Chapter 490:
Eileen, who had been silent, noticed the rage simmering in Brandonâs eyes. It was as if he wanted to hurl something directly at Bryanâs mother. âSince you ruined me, I will stop at nothing to prevent you from getting what you want!â
This wasnât just a grudge; it was visceral loathing, a demon entrenched in Brandonâs very soul.
âReally?â Bryanâs voice remained even as he spoke. âThen letâs have Travis join us, so everyone can meet him. You claim heâs twenty-two, yet no one has laid eyes on him for over two decades. To those unaware of his existence, he might seem like a mere figment, not a real person at all!â
âHe has been studying overseas since his youth. The curriculum is demanding, and his packed schedule has left him no time for vacations. Therefore, he has never returned. Thatâs perfectly reasonable, isnât it?â Lydia stepped in. âThis isnât the moment to talk about Travis. Letâs concentrate on you.â
âWhy?â Eileen looked toward Lydia, skepticism clear in her tone. âDoesnât it seem absurd to consider ousting Bryan before we even verify if Travis truly exists? What if Travis is just a fabrication? Without a legitimate heir, the elders certainly wonât approve of removing Bryan.â
She dismissed Lydiaâs attempt to divert attention, her gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd.
When Eileen and Bryan mentioned Travisâwho hadnât been seen in twenty yearsâa palpable tension filled the room. Members of the Dawson familyâs various branches might only meet the core family members a few times in their lives.
Yet, as the stewards of each branch, they made annual trips to Dawson Mansion in Onaland, ensuring they met the family and its future generations. Brandon and Lydia had been living overseas for years after Travis was born. It was indeed strange that none of the family had seen Travis as an infant.
Before anyone could ponder further, Stella interjected with a scoff. âLetâs drop the theories and suspicions. Iâm Travisâ grandmother, and even I havenât laid eyes on him, much less any of you.â
Her declaration stirred murmurs in the room.
Find the latest stories gⱯlnÏvðlsâ¤com Stella continued, âLydia took the baby home from the hospital and never once brought him to visit, always citing his frail health as the reason. She kept him hidden before they moved abroad. Itâs been years.â Her gaze flickered to Lydia and Brandon. She added casually, âIâm starting to wonder if thereâs even a child at all.â
Turning to Bryan, who stood beside her, she said, âAt least Iâve seen Bryan grow up. Heâs dependable. Yes, I made mistakes that hurt Eileenâs feelings, leading to Bryan marrying into Eileenâs family. But I can assure you, Eileen is a good soul.â
âMom!â Brandon hissed, his voice low with warning. âRemember what Iâve told you.â
Unperturbed, Stella held her ground. âBrandon, my presence here isnât out of fear of you; Iâm simply running out of patience. I am ready to confront whatever comes our way regarding the Dawson familyâs fate. And remember, I still know your secret!â
Her words hit Brandon like a vice, leaving him red-faced and speechless.
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