?Chapter 178:


    Katrina pressed her lips together, her left cheek now swollen from the p.


    Inside, she cursed whoever had thought it was a good idea to bring Peyton back from the countryside.


    With a forced smile, she said, “Didn’t you mention you weren’t used to city life? What brings you here today?” As she spoke, she cursed Peyton in her mind.


    Peyton remained seated, her posture rigid and unyielding.


    “Bring Caiden down here.”


    When Caiden walked in, he offered a quiet “Mom” in greeting before settling into a seat nearby.


    Katrina was sent upstairs, out of earshot.


    Peyton’s voice dropped to a chilling tone as she turned to him.


    “So, you’ve cut ties with Dani, have you?”


    Caiden, perched on a small stool, gave a brief nod.


    “Yes.”


    “She’s your own daughter.


    Your flesh and blood. Have youpletely lost your sense, Caiden?”


    Lately, he’d been hearing this so much that it hardly registered anymore.


    Caiden nced up at the stairs and saw Katrina watching from above. He was about to say something but thought better of it and kept quiet.


    “Regardless of anything, Dani is your firstborn. How could you be so cruel? She’s always had a gentle heart. If you hadn’t pushed her to her limits, she wouldn’t have pulled away. Even now, she’s still considering ways to help her uncles find employment. Her heart is in the right ce, Caiden. I’m telling you, it’s time to bring Dani back into this family!”


    Caiden paused, ncing at the stairs again.


    As expected, Katrina hurried down the stairs.


    “That’s out of the question! Caiden’s decision to cut ties with Dani was officially approved!”


    Katrina was in a panic. Alexander was ready to marry Joyce. Once Joyce took control of the Harper family’s fortune, Katrina wouldn’t need Caiden anymore. With the Bet family’s support, there was nothing Joyce couldn’t achieve.


    She had already envisioned a future where Alexander would rule Harper Group, with Joyce—her daughter—empowering her with the power she craved.


    She was done being subservient. She eagerly awaited the day when Caiden would be the one waiting on her, not the other way around.


    But now, Peyton wanted to bring Dani back into the picture? That could ruin everything.


    Peyton’s gaze sharpened as she red at Katrina.


    “I don’t care about legal papers. Dani is still part of this family, whether you like it or not. Without my approval and a proper family meeting, she stays. The wealth you have now is because of Brylee. I kept quiet when you remarried, but I won’t sit back and let outsiders take advantage of my granddaughter!”


    To Peyton, the only thing that truly mattered was bloodline. How could Joyce possibly inherit the Harper family legacy? Absolutely not!


    Caiden hung his head, not daring to protest.


    “Mom, please don’t get upset.


    You’re right. We’ll do whatever you say.”


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