Though confused, Kayla felt guilty seeing Payton hurt because of her.
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She rushed into the room, disregarding decorum, her voice sounding aggrieved as she spoke, “Mr. Carter, you’re my elder. I should accept whatever scolding or punishment you give. But even a death row inmate gets a trial and knows their crime.
“You hate me so much. Shouldn’t I at least know why? Otherwise, I won’t accept it. Even if you drive me away, I won’t leave.
You…
Her words trailed off as her eyes fell on the wheelchair under Max. She froze in disbelief and couldn’t help but think, ‘What happened to his legs?‘
Earlier, she had thought the scars on Max’s face were from an injury. But now, seeing his legs hanging limp in the wheelchair, she realized his condition was far worse than she had imagined.
Max noticed her gaze, his eyes turning icy. His laugh was bitter with rage and buried grief, cutting through the room like a rush of cold air.
He sneered, “See it all now? You ask why I hate you. Take a good look at these legs. I will never stand again. Look at this blind eye, this scar like a centipede on my face, and my…”
His voice choked. He clenched his jaw, his hands gripping the wheelchair arms like vices, veins bulging as if ready to burst.
His face flushed with suppressed emotion before he finally roared in anger, “And my late wife! All of this is because of your mother! Do you think that’s reason enough?”
The last shout trembled with emotion, releasing years of pain.
Kayla’s face turned pale. She stumbled back two steps, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
She said, shaking her head vigorously, “My mother told me you left the company to pursue your dreams and start a business. She regretted not being able to say goodbye. Your injuries… Your wife’s death… How could they be related to her?”
Kayla didn’t believe Bailee could do such cruel things.
A mocking smile curled Max’s lips. “Start a business? After Bailee crippled me and got my wife killed, how dare she claim I left to start a business? What hypocrisy! It makes me sick!”
His voice dripped with rage and sarcasm, pouring all his bitterness and hatred toward Bailee onto Kayla.
Kayla felt deeply uneasy. Max’s account was completely different from Bailee’s, leaving her deeply confused. But she quickly steadied herself. One thing she was sure of–Bailee would never do such a thing.
Her gaze returned to Max’s legs, her expression growing firm and sincere as she tried to make him believe her.
She said, “Mr. Carter, I know nothing I say now will easily win your trust. But I believe there must be some misunderstanding. If my mother really hurt you, why would she send me to find you? She’s my mother, and she would never put me at risk.
Her voice was earnest, hoping her sincerity would touch something in Max and make him reconsider.
Max had once been a right–hand man to Bailee’s father and rose to VP at Perry Group on his merit. He was naturally sharp. Hearing Kayla’s words, a complex look crossed his face. He frowned, deep in thought.
Seeing his reaction, Kayla continued, “Mr. Carter, you watched my mother grow up. You know her character better than
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Chapter 94
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anyone. She was raised sheltered and can be spoiled, but she’s never been malicious–never capable of taking a life.
“And you were like family to her, just like her father. How could she ever harm you?”
Max blinked. Kayla’s words were like a key, unlocking a flood of memories, and the anger in his gaze seemed to soften a little.
However, as he recalled the painful night and everything he had witnessed, his hesitation vanished. He said coldly, “But… But it was your mother who sent people to hit us. I saw it and heard it firsthand. How could I be wrong?”
He was questioning Kayla, but deep down, it was like he was desperately trying to convince himself.
Just then, Elijah, who had been silent, suddenly stepped forward. He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. “Dad, the person who did this to you and killed Mom was Kayla’s mother?”
Max didn’t answer, but his silence spoke volumes.
That was all it took to ignite Elijah’s fury. If it weren’t for what happened back then, he wouldn’t have lost his mother so young, been mocked as “motherless“.
He wouldn’t have had to grow up too soon, caring for a disabled, disfigured father instead of being cared for himself.
He wouldn’t have dropped out of school and turned to stealing and lying just to survive, enduring beatings and humiliation.
Furious, Elijah thought, ‘All of this is because of the Perry family. Kayla’s mother ruined my life! I actually thought Kayla was pretty and kind. With a mother like that, how could she be any good?‘
Elijah’s bloodshot eyes flashed. He said coldly, “Dad, no wonder you never talked about what had happened back then. Kayla, your mother destroyed my family. I’ll have my revenge today!”
With that, he pulled out a sharp dagger from somewhere and charged at Kayla.
Kayla’s eyes narrowed. She never imagined her quest for help would turn into this.
Facing Elijah’s frenzy, she instinctively stepped back and thought, ‘My mom had no idea what happened to Max and his family. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have sent me here.
Something is way off here. But Elijah is in a rage now. No matter how I explain, there’s zero chance he’ll believe me.
I can’t put myself in danger. But if I fight back, the misunderstanding between me and Max’s family will never be resolved:
For a moment, Kayla hesitated, torn about what to do next.
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