Ch. 1601..1610
Even After Death Chapter 1601-Avery added, trying to lure Jacqueline into the trap, "We're in hot waters. Mom is missing, and Henley's family is watching US. They've never liked how Grandpa favored US.
They consider Dad's company one of Grandpa's assets, so they began to purchase some shares here and there before Grandpa passed on. Before, we didn't have anything to worry about. Those shares wouldn't pose a threat, but Grandpa is dead now.
Jacqueline's expression changed. "Is it bad?"
Yes, it's bad. The shares they bought and Grandpa's shares have surpassed the amount of shares Dad has. He sighed.
"It's because Dad loves US so much. He gave US a portion of the shares. No one expected Grandpa to pass away, and Henley’s family is causing trouble now. The amount of shares Dad has can't be compared to them.
They can become the rightful owner of the company. Even if we take this to the court, we're bound to lose the case."""
What should we do?
Jacqueline had long set her eyes on this company. If she weren't one step away from getting it, she would've escaped by now. There was no need to bear the risk of lying to Avery.
We still have one way to stop them. That's to return all our shares to Dad.
In other words, Jacqueline had to return her 3% share to David.
Despite the small percentage of shares, the annual dividend she earned could go upto millions.
Will that do?
He answered, "No. Henley's family has come prepared. They won't give US any time to spare. The number of shares they bought in secret is beyond our expectations. In addition to Grandpa's 20% share, they'll still be the rightful owner of the company.
The only way for US to take the company back is to buy it. Troy, Sean, and I had a discussion, other than Vox-who's still out of touch-we're planning to fork up all our savings to buy Uncle Reed's shares.
Alarmed, Jacqueline asked, "How much is he demanding?"
"Two billion dollars. This is the amount he proposed after considering his relationship with Dad. Otherwise, he wouldn't have proposed such a low price. It shouldn't be a big number for US, but Dad signed a few huge projects before all this happened.
We invested in them with the money we had at our disposal. Now, our savings only total up to one billion dollars. We still need another one billion dollars…"""
Jacqueline could fork up that much, but that meant giving the entire savings she had.
She saved it up from the benefit she gained from the Fordham family and the profit gained from Toxic Hive.
Regardless, Toxic Hive was a mere research organization. It could bring in big profits, but the researches cost a lot. It wasn't as profitable as the Fordhams' family business.
Also, there were pros and cons to owning such a huge business.
Companies with a speculated net worth of billions of dollars would usually be involved in huge projects that cost more than hundreds of millions of dollars.
A huge sum of initial investment was needed for this kind of project. That was why it was normal to not be able to cough up two billion dollars in a short period of time.
Jacqueline believed in Avery's words without a shadow of a doubt.
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Even After Death Chapter 1602-One billion dollars was equivalent to Jacqueline's entire savings.
If she coughed it up to help the Fordhams and couldn't take the money back in the end, her effort would all go down the drain.
However, Avery clearly said that he would hand over the company to her. In other words, she only had to spend one billion dollars to gain the company, which would bring her more profit in the future.
It was a huge bet.
To gamblers, the riskier the bet was, the more handsome and enticing the profit would be.
The possibility of losing the bet did cross her mind, but she knew Avery's character very well after having lived with the Fordhams for so long. He was a man of his word.
After weighing the loss and the profit she could earn, the latter seemed more enticing to her.
She had been plotting this for so many years. How could she give up on it so easily when the lion's share was just right within her reach?
Avery gave her a difficult look. "One billion dollars is a huge sum of money, Jacqueline. It's a burden to you, isn't it? If only we hadn't applied for a loan from the bank for one billion dollars, I could've had another option."
Avery, you guys have been protecting me since I was young. Now that our family is in trouble, it's my turn to do a favor. Don't worry, I have some savings. I earned some money over the past few years. I can think of something to gather the money.
"Jacqueline, it's not that I want to rush you, but you have to be quick.
Henley's family is still purchasing more shares because they're afraid that we might turn the table."
Leave it to me, Avery, she assured.
Okay. Once we overcome this difficulty and secure the company, I'll ask Dad to hand over the company to you.
I'm not wishing for something else in return. I just want to protect all of you.
Jacqueline had a way with her words. Even Avery almost clapped his hands for her entertaining acting.
After the long discussion, she left in a hurry.
Deborah was severely hurt by Leia. Although someone had taken Deborah away for safety, she was barely holding on to her life and hadn't regained consciousness.
People from Toxic Hive persuaded Jacqueline to leave and stay out of the game. Continue staying would be too dangerous for her.
Yet, she wouldn't listen because she hadn't realized that the Fordhams had found out about her true colors.
To her, they would've caught her once they found out the truth. How could they make such a promise?
Believing that she was safe, she decided to bite the bullet once more. When the company belonged to her, she would leave for good.
This would be the last time!
It was the last time where she would put everything she had at stake.
Leave? Why? We're staying for more money, no?
He looked into her eyes, which were blazing with greed. "Jacqueline, what are you trying to do?"
Jacqueline, what are you trying to do?
Give me all the money you have, Alexander. She then recounted the situation briefly to him.
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Even After Death Chapter 1603-Alexander was a careful person who didn't ask for much. His sole wish was to have a peaceful life.
It wasn't that he couldn't bring himself to do as Jacqueline said, but she was basically planning to gamble all their savings for a future. A loss would mean losing everything!
Similar to Jacqueline's story, he struck gold and was able to become the son of a rich family by chance. He cherished his life dearly.
