Chapter: 86

"That's none of your business."

“What? Did that strike a nerve? Kaitlin, better keep your eyes wide open. There might not be space for you in Alan's heart."

Miguel burst into laughter as he was wheeled into the dining room.

Alan clenched his hands into fists and relaxed them before he faced Kaitlin.

"Kaitlin, ignore my uncle. He's just trying to stir up trouble between us," he said.

Kaitlin rolled her eyes. "No need for him to stir anything. Our relationship says it all. I'm on your side. Let's not keep Beth waiting."

She gave Alan a gentle push, signaling that they should hurry inside to Beth, as lingering would not look favorable.

“What were you two murmuring about out there? Can't bear to be apart, huh? That's good. Just don't forget to give me a great-grandchild soon."

Beth's comment was, yet again, about a great-grandchild.

Kaitlin, now accustomed to such comments, took it in stride as they settled into their seats.

"Mom, you know, I think Alan doesn't see how fortunate he is. With a wife as lovely as he has, he still buries himself in work. Carrying on the family line is crucial, wouldn't you agree?"

Beth nodded vigorously. “Absolutely, your uncle's right. Alan, Kaitlin, you really should think about having a child soon. Work can't be your only focus.”

"Right. And now that I'm back, I can help Alan with some of these responsibilities."

Miguel announced his return and his readiness to take charge, openly discussing his plans at the dinner table.

“Alan, do you look down on me just because I have a disability?"

Miguel asked, his eyes narrowing with a hint of mischief, eager to stir up some drama.

If Alan lost his calm, especially in front of Beth, Miguel knew it would only add to his entertainment.

"Miguel, why would you say something like that? Your condition isn't permanent. Stop talking like that!" Beth chided gently. The consecutive accidents her sons had endured were still a fresh wound, and she could hardly stand any talk of irreversible damage.

“Grandma, don't worry. Uncle Miguel is just kidding. What's most important now is getting his legs treated. If we wait too long and he ends up disabled, it would be a real shame." Alan interjected, throwing Miguel a stern look that brooked no argument.

The tension in the room was palpable, and Kaitlin shifted uncomfortably.

Beth, on the other hand, remained unfazed. She dismissed the sharp exchanges as mere bickering, nothing new given their close age and lifelong clashes.

“Enough of this," Beth finally declared, eager to move past the argument. “Let's focus on dinner. Miguel, now that you're back from abroad, you should stay here with me. It'll give me peace of mind to have you close."

“Sure, I'll live with you if that's what you want, Mom," Miguel agreed.

He then turned to Kaitlin, who had remained quiet, and tapped the table Lightly.