"What it Wincomes back and blames us for making decisions without him?" Shirley asked, feigning concem.

"I'm his father," Carlisle snapped, his tone sharp and unyielding. "What I say goes. He doesn't get to question me,"

Reassured by his firm stance, Shirley finally felt at ease. She was about to say something flattering to soothe Carlisle further when the door to the lounge suddenly

Katrina stepped inside, and her expression immediately darkened as her eyes fell on the pair sitting close together on the couch. A wave of disgust washed over her, and she instinctively covered her mouth, trying to suppress the nausea rising in her thr The sound of the door startled Carlisle and Shirley, who both looked up at the Intruder. When Cadisle saw Katrina, a flicker of panic crossed his face, and henoveldrama

lexively showed Shirley away.

Shirley, who was caught off guard, stumbled slightly. She was about to shoot Katrina a triumphant glare, but Carlisle's abrupt reaction soured her expression. Still, she quickly trucked it, tuming toward Katrina with a practiced smile.

"Katrina, what brings you here?" Shirley asked, smoothing her skirt with deliberate, provoc

provocative strokes as if to hint at what had just transpired.

Katrina'seves flickered between the two of them, her disgust only deepening Curling her lips into a sharp smile, she said, "Clearly, I came at the wrong time. I didn't mean to interupt, whatever this is. I just wonder if your kids low their father's gotten cozy with their future mother-in-law."

Carlisle's face flushed with anger, He shot to his feet, his voice booming, "What nonsense are you spouting, Katrina?"

"Nonsense?" Katrina retorted with a bitter laugh. "Am I maling this up? Would you two already be rolling around together if I hadn't walked in just now? Disgusting doesn't even begin to cover it

Her words hit Carlisle like a slap. His face turned an even darker shade, and for a moment, he looked like he might collap Shirley hadn't expected Kattina, who was usually so composed, to lash out so openly. The venom in her words left Shirley momentarily stunned, but then she saw

collapse under the weight of her accusations.

Lopportunity

If Katrina keeps this up, she might dig her own grave. She wasn't just determined to kick that little tramp Clara out of the Zachmans-she wanted Katrina gone as

standing quickly, Shirley put on an expression of wounded innocence. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling

"Katrina, you can say whatever you want about me, but please don't drag Carlisle or the Idds into this. I know you don't like me, but accusing us of something so avtul is too much. Nothing is going on between Carlisle and 1!"

Katrina let out a cold laugh, her eyes narrowing "Save the act. I've had enough of this performance. Keep it for Carlisle." Tuming sharply on her heel, Katrina made for the door, wanting nothing more than to escape the suffocating stench o Watching her retreating figure, Carlisle felt a sudden, inexplicable wave of panic. He grabbed her am in a few quick strides, stopping her from leaving *Don't you dare walk away from me!" ir barked

room and the people in it.

it this

Katrina yankand at her am, but Carlisle's grip was like iron

He glazed at far, his face contorted with anger. "You've become completely unreasonable. Shirley and I were just discussing something important. "Why must you twist everything into something filthy? I've told you before-Studley and Lare just fiends. Stop making a scene over nothing!"