Neil’s expression remained stoic, devoid of any guilt or panic as he turned his gaze toward her.

“Why were you listening to my call?” he asked coldly.

Lise’s fists tightened. She couldn’t ignore the shift in Neil’s behavior toward her lately.

They used to be inseparable, their bond so sweet and loving that Neil had once been willing to betray Katelyn for her. But recently, things had changed. Now, Neil chose to sleep in the study every night.

Even with him in a wheelchair, there were still ways for them to be close, weren’t there?

Though fury simmered inside her, Lise kept her composure. She fixed her gaze on Neil, her eyes filled with hurt and frustration.

“Answer me first. Do you still have feelings for Katelyn? I’ve been with you for so long—what am I to you?”

“My relationship with Katelyn is nothing more than that of enemies. Don’t overthink it,” Neil said coldly.

Lise clenched her jaw. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Neil was only trying to deceive her.

“But what you just did was obviously to benefit Katelyn,” Lise said softly, her voice laced with hurt as she stepped closer to him. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

“You can’t blame me for overthinking. It’s just… your attitude toward me has…”

been so much colder lately, especially with your recent decision to help her.”

“My grandma can’t handle any emotional stress right now. If she sees the news online and finds out Katelyn is being dragged into this public mess, it’ll upset her. I’m only doing this for my grandma’s sake,” Neil replied, his expression unwavering.

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When he saw the tears in Lise’s eyes, his indifferent demeanor softened just a fraction.

He pulled her into his arms, his voice laced with a touch of helplessness.

“I’ve already been hurt enough by Katelyn. Why would you think I still have feelings for her? If I had the chance, I’d want nothing more than to erase her from my life entirely.”

Lise reluctantly nodded, her head resting against him like a delicate flower.

“I was overthinking. It’s just that your attitude has been a bit cold lately, and it made me feel this way.”

She lifted her eyes to meet Neil’s and continued, “But Neil, please, don’t get involved with anything related to Katelyn in the future. I need to feel secure.”

Neil gently placed his hand on her arm, his tone firm yet reassuring as he repeated his earlier explanation.

“Like I said, I’m doing this for Grandma’s sake, and this has nothing to do with Katelyn.”

Lise nodded reluctantly, her lips curving into a sweet smile, but inside, her mind was seething.

“Does Neil really think I’m that naive?”

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