Chapter 81

"What if Wren comes back and blames us for making decisions without him?" Shirley asked, feigning concern. "I'm his father," Carlisle snapped, his tone sharp and unyielding. "What I say goes. He doesn't get to question me." Reassured by his firm stance, Shirley finally felt at ease. She was about to say something flattering to soothe Carlisle further when the door to the lounge suddenly swung open. Katrina stepped inside, and her expression immediately darkened as her eyes fell on the pair sitting close together on the couch. A wave of disgust washed over her, and she instinctively covered her mouth, trying to suppress the nausea rising in her throat. The sound of the door startled Carlisle and Shirley, who both looked up at the intruder. When Carlisle saw Katrina, a flicker of panic crossed his face, and he reflexively shoved Shirley away. Shirley, who was caught off guard, stumbled slightly. She was about to shoot Katrina a triumphant glare, but Carlisle's abrupt react