Chapter 247

Alexander's aunt spat, "Either live together peacefully or consider an early divorce."

Katrina was stunned. Divorce? Joyce and Alexander had only just wedded, and already the possibility of divorce loomed.

Rumors circulated among their friends that Alexander felt no attraction towards Joyce. He found her undesirable and had never been intimate with her.

Divorcing now would only validate the rumors that Joyce was difficult.

Looking ahead, if Joyce wished to remarry or find a compatible partner, the prospects would be significantly tougher.

Additionally, the Harper family's financial situation had deteriorated.

It seemed unlikely that Caiden would offer further support. Without financial means, a divorce would leave Joyce with nothing, potentially leading her to a mismatched marriage with a divorced man.O

Katrina considered her options carefully.

As she looked at Joyce, a brief moment of uncertainty passed between them.

At that moment, Joyce offered a small smile. She recognized the necessity of enduring the day's indignities.

Katrina then addressed the room. "We are all family, and we should forgive and forget, but that does not excuse violence. Alexander, your actions were unacceptable, and I must express that."

She glanced at Alexander with a meaningful look. She meant to demand an apology from him to Joyce, but the words faltered.

Instead,she hesitated. "Well, shall we leave it there for now? Joyce, take care of yourself."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Richard and Alexander rose, disregarding Katrina entirely. As they headed out, Richard said to Joyce sharply, "Aren't you coming?"

Joyce trembled, then turned her gaze to Katrina. Her eyes conveyed deep sadness and a silent plea for understanding.

A sharp pain gripped Katrina's heart. She moved her lips as if to speak but instead turned away, resigning herself to silence.

As Joyce prepared to leave, she spoke icily. "Mom, this is all on you! Everything bad happening is because of you! If you hadn't pushed me to sabotage Daniela's wedding, they wouldn't have split, and I wouldn't be trapped in this violent marriage. This is all because of your schemes!"

With those words, Joyce exited.

Katrina's head drooped, tears streaming down her face before she was overcome by sobbing.

She had spent years manipulating events, never foreseeing such a tragic outcome for her daughter.②

Katrina went back to home, appearing visibly drained.

She spent several days confined to her bed, leaving Caiden to speculate about her demise.

Caiden, however, was indifferent. He was quite content. He filled his days with securing sponsorships and deals for Harper Group, making a modest income and enjoying social outings. His life continued pleasantly.

Since neither Katrina nor Joyce viewed him as family, his efforts seemed pointless.

Nonetheless, he had the villa, and Daniela, showing compassion, had not evicted him. He believed she would arrange a proper funeral for him if he died.

Caiden never talked to Daniela about this, but he was very confident.

Eventually, Caiden concluded that their familial connection was the reason Daniela would never abandon him.

With this thought, he felt at ease.

At times, glimpsing at Daniela reminded him of Brylee. Initially, Brylee had intimidated him, but now he was thankful to her.

He was thankful for the capable daughter she had brought into his life.

After resting for three days, Katrina's resolve hardened.

Caiden continued to ignore her. She purchased many gifts and went to see Joyce.

Upon returning, her eyes swollen and red, Katrina retreated to her room for another day of rest.

Daniela spent her days casually watching television, with Cedric keeping her company.

Observing them whispering together, Katrina turned to Shirley and advised, "You can't just sit there idly. You need to learn how to attract a man's interest."