?Chapter 143:

    Initially, Lise confronted Katelyn with confidence, expressing her grievances. However, as the confrontation dragged on, her avoidance of eye contact and palpable guilt became evident, diminishing her earlier confidence—a clear indication of deceit.

    If Neil failed to perceive this, he would truly be a fool. Anger was apparent in his eyes. At this moment, his frustration extended to both Katelyn and Lise. Yet, he refrained from confronting Lise, knowing it would only serve to humiliate him further.

    After some contemtion, Neil redirected his focus toward Katelyn, adopting a different approach since his initial attempts had been fruitless.

    “Lise was merely jesting with you. However, your reaction is inappropriate. Are you aware of the number of reporters present? How could you justify spraying her face? Do you intend for her to be a mockery?” he questioned.

    Katelyn responded with a dismissive snort and a smile.

    “She brought this upon herself. No one else is to me. She ought to reflect on her actions,” Katelyn retorted.

    Neil clenched his fists, overwhelmed by frustration and reluctance. Having known Katelyn for many years, he was unprepared for her assertive and contentious demeanor, which seemed unlike the person he once knew.

    He mused that if she had shown such assertiveness during their time together as a couple, he might never have found her dull, and perhaps their divorce would never have happened. Nheless, he still held her ountable.

    Just as Neil was about to voice his thoughts again, Vincent intervened with a rxed tone.

    “Mr. Wheeler, how much longer will you harass her? The Wheeler Group’s reputation is already nearly destroyed. Would you like to exacerbate the situation?”

    Vincent’s tone carried a subtle trace of sarcasm. Meanwhile, the guests who had briefly departed had returned to their seats, drawn back by the ongoing dispute.

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    In the midst of such rapid esction, minor public controversies could quickly spiral into major bacshes.

    Neil’s scandal had already tarnished the Wheeler Group’s reputation. The potential fallout from today’s events could be disastrous. Onlookers watched with keen interest, their eyes reflecting curiosity.

    Unable to contain his frustration, Neil gritted his teeth.

    “This isn’t over,” he muttered before returning to his seat. Despite her reluctance, Lise had to control her anger. Her oversight in not wearing gloves had inadvertently given Katelyn the upper hand.

    As Katelyn watched Lise’s resentful retreat, she felt a surge of unease.

    Lise had consistently refused to disclose the contents of the bottle, and despite being repeatedly sprayed, she hadn’t made any effort to address the situation.

    Two possibilities came to mind—either the liquid was harmless, or even Lise herself was unaware of its contents. Vincent’s interruption snapped Katelyn back to the present.

    “Let me see the bottle,” he requested.

    Handing over the spray bottle, Katelyn replied, “I’ve checked it. It’s colorless and odorless, but it’s definitely not water.” Her gaze shifted back to Lise, who now sat disheveled but calm in her seat.

    Had she overthought the situation?

    Vincent examined the bottle, his expression turning into a frown as he sniffed the liquid. “I’ll get this tested,” he dered.

    “Okay,” Katelyn acknowledged, just as the auction resumed its second half.

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