?Chapter 434:


    “I don’t know, but it’s really none of my concern.”


    As soon as Dani spoke, Katrina approached, her lips quivering, tears streaking her face. Cedric stood, blocking her path.


    “These people have nothing to do with you. Move along.”


    Always intimidated by Cedric, Katrina bit her lip, realizing she held no sway over anyone in the room except possibly Caiden. Defeated, she copsed onto the sofa, wallowing in her misfortune.


    When her plight continued to be ignored, she ascended the stairs sulkily, presumably to seek an audience with Caiden. In family disputes like these, Caiden’s support was crucial; otherwise, Alexander could believe he could trample over Joyce.


    What fate would befall Joyce?


    With a heavy heart, Katrina once again tried to soften Caiden’s stance. One afternoon, while Cedric was upied with a phone call outside, Katrina attempted to engage Dani once more.


    Dani found it mildly amusing.


    “Whatever befalls Joyce doesn’t concern me in the slightest.”


    “But Joyce is still your stepsister and a stakeholder in your robotics venture. If the news breaks that she’s been beaten by her husband, it could reflect poorly on you.”


    Dani interrupted her smoothly, “Rest assured, it won’t affect me in the slightest.”


    Just as Katrina opened her mouth to respond, Cedric reappeared, prompting her hasty retreat.


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    With dwindling options, Katrina resorted to spending a significant sum to secure a dinner with the Bet family. Richard already harbored disdain for Joyce, and Alexander remained a silent observer.


    Cornered, Joyce shrank into herself, while Caiden ate his food, leaving Katrina to confront Richard and Alexander alone.


    Later, Alexander’s aunt arrived and began chastising Joyce.


    “You’ve married into the Bet family; you’re one of us now. Running back to your parents over a trifling dispute? Childish,pletely childish! Men need to let off steam after all the work; a little scuffle is nothing to fuss over.


    You’ve riled up your husband, and that’s on you. If you can bear it, stay. Otherwise, the Bet family does not need your presence!”


    Katrina, dumbstruck, hadn’t uttered a single word before being fiercely reprimanded.


    Alexander’s aunt spat, “Either live together peacefully or consider an early divorce.”


    Katrina was stunned. Divorce? Joyce and Alexander had only just wed, and already the possibility of divorce loomed.


    Rumors circted among their friends that Alexander felt no attraction towards Joyce. He found her undesirable and had never been intimate with her. Divorcing now would only validate the rumors that Joyce was difficult. Looking ahead, if Joyce wished to remarry or find apatible partner, the prospects would be significantly tougher. Additionally, the Harper family’s financial situation had deteriorated. It seemed unlikely that Caiden would offer further support. Without financial means, a divorce would leave Joyce with nothing, potentially leading her to a mismatched marriage with a divorced man.


    Katrina considered her options carefully. As she looked at Joyce, a brief moment of uncertainty passed between them. At that moment, Joyce offered a small smile. She recognized the necessity of enduring the day’s indignities.


    Katrina then addressed the room.


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