Chapter 438

Everett was shocked and at a loss for words.

Tve kept it a secret because it’s a stain on the Lopez family’s honor and on Heather’s purity as a young

woman. I haven’t even told your father the details. Do you understand why?”

Everett truly hadn’t considered the depths of the situation.

At the time, he had just taken on a portion of the workload at Lopez Corporation, so busy he barely had

time to sit down for a glass of water, let alone delve into family scandals. His parents had intentionally

shielded him from IL He knew only of a kidnapping incident that had left his mother with severe

depression and frequent heart problems.

“Mom, there are many ways to compensate her without forcing her to marry into the Lopez family.”

“But only someone truly loyal to the Lopez family deserves to be my daughter in law!” Amanda’s voice

was thick with emotion. “You’ve been in the business world for years, and you should know that if the

photos or videos of my assault were to get out, the Lopez family would become a laughingstock

forever! Your father would never truly accept me; no man could endure knowing his wife suffered like

that! Then… Heather’s misfortune would become the Lopez family’s curse. Even if you’re in a high

position now, you can’t be sure no one’s snickering behind your back with your mother’s private

photos!”

Everett understood all too well.

In the cutthroat business world, any family weakness would be exploited and magnified.

“For years, you’ve protected her that should be enough! I can arrange a good family for her, and ensure

the past stays buried.”

“So, you’re saying you won’t marry her?”

“That’s right, I never intended to.”

“Well then! I never thought I’d have such an ungrateful and heartless son! Since you’ve pushed it this

far today, let me make it clear – I’ve chosen to stand by Heather. If you have the guts, come after me,

your mother who brought you into this world!”

Amanda ended the call abruptly, leaving a dial tone that filled Everett with silence.

The past was far more complicated than he had realized.

Everett stood by the window for a long time before turning back and lighting a cigarette.

It was only when the ash fell, and the sting of the burn hit his palm that he snapped back to reality

He had debts to pay, family obligations as the sole heir to the Lopez name

But this had nothing to do with Dorothy! Heather would have to face the consequences for what she

had done to Dorothy!

Langston’s room wasn’t decked out like a typical child’s playroom; instead, it was filled with computers

and gadgets. It’s not that Everett hadn’t considered it, but simply because Langston didn’t prefer it.

Dorothy sat by Langston’s bed, gently rubbing his stomach.

Langston, refusing to sleep, just watched his mom.

“What’s wrong? Are you still in pain? Maybe we should head to the hospital,” Dorothy suggested, her

entire focus on her son’s well–being. without pausing to question the logic.

“I feel better now, but I wants Mommy to stay!” Langston was steadfast, holding onto Dorothy’s hand,

unwilling to let go as per the pact he had with Everett

Faced with her son being clinging suddenly, Dorothy couldn’t bear to pull away.

All these years, she’d been preoccupied with work and the pursuit of justice, leaving pitifully le time for

her son.

“Okay, mommy won’t leave, Dorothy soothed, stroking Langston’s hair and gazing tenderly at his little

face, the spitting Image of Everett’s

“Langston… do you like him?”

Langston blinked, instantly understood who “he” was.