Katie was feeling a bit down, "Maybe my sister-in-law really dislikes me! After all, since my debut, I haven't had many works, and the internet users keep comparing me to my sister-in-law, saying things like my sister-in-law has made significant contributions to the conglomerate, she's elegant and graceful, and she's perfect in every way!"
"I'm the only one who's not good enough. I'm really tired of this life where people constantly compare me to my sister-in-law."
"Aren't I young? Aren't I pretty?"
"My sister-in-law is almost forty, and I can't even measure up to this older woman?"
Katie vented her frustrations, directing all her anger at Kareem.
The more she thought about it, the less she understood why she couldn't surpass Carolyn.
Kareem got up, poured her a glass of water, and handed it to her. "Katie, you are unique, you are the most special. Don't forget, you are the little princess of the Mcguire family."
Katie held the glass with both hands and grew angrier the more she thought about it. "But the internet users will just insult me! Why do they like my sister-in-law so much?"
Kareem looked at her gently, like a caring older brother. "Your sister-in-law is an outsider after all; we are siblings with blood ties. Katie, sometimes you can't trust others too much, you know?"
Katie felt uncomfortable hearing Kareem's words. "But my sister-in-law is always good to me. It's just that internet users like to meddle and compare."
"No matter how good she is to you, there's no blood relationship. Don't you know there's something called a 'trolls' in this world?" Kareem opened his phone and accessed the Twitter interface.
"Look at these comments, especially those criticizing you. They don't seem like genuine internet users."
"But... who would pay for a 'trolls' just to insult me?" Katie looked at the profiles Kareem had opened, starting to see the sense in Kareem's words.
"Who benefits from it? That's who paid for it. Can't you figure this out?" Kareem sighed, looking tired. "Our Mcguire family is a large and thriving business. There will always be people wanting to embezzle, line their pockets. Lukas is no longer here. Do they have to kick me and you out too for her to feel at ease?"
Katie stared at Kareem in shock. "Kareem... are you saying that my sister-in-law is the one who bought the 'trolls' to insult me and tarnish my reputation?"
Kareem quickly covered her mouth, looking around cautiously, as if afraid someone might overhear. "Don't speak so loudly. I didn't say it was your sister-in-law."
Katie widened her eyes, looking at him. "Sob, sob, sob..."
Kareem released her mouth after ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "Don't jump to conclusions, okay? Now, with Uncle getting older and your sister-in-law in power, be careful not to say this loudly. We might both be in deep trouble if she overhears."
Although Kareem didn't confirm it, Katie had already made up her mind that Carolyn was the one behind the 'trolls' attacks.
She felt upset. She had always respected Carolyn, and Carolyn had shown a lot of affection toward her, but it had all been a facade.
This hypocritical woman.
"So, what should we do now?"
"What else can we do? Be cautious, bide your time. When the day comes for you to become the sole heir, that'll be our golden opportunity." Kareem whispered, "Haven't you noticed how she fiercely protects her brother? Why doesn't she protect you?"
"Good point." Katie, who had been swayed by Kareem's words, was no longer as respectful and affectionate toward Carolyn. She sighed in frustration. "The Mcguire family has treated her well, and yet she's so harsh with me."
"Alright, my dear Katie, my lovely little sister. For now, focus on making your mark in the entertainment industry. Then, when the time is right, you can study and develop yourself, and make sure to influence Uncle to announce the heir soon. It would be great if you become the heir. We'll have good days ahead." Kareem continued to manipulate Katie, and she was seething with anger.
"People are so two-faced! I'm so furious!"
"Katie, you're just too honest, too pure. That's why she played you like a fiddle. I'm doing everything for your own good," Kareem said with concern. "In the future, you have to be more careful, okay?"
"Kareem, don't worry," Katie nodded, her eyes filled with anger.
"Don't be so naive, showing everything on your face. Don't lose your temper when you see her tomorrow, act just like you used to, you know?" Kareem quietly advised Katie. "She's a very shrewd woman. Don't let her see through you. If she does, how are we going to turn things around?"
Katie looked at Kareem admiringly. "Kareem, you're really something. I'm so lucky to have you in the family. I wouldn't even know who truly cares about me."
"Alright, my naive little sister, go back to your room and get some sleep."
Kareem had achieved his goal and was now urging her to return to her room.
"Okay, good night."
Katie turned and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Kareem's face displayed a hint of disdain. Katie was just a pawn. He hoped she could be a good one.
*
Today was Cody's court date, and Franklin had risen early. Sylvia followed suit. After double-checking the case documents, the two of them headed to the courthouse.
The atmosphere was extremely solemn.
When Cody was brought in, almost everyone's eyes were on him. He appeared worn and considerably thinner.
Brayden, Sylvia, and Jenna sat together in the public gallery, silently watching Cody's figure, their eyes slightly teary.
There were some media people around, and when they saw Franklin taking the defense lawyer's seat, they were somewhat surprised.
"I heard the once-celebrated Lawyer Maskelyne, who shocked Urgford, is back."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After divorce, Ex-wife Revealed Identities
I just started to read this because it said it is "finished". Np I am stuck on the middle of it. What it is all about?...
there is update for quite while....
Please update. I still hope to finish this story. I really like it....
Story says complete but it is incomplete...
please let franklin and sylvia back together. thanks...
Update please. Any chance of more than one update a day? Thankies....
Is there no chance of getting more than 1 chapter a day please?...
I hope his not getting parasite love poison too. And get untangle with other women....
I'm just wondering is this the last chapter? I know that this book is not finished but it does say completed. I love it and don't want it to stop just like that....