?<strong>Chapter 160:</strong>


    Kaelyn raised her hand, touching the wound, and then looked at her fingers, finding warm red blood on them. She gazed up at Theo, hoping he would feel sorry and guilty. However, she had misjudged. His eyes were filled only with hatred. Trying to force a smile, Kaelyn said weakly, “I didn’t intend to deceive you. Back then, I truly regretted hurting your feelings and lied about this matter to bring us closer.” Tears welled up as she added, “I was just too desperate for your love. I couldn’t stand to lose it.”


    “If you don’t leave, I’ll have someone escort you out,” Theo said with an unquestionably stern tone.


    Realizing her pleas wouldn’t change his mind, Kaelyn wiped her tears and exited the study. Before closing the door, she cast a pitiful nce back at Theo, but as soon as the doortched shut, her expression contorted, revealing a glint of malice in her eyes. Touching her wound, she sneered, “Elyse Lloyd, I thought you’d remain naive forever. Yet you’ve grown sharp since marrying.” She regretted not taking Elyse’s life that day. Now that Theo was privy to the truth, she believed it was just a matter of time before he would seek to reconcile with Elyse, rendering all of her efforts futile. She could note to terms with this. She also couldn’t bear the thought of seeing Elyse’s joyful expression. She turned and made her way to the basement.


    Mabel was being held in the basement by Theo with two bodyguards stationed at the door. Approaching them, Kaelyn said, “Theo sent me to speak with Mabel.” The two bodyguards exchanged nces then opened the basement door. Kaelyn walked in with confidence.


    Mabel was unharmed, merely under house arrest by Theo. She had settled down and realized the vast differences between her and Theo. She understood that Theo would never treat her kindly. She regretted ever falling for such a cold-hearted man.


    Hearing footsteps, she stood up eagerly, looking towards the door with hope that Theo might release her. But seeing Kaelyn instead, Mabel rolled her eyes in disappointment, sank back onto the sofa, and ignored her.


    Kaelyn, undisturbed by Mabel’s disdain and rudeness, simply asked, “You don’t seem pleased to see me, do you?”


    “Why would I be pleased to see you? You couldn’t even win a man over. Do you really think your presence affects my mood?” Mabel was known for wielding her influence to intimidate others. Despite being aware of Kaelyn’s fame in the entertainment industry, Mabel had only heard about her, and since they were not acquainted, she chose to disregard Kaelyn.


    Kaelyn didn’t care about Mabel’s rude attitude. She smiled and said, “Actually, you were close to being released today, but Elyse didn’tply with Theo’s demands. If she had, I could have freed you by now.”


    Mabel’s expression changed as she inquired, “What did Elyse fail to do?”


    “She was supposed to stay with Theo for three hours, but she left after just a short while. She didn’t take his request seriously, nor did she intend to rescue you. It’s unfortunate to have such an uncaring sister,” Kaelyn replied, deliberately drawing out her words and grinning maliciously at Mabel.


    “What did she say?” Mabel asked, growing angry.


    “She doesn’t even consider you her sister. She doesn’t care about rescuing you. In fact, she’d prefer if Theo ended you so she could simply tell your parents to collect your body,” Kaelyn replied, enjoying the effect her words had on Mabel.


    Mabel was silent, her eyes burning with animosity.


    Kaelyn had previously looked into the rtionship between Elyse and Mabel, noting their discord. She understood that a few choice words could easily stoke Mabel’s jealousy and narrow-mindedness, leading her to harbor animosity towards Elyse.


    Observing Mabel’s furious expression, Kaelyn was satisfied that she had effectively driven a wedge between the sisters. “If only Theo were as gullible as Mabel,” she thought to herself.


    Having achieved her objective, Kaelyn felt no need to stay in the basement. She said, “Theo is quite irritable right now. I’m not sure when you’ll be released, but good luck.”


    With that, Kaelyn left, swaying her hips confidently.


    Back in the living room, Elyse felt a sudden chill. She touched her nose and murmured with a hint of suspicion, “Is someone talking about me?”


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