Divorce Anxiety
Chapter 153

“Chris, I'm not looking down on you,” Kathleen explained awkwardly. It's fine.” Christopher's facewas clouded with disappointment. “I know I'm not as good as Samuel.”Kathleen kept quiet, notknowing how to respond because that was not what she meant. However, she decided not to clarifyChristopher's misunderstanding since she did not want to complicate things further.She believedChristopher would understand her concerns.He merely felt dissatisfied that she chose Samuel overhim.At that moment, Samuel entered the ward with a medical report in his hand.He left the roombecause he had gone to retrieve the report for her.It was at that time when Christopher had cometo see her."You're awake?” Samuel asked Kathleen without sparing a single glance atChristopher.Kathleen nodded. “Are the results out?""Yes,” Samuel replied as he passed the report toher. “It seems that pill is indeed an antidote. There are no toxins detected in your body." That'sgood.” She heaved a sigh of relief.Samuel's expression darkened when he finally noticedChristopher.Christopher quietly asked, “Where's Clement?“The question was directed atSamuel.”He’s being locked up.” Samuel then continued coldly, “I've heard that the Corbyn familywent to beg you for help."When Kathleen heard what he had said, she froze on the spot.The Corbynfamily begged Christopher for help? Could the Corbyn family already have plans to work with theMorris family?Samuel turned around to pour a glass of water before passing it to Kathleen andcoldly remarked, “Do the Corbyn family regret their decision to use Astrid to ruin your relationshipwith Kate?"Christopher remained silent.”Otherwise, Kate would have handed the land deeds to youfor the sake of helping her fiancé, even though the engagement was fake. This way, the Corbynfamily would be able to work with you with confidence. Am I right?” Samuel questionedsarcastically.Upon hearing his words, Christopher's eyes turned icy cold.”l bet the Morris and Corbynfamilies were already in cahoots when I ruined your plan with Olivia two years ago. Too bad none ofyou had expected the land deeds to be in Kate's hands,” he mocked.A frown formed acrossKathleen's forehead.The Morris and Corbyn families have been in cahoots since long ago?With asmirk, Samuel continued, “I don’t want to wrongfully accuse you because I doubt you have any sayin the plan. I'm pretty sure your grandfather was the one who came up with this plan.”“Samuel,don't you think you know too much?” Christopher asked as he shot a cold glare at him."Haha! Ithink you just don’t want me to spill too much in front of Kate,” Samuel replied coldly.Knowing thathe could not refute, Christopher could only narrow his eyes and glare at Samuel.”Samuel, you toldme before you would never lie to me. So tell me, what do you know?” Kathleen asked with knittedbrows.“l will tell you whatever you want to know,” he replied solemnly. Worried about what Samuelwas about to say next, Christopher quickly voiced out. “You don’t have to do that. I will tell hermyself."Samuel gestured for Christopher to go ahead and tell Kathleen everything.There was noreason to stop Christopher from spilling the beans himself.Looking at Christopher, Kathleen asked,"Chris, what's going on?”After a moment of hesitation, Christopher finally explained, “Grandpa toldme that we can get married as long as you hand over the two land deeds to the Morris family. Fromthen on, the Morris family will treat you well, like how the Macari family has been treating you.” Afterlistening to his explanation, Kathleen remained silent.He quickly continued to explain when henoticed her silence. “Of course, I did not—""Okay,” Kathleen agreed before he could finish hissentence.Her words caught Christopher by surprise.lmmediately, a look of thunder cloudedSamuel's face. “Are you sure?"This woman will be the death of me!”Chris, can you give yourgrandfather a call? Since he's the one who came up with the idea.” Kathleen flashed a sweet smile athim.Her sudden request caught Christopher off guard. He quietly stared at her as he contemplatedif he should make the call.“Can't I speak to him? Was he expecting you to discuss such an importantmatter with me? Won't he want to speak to me instead?” she asked."All right.” Christopher pulledout his phone and dialed Felix's number.Meanwhile, Samuel stood aside in silence with a darkenedexpression.While waiting for the call to get through, Kathleen took a sip of the water that Samuelhad poured for her.Soon, the call was answered."Grandpa, Kate would like to speak to you.”Christopher put the call in loudspeaker mode and placed his phone before Kathleen.Felix's coldvoice was heard from the phone. “Ms. Johnson, have you decided to hand over the land deeds tous?"“I can hand them over to you, but not without a price. Let's see if you can offer me an attractivedeal that I can't resist,” Kathleen replied. However, her words seemed to be implying somethingelse.”Is the condition of marrying into the Morris family not attractive enough for you?” Felixsounded confident.”Haha!” Kathleen burst into laughter. “Attractive? I think we both know very wellhow much the two mines are worth. Also, I don't think I need to remind you about their real value,right?"