Chapter: 88

“I should get back to the studio," she announced, offering a brisk farewell that sidestepped the lingering stares from Alan and Miguel.

Alan caught her by the arm, his expression tight with concern. “Where do you think you're going?"

"To work," Kaitlin replied, pulling away slightly.

"I'll drive you," Alan offered.

Miguel, having watched the exchange, let out a mocking chuckle. "No need to keep up appearances on my account. You're divorced, after all."

Alan's face contorted with anger as he shot Miguel a venomous look.

"Miguel, just because you're back doesn't mean you can disrupt our lives."

"Is that a threat?" Miguel retorted with a smirk.

“What if it is?" Alan snapped back. “You think because you're back, you can stir up trouble? I'd watch my step if I were you."

The thin veneer of civility finally cracked, leaving the air thick with unspoken threats and resentment.

“Alan, where are your manners? I'm your uncle, always have been, always will be," Miguel said with a frown.

“Enough! If it wasn't for that, do you think you'd still be here?"

Alan snapped back.

Kaitlin's heart raced. She felt she was about to catch wind of something crucial.

“I can manage on my own. I don't need you to take me," she said to Alan.

She shrugged off Alan's hand and hurried out of the mansion.

In the living room, the confrontation between uncle and nephew escalated.

"Alan, what are you implying?" Miguel asked.

"Do you actually think I'm unaware of the truth about what happened? If it weren't for Grandma, you'd be missing more than your ability to walk."

Alan's eyes darted to Miguel's wheelchair, a part of him yearning to tip it over.

Yet, he held back, turning to leave.

Miguel scoffed, "So you know? Big deal. The Hewitt Group belongs to us both. You can't stop me."

This finally set Alan off. He turned to his uncle, his eyes blazing with anger.

"If you're angling to take over the company, you can have it after I'm gone. Just wait."