Chapter 97

As Peyton watched the video, her expression darkened with each moment that passed.

Abruptly, she slammed her palm against the table,rising to her feet.

She jabbed a finger towards Katrina, her voice sharp as she accused her. "You scheming little pest!"

She then spun to face Caiden, her eyes ablaze with indignation. "Look at the sort of people you've let into our family. What have they turned your daughter into?On such a crucial day, they dared to behave like this and yet they lounge comfortably in our villa! You've clearly let these two rascals get away with too much.It's no wonder Daniela felt compelled to flee from this place after enduring such torment. Caiden, you really are beyond belief!"

As Peyton unleashed her tirade, Katrina attempted to muster a tearful display of innocence.

However, before she could begin her act, Peyton cut her off sharply, and when Katrina resorted to a dramatic threat to end her own life, Peyton coldly addressed Caiden. "If she's serious, then so be it!

Nonetheless,my granddaughter's marriage couldn't be delayed. Fetch Alexander immediately!"

Katrina's eyes shot open in alarm. "Peyton, what are you implying? Alexander belongs to Joyce now! Why summon him here? Are you seriously implying that Daniela and Alexander should try to spark things up again?"

Peyton swiveled her head back, her voice steady and resolute. "And why not? Marriage should be based on mutual affection. If Alexander retains his feelings and wishes to reunite with Daniela, I see no fault in exploring that possibility!"

The words hit her like a slap, and all Katrina could think about was how satisfyingit would feel to shut Peyton up permanently. 3

She turned to Caiden, her eyes brimming with tears,seeking some solace or support. Yet Caiden,absorbed in his phone and utterly detached, simply shrugged."Mom isn't wrong. Joyce was at fault back then.Haven't you always trusted the Bennett family? It wouldn't hurt to have Alexander come over and discuss things. Marriage does require agreement from both parties, after all. You wouldn't want Joyce to end up miserable, would you?"

His words rang with a veneer of reason and righteousness. Katrina's gaze lingered on Caiden, now riddled with doubt and suspicion. "Honey..." She positioned herself beside him, her tone tinged with concern. "Have you been dealing with something lately?"

Caiden barely glanced up from his game. "Hmm?"

"I haven't forgotten how you were once all for Alexander and Joyce, claiming they were perfect for each other, like it was written in the stars."

It had been days since she heard Caiden refer to Daniela as a disgrace.

"Really?" Caiden's response was nonchalant. "I still believe they're suited for each other. But with Mom here now, it seems wise to go along with her wishes."

Katrina had never considered Caiden particularly devoted or dutiful.

In her younger days, Peyton had been a forceful personality with little time to spare for nurturing her children. Despite outward appearances of closeness,Katrina sensed the children's affections were superficial at best.

She was keenly aware of the emotional distance.

Lately, Katrina had even grown suspicious of Caiden's frequent use of his phone, fearing he might be entangled in an affair.

However, her investigations revealed that Caiden's most significant phone expense was not clandestine meetings but online chess games. 2

Ultimately, it was Caiden who arranged for Alexander to visit, ostensibly for Peyton.

As Alexander was about to enter, Katrina clasped his hand urgently. Her expression was anything but serene as she implored, "Alexander, my mother-in-law is inside. Just respond to her questions, and remember,there's no need to be nervous or speak without thinking,alright?"

Pulling his hand gently from her grasp, Alexander responded with a measured coolness, "Understood."

Feeling the absence of his hand, Katrina experienced a pang of emptiness.

Upon his entry, Peyton greeted him with uncharacteristic warmth. "Alexander!"

Taking a seat, Alexander acknowledged her with a nod."It's good to see you, Mrs. Harper."