“So? What are you trying to say?” Felix asked in an icy tone.”l can give you what you want,but I'll have to see if you can offer me a deal more attractive than what Samuel has offered,”Kathleen answered."Tell me what you have in mind,” Felix replied."Honestly, when I married into theMacari family, I wasn't interested in being a part of a wealthy family. Besides, now that I'm wealthyon my own, I'm even more uninterested in marrying into prestigious families.” Kathleen continued inan indifferent tone, “But since you've asked me to state my conditions, how about lettingChristopher marry matrilocally into my family? Of course, our children will take after my last name. Ifyou accept this condition, I will hand you the land deeds.”"What did you say? You want Christopherto marry matrilocally into your family?” Felix thundered.”Old Mr. Morris, do you think I don’t knowwhat you had been fighting for was never the money but the authority over Jadeborough in thefuture? Don't you think you should pay a price that is befitting to reach such a huge goal?” Shesmirked and went on, “You think too highly of the Morris family. If I really wanted to marry into aprestigious family, it would never be the Morris family.”Felix is way too confident!“Even if I were inlove with Christopher, do you think I ought to willingly compromise my self-interest? I'm not sodumb as to hand over the two valuable mines in exchange for mistreatment and suppression fromthe Morris family! You may dislike me for having married once before, but I similarly feel disgustedby the Morris family's greediness!” she added.”You!" Felix was infuriated.” The Morris family is knownto be greedy and likes to take advantage of others, so would you allow someone like me, who hasnothing to offer, to marry into your family? Moreover, you even planned to work with the Corbynfamily. Do you think I am unaware of your plans to attack the Macari family once you've attainedthe authority you seek? I may have divorced Samuel, but Grandma, Mr. Calvin, and Mrs. Macari loveme like I'm their own daughter. If you think I'm going to let anything bad happen to them, dreamon!” Kathleen snapped.With that, she hung up the phone.After listening to the conversation, Samuelrealized that there was nothing for him to worry about.Kathleen was surprisingly level-headed.Hence, it was clear that she was not in love with Christopher.She looked at Christophersolemnly and asked, “Chris, can you guarantee that the Morris and Corbyn families would not joinhands to fight against the Macari family in the future? Please think it through carefully beforeanswering me."Christopher fell silent.”l know you can’t convince your grandfather. But, Chris, I'llrepay all the kindness that you've shown me before. However, I am indebted to the Macari family aswell. In fact, I am indebted to them more than you, so I can't be an ungrateful person,” Kathleenexplained.”l-1 understand.” Christopher glanced at her with a soft look. “Kate, actually I can—""No,you will never be able to convince your grandfather.” Then, with clear, unwavering eyes, Kathleensaid firmly, “There is no point in discussing a hypothetical situation. As long as there is someuncertainty, I will not take the risk. Besides, I don't like you, and I'm not interested in marrying intothe Morris family." Chris, I'm not looking down on you,” Kathleen explained awkwardly.“It's fine.”Christopher's face was clouded with disappointment. “I know I'm not as good as Samuel.”Kathleenkept quiet, not knowing how to respond because that was not what she meant. However, shedecided not to clarify Christopher's misunderstanding since she did not want to complicate thingsfurther.She believed Christopher would understand her concerns.He merely felt dissatisfied that shechose Samuel over him.At that moment, Samuel entered the ward with a medical report in hishand.He left the room because he had gone to retrieve the report for her.lt was at that time whenChristopher had come to see her.“You're awake?” Samuel asked Kathleen without sparing a singleglance at Christopher.Kathleen nodded. “Are the results out?"“Yes,” Samuel replied as he passed thereport to her. “It seems that pill is indeed an antidote. There are no toxins detected in your

body." That's good.” She heaved a sigh of relief.Samuel's expression darkened when he finallynoticed Christopher.Christopher quietly asked, “Where's Clement?"The question was directed atSamuel.”He’s being locked up.” Samuel then continued coldly, “I've heard that the Corbyn familywent to beg you for help."When Kathleen heard what he had said, she froze on the spot.The Corbynfamily begged Christopher for help? Could the Corbyn family already have plans to work with theMorris family?Samuel turned around to pour a glass of water before passing it to Kathleen andcoldly remarked, “Do the Corbyn family regret their decision to use Astrid to ruin your relationshipwith Kate?"Christopher remained silent.”Otherwise, Kate would have handed the land deeds to youfor the sake of helping her fiancé, even though the engagement was fake. This way, the Corbynfamily would be able to work with you with confidence. Am I right?” Samuel questionedsarcastically.Upon hearing his words, Christopher's eyes turned icy cold.”l bet the Morris and Corbynfamilies were already in cahoots when I ruined your plan with Olivia two years ago. Too bad none ofyou had expected the land deeds to be in Kate's hands,” he mocked.A frown formed acrossKathleen's forehead.The Morris and Corbyn families have been in cahoots since long ago?With asmirk, Samuel continued, “I don’t want to wrongfully accuse you because I doubt you have any sayin the plan. I'm pretty sure your grandfather was the one who came up with this plan.”