“Reputation matters,” she said seriously.

“I know you wouldn’t do anything like that, but you need to stand up for yourself and not let other people’s schemes bring you down.”

Carol, with all her life experience, could tell there was some truth to those rumors, even without knowing the whole story.

Katelyn smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” Who would have spread those rumors to Carol? Could it have been Lise?

As Katelyn thought about it, the door to the room suddenly opened.

Lise walked in, pushing Neil in a wheelchair.

Neil’s expression was serious, while Lise pretended to be surprised, covering her mouth.

“Katelyn, what are you doing here?!” Lise exclaimed.

“Why haven’t you gone to the police to turn yourself in? There’s a huge difference between confessing on your own and getting arrested.”

When Katelyn heard that, a sharp glint flashed in her eyes. She sat still by the bed, staring at Lise.

“Why should I turn myself in?”

“Katelyn, stop being so stubborn. Your actions are all over the internet, and a lot of people are calling you a murderer,” Lise said with a sigh, pretending to be concerned.

“I never thought you’d do something like that. Maybe I don’t really know you after all.”

Katelyn squinted, responding, “Do you just believe everything you read online? Can’t you think for yourself and make your own decisions?”

Lise’s face turned bright red with anger. Was Katelyn calling her stupid?

Still, Lise kept up her act of being concerned.

“The video and audio recording are already out there. What’s the point in denying it?”

Carol shot Lise a disapproving look at her words.

“I believe in Katelyn’s integrity. Everything circulating online must be nothing but fabricated nonsense,” Carol declared with a tone laced with quiet authority. Her voice carried a sharp edge as she added, “Someone’s clearly orchestrating this smear campaign against her. When I uncover who’s behind it, I won’t show mercy.”

Each word Carol spoke felt like a blow to Lise, and a flicker of unease crossed her face. Could Carol already know about the malicious rumors?

Neil’s frown deepened, and he spoke with authority.

“Grandma, Lise isn’t entirely wrong here. There are witnesses and solid evidence. The person who jumped off the building yesterday is still in the hospital. Even if you’re trying to defend Katelyn, you can’t ignore the facts.” He let his words sink in before turning toward Katelyn and continued, “This situation has gone too far. You need to address it. Surrendering now might be your best option. Don’t drag the Wheeler family deeper into your mess.”

Before Katelyn could open her mouth, Carol’s sharp gaze already bore into Neil, her dissatisfaction palpable.

“What are you even saying, Neil? How could Katelyn be the one to bring harm to the Wheeler family? I’ve been telling you from the start—she’s

being framed. Your job is to find the real culprit and clear her name, not stand there doubting her.”

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