Even if they decided to back out of the game right now, they had enough money to spend for the rest of their life.
Greed was never rooted in him. To him, this moment was the peak of his life.
Never once had he ever wished to become rich overnight.
Jacqueline obviously thought differently from him. Despite his effort to dissuade her from doing it, she didn't budge an inch.
She became livid instead. "Alexander Procter, I'm just going to ask this one question-are you going to help me or not?"
Why would I not help you, Jacqueline? I'm just-
Then enough of the nagging! Once I get Fordham Group, there are many benefits for you to enjoy as well.
He sighed. "Jacqueline, you know that I love you no matter what you are.
As long as you want something, even if it's the stars, I'll get it for you."
Think of a way to gather one billion dollars, then. I need it as soon as possible.
She still possessed some long-term assets like properties, companies, and funds. These assets couldn't be converted into cash that quickly, so she put her hope on Alexander.
The helpless man accepted her request. After all, he still had a family that loved him.
Asking for one billion dollars from a rich family like his wasn't a difficult thing to do.
At the same time, Avery had been watching the couple's actions the entire time.
Ethan planted a spy, who later reported the situation to Olivia.
Jacqueline caught the bait. She should be able to gather the money soon.
Olivia wasn't surprised at all. "Sometimes, being too ambitious can be a bad thing. Jacqueline is too persistent, the typical kind of person to achieve her goals at all costs. Exterminating someone like her would be no different from doing her a favor. Oh, Ethan, I have a favor to ask of you."
What is it? Ethan studied Olivia.
Her eyes shone with determination under the light. Although she looked the same, the air around her was different from before.
The past Olivia was too meek and receptive like a delicate flower.
However, she became more gentle yet persevering after experiencing so many things. It was as if nothing could take her down.
Whatever she did would be done in order. She was so dazzling that it made him fall for her harder.
It had nothing to do with her looks. It was about her soul that made him love her more than he did.
Olivia said something next to his ear.
You're suspecting Alexander’s identity? asked Ethan.
Yes. It's related to your family, so it'll be inconvenient for me to take action.
I know what to do.
Worries sat upon her brows, and he caressed them as though trying to brush the worries away. "Everything will be fine. Don't worry."
Obsessive love is a cage. Olivia massaged her temples, tired. Her parents ' love story was more interesting than she thought.
Ethan bent over, resting his forehead against hers. "Liv, if it's you, I'm willing to do anything too."
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Even After Death Chapter 1604-Willow, who was sitting in the darkness, watched the hugging couple quietly. A light smile adorned her lips.She was holding a phone, broadcasting it live for her siblings.Zack's excited voice rang out. "Closer, closer! I can't see clearly!"Alicia pushed his head away. "Be quiet! Don't disturb Mom and Dad. Move aside, big head. I can't see!""Who are you calling big head? Connor, look at her! We're twins. If I have a big head, she has a big head too."The twins always argued whenever they were in each other's presence, the polar opposite of Connor and Willow.Although Willow couldn't speak, she felt blessed. Her parents were hugging sweetly right in front of her, and her siblings were getting along so well.This was how a family should be.Olivia mentioned that she would remarry to Ethan after returning to Aldenvine.When that happened, they would be a real family.That day would come very soon.Olivia didn't show up these two days. She had been taking care of her family in secret.David was in a good mood with her around.He always stared at his long-lost found daughter. He also kept reading information about her past again and again.He even wished to hear more about her stories from her.Olivia performed acupuncture on him while recounting her past, "I actually had a great life when I was young. My adoptive father loved me and gave me the best.He gave me all the love I needed."David stroked her head. "I can tell that he was a gentle person. He raised you well.""Yeah. If he were still alive, he'd surely be happy that I finally found my real family. Although my life was once mere darkness, he was the light that kept the darkness off the bay; the motivation to keep me moving forward. That's how I was able to come to you guys."It was because she received love that she was able to grow up to be a gentle person.Even when things were rough, she could slog through it with sole perseverance."It must've been painful at that time." David recalled how her life was in danger several times.Olivia gently shook her head. "It's okay. It's all in the past."No ordinary person could be as mentally stable as Olivia was. Despite her young age, she was wise enough to see through a lot of things."Sir." Ethan stood by the door, holding some presents.Unlike his usual rigid attitude, he appeared to be careful and approachable today."What brings you here? Who let you in? Leave! Get out of here!" David was livid the moment he saw Ethan.His eyes glared at Ethan as though he would skin Ethan alive the next second, unlike his gentle self when he spoke to Olivia.It was as though he had turned into a completely different person.
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Even After Death Chapter 1605-Not even a book could enumerate the number of awful things Ethan had done to Olivia.
It pained David so much to hear those stories happening to his daughter.
It wasn't something to be brushed off with one word. Just how did she get through those nights all alone?
David couldn't forgive Ethan. The way David looked at Ethan was no different from looking at an enemy.
Calm down, Dad. You need rest, Olivia cooed.
He patted his chest. "Olivia, no matter what happens to our family, I'll never allow you to be with this man again."
He glared at Ethan. "What are you looking at? Get out! You're not welcome here! You bullied my daughter because she didn't have a family, so stay away from her in the future! I’ll be glad to look after her myself forever." 1 "Sir, I know that everything was my fault. Nothing can be done to atone for my sin. Nothing. I just want to apologize and make up for what I did."
Save it. You shouldn't have done it if you knew that it was wrong. I