Nicole's birthday caused a media storm across both Harboridge and Seaview, dominating social circles in both cities.
Reginald spared no expense: her party was a lavish affair held at one of the Lynch Corporation's luxury hotels, packed with reporters from every major outlet.
"Dad, don't you think you're spoiling Nicole a little too much?" Brandon said with a teasing smile, feigning jealousy. "All these journalists, just to make her official?"
Reginald glanced at him coolly. "Why, does that bother you? Have you forgotten that the White estate was always meant for Nicole? None of this ever belonged to you."
Brandon's face tensed, but he forced a cheerful laugh. "Come on, Dad, don't say that. Why would I be upset? I'm happy for her. I know everything in the White family is Nicole's."
Reginald gave a dismissive grunt. "As long as you know. You should remember very well how your mother managed to bring you into this world. If people hadn't convinced me back then that every child is innocent, I'd never have let you set foot in the White home. This family was always Nicole's alone. You've lived off its comforts for yearsâyou should be grateful.â
Brandon clenched his fists, jaw tight. "Yes, Dad."
In the ballroom, Alicia arrived with Tyrone. They were early; only a handful of guests had shown up so far.
"Tyrone, Alicia, come over here," Reginald called, smiling warmly at Alicia as he beckoned them.
Tyrone led Alicia by the hand, his gaze icy as he passed Brandon and Jade.
Jade opened her mouth to say something, but Brandon quickly stopped her with a warning look.
Reginald, still smiling, ushered Tyrone and Alicia away.
"Dad! Grandpa just said you were innocent-so why does he keep treating you so unfairly?" Jade spat, her voice trembling with anger. "We're his own blood, but he treats Tyrone and Alicia-those outsiders-better than us!"
Brandon's tone was cold. "Enough. The old man's only use today
announcing Nicole's 's net
that
Nicole's identity. After
he's worthless." S
Jade's hands curled into fists. "When the time comes, I want to see him dead with my own eyes."
In a private lounge, Reginald sank onto a sofa and tugged Alicia down beside him, weariness etched in every line of his face.
Ever since Maddox passed away, Reginald had seemed a shadow of his former self, both in body and spirit.
Still, he considered himself lucky: at least he'd finally found his real granddaughter before his time ran out.
He looked at Alicia, eyes rimmed red, wanting to say more-but now wasn't the time.
"Brandon's just waiting for me to die. I can't stall much longer, or he'll figure everything out," Reginald sighed.
Alicia looked at him, bewildered.
"Nicole isn't really my granddaughter," Reginald said quietly. "Brandon and Jade brought her here to fool me, just to get their hands on the White inheritance." He turned to Alicia. "There's something you don't know, Alicia. Years ago, your parents-"
Reginald stopped, catching himself before saying too much, and hurriedly changed the subject. "After my son and his wife were killed in Seaview, I had no heir. Relatives pressured me, so I let Brandon and his family-who'd grown up in the slums-move in. But I made sure they all signed agreements: they couldn't lay claim to anything. If I ever found my real granddaughter Nicole before I died, everything would go to her. If not, I'd donate the entire estate and leave my shares to
Clayton." Content belongs to
Alicia stared at her grandfather in shock. âGrandpa... isn't Brandon your son too?"
She couldn't understand itâwhy did Reginald seem so wary of Brandon?
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 367
HICH RADANT
Dar An
Switched Maga
The Cadith Me
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable