might have found a shred of respect for her honesty. Instead, Lise’s feigned humility was utterly intolerable.

Lise tightened her fists in frustration, silently cursing under her breath.

What on earth does this stubborn old hag want? she thought. She had already swallowed her pride, yet Carol remained unyielding, refusing to free her from this torment.

Attending this banquet had been completely unnecessary; it had only turned her into the subject of ridicule and scorn.

Neil maneuvered his wheelchair forward, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Carol.

“Grandma, my feelings for Lise are real. If I can’t marry her, then I won’t marry anyone. She sacrificed so much for me, including the loss of a child. I owe her at least that.”

Tears brimmed in Lise’s eyes, her expression radiating heartfelt gratitude. But beneath the surface, she couldn’t resist a sly chuckle.

At least Neil had the decency to stand up for her.

Carol’s eyes flickered with a fleeting emotion, but she remained silent, opting for a silence that spoke volumes. Interpreting this as a glimmer of hope, Neil pressed forward with renewed determination.

“Grandma, you’ve always taught me the importance of taking responsibility and being a man of integrity. All I want is to marry Lise and treat her with the love she deserves.”

Katelyn couldn’t suppress an eye roll.

Given all that Neil had put her through, it felt as though Carol’s years of teaching had been utterly squandered.

Neil wasn’t a terrible person by any means, but in matters of relationships, he was utterly adrift. His one true love had always been Lise.

Love, after all, was often judged by comparison, and Neil’s feelings for Katelyn paled in comparison to the profound connection he had with Lise.

That was why Lise always enjoyed flaunting her victory, seizing every opportunity to taunt Katelyn.

Just as Neil and Lise believed Carol might finally capitulate, her words surprised them once again.

“If you wish to marry her, that can certainly be arranged.” Hope ignited in their eyes, but Carol’s next words snuffed it out completely. “But you’ll need to decide—either the company or Lise. You can’t have them both.” Her tone was unwavering, leaving no room for negotiation. How could she trust a man who couldn’t even discern the true nature of those around him to oversee the family business?

This company was the culmination of countless generations of relentless toil, and Carol had no intention of watching it crumble to dust.

Lise’s composure shattered as her thoughts spiraled into chaos. She silently cursed Carol a thousand times. She found herself questioning whether Neil was truly a Wheeler. What else could explain Carol’s relentless attempts to complicate his life?

The Bailey family, watching from the sidelines, simmered with indignation, speechless in the face of Carol’s audacious behavior. This insufferable old woman!

Neil’s face reflected a tempest of frustration and defiance. He opened his mouth to speak again, “Grandma…” But Carol interrupted him sharply, cutting him off without hesitation.

“There’s no need for further words. You stand before two choices. The company or Lise. Now choose wisely.”

Her tone was final, leaving no room for debate. Neil found himself confronted with an agonizing choice—his family legacy or the woman he loved. He couldn’t have both.

The veins in Neil’s clenched fists swelled ominously as he struggled to contain the surge of anger bubbling inside him. He couldn’t fathom why his grandmother harbored such deep-seated disdain for Lise.

Carol lavished affection on Katelyn, but not on Lise. Tears shimmered in Lise’s eyes as her face contorted with a deep sense of injustice.

Sharon, heart aching for her daughter, felt a flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She could no longer hold back.

With a piercing glare aimed at Carol, Sharon shouted, “You Wheelers have crossed the line! How dare you bully us like this?”

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