“Samuel,don't you think you know too much?” Christopher asked as he shot a cold glare at him."Haha! Ithink you just don’t want me to spill too much in front of Kate,” Samuel replied coldly.Knowing thathe could not refute, Christopher could only narrow his eyes and glare at Samuel.”Samuel, you toldme before you would never lie to me. So tell me, what do you know?” Kathleen asked with knittedbrows.”l will tell you whatever you want to know,” he replied solemnly. Worried about what Samuelwas about to say next, Christopher quickly voiced out. “You don't have to do that. I will tell hermyself."Samuel gestured for Christopher to go ahead and tell Kathleen everything.There was noreason to stop Christopher from spilling the beans himself.Looking at Christopher, Kathleen asked,“Chris, what's going on?"After a moment of hesitation, Christopher finally explained, “Grandpa toldme that we can get married as long as you hand over the two land deeds to the Morris family. Fromthen on, the Morris family will treat you well, like how the Macari family has been treating you." Afterlistening to his explanation, Kathleen remained silent.He quickly continued to explain when henoticed her silence. “Of course, I did not—""Okay,” Kathleen agreed before he could finish hissentence.Her words caught Christopher by surprise.Immediately, a look of thunder cloudedSamuel's face. “Are you sure?"This woman will be the death of me!”Chris, can you give yourgrandfather a call? Since he’s the one who came up with the idea.” Kathleen flashed a sweet smile athim.Her sudden request caught Christopher off guard. He quietly stared at her as he contemplatedif he should make the call.“"Can’t I speak to him? Was he expecting you to discuss such an importantmatter with me? Won't he want to speak to me instead?” she asked.“All right.” Christopher pulledout his phone and dialed Felix's number.Meanwhile, Samuel stood aside in silence with a darkenedexpression.While waiting for the call to get through, Kathleen took a sip of the water that Samuelhad poured for her.Soon, the call was answered."Grandpa, Kate would like to speak to you.”Christopher put the call in loudspeaker mode and placed his phone before Kathleen.Felix's coldvoice was heard from the phone. “Ms. Johnson, have you decided to hand over the land deeds tous?"“I can hand them over to you, but not without a price. Let's see if you can offer me an attractivedeal that I can't resist,” Kathleen replied. However, her words seemed to be implying somethingelse.”Is the condition of marrying into the Morris family not attractive enough for you?” Felixsounded confident."Haha!” Kathleen burst into laughter. “Attractive? I think we both know very wellhow much the two mines are worth. Also, I don't think I need to remind you about their real value,right?"“So? What are you trying to say?” Felix asked in an icy tone.”l can give you what you want,but I'll have to see if you can offer me a deal more attractive than what Samuel has offered,”Kathleen answered."Tell me what you have in mind,” Felix replied."Honestly, when I married into theMacari family, I wasn't interested in being a part of a wealthy family. Besides, now that I'm wealthyon my own, I'm even more uninterested in marrying into prestigious families.” Kathleen continued inan indifferent tone, “But since you've asked me to state my conditions, how about lettingChristopher marry matrilocally into my family? Of course, our children will take after my last name. Ifyou accept this condition, I will hand you the land deeds.”"What did you say? You want Christopherto marry matrilocally into your family?” Felix thundered.”Old Mr. Morris, do you think I don't knowwhat you had been fighting for was never the money but the authority over Jadeborough in thefuture? Don't you think you should pay a price that is befitting to reach such a huge goal?” Shesmirked and went on, “You think too highly of the Morris family. If I really wanted to marry into aprestigious family, it would never be the Morris family.”Felix is way too confident!“Even if I were inlove with Christopher, do you think I ought to willingly compromise my self-interest? I'm not sodumb as to hand over the two valuable mines in exchange for mistreatment and suppression fromthe Morris family! You may dislike me for having married once before, but I similarly feel disgustedby the Morris family's greediness!” she added.”You!" Felix was infuriated.” The Morris family is knownto be greedy and likes to take advantage of others, so would you allow someone like me, who hasnothing to offer, to marry into your family? Moreover, you even planned to work with the Corbynfamily. Do you think I am unaware of your plans to attack the Macari family once you've attainedthe authority you seek? I may have divorced Samuel, but Grandma, Mr. Calvin, and Mrs. Macari loveme like I'm their own daughter. If you think I'm going to let anything bad happen to them, dreamon!” Kathleen snapped.With that, she hung up the phone.After listening to the conversation, Samuelrealized that there was nothing for him to worry about.Kathleen was surprisingly level-headed.Hence, it was clear that she was not in love with Christopher.She looked at Christophersolemnly and asked, “Chris, can you guarantee that the Morris and Corbyn families would not joinhands to fight against the Macari family in the future? Please think it through carefully beforeanswering me."Christopher fell silent.” know you can’t convince your grandfather. But, Chris, I'llrepay all the kindness that you've shown me before. However, I am indebted to the Macari family aswell. In fact, I am indebted to them more than you, so I can't be an ungrateful person,” Kathleenexplained.”l-1 understand.” Christopher glanced at her with a soft look. “Kate, actually I can—""No,you will never be able to convince your grandfather.” Then, with clear, unwavering eyes, Kathleensaid firmly, “There is no point in discussing a hypothetical situation. As long as there is someuncertainty, I will not take the risk. Besides, I don't like you, and I'm not interested in marrying intothe Morris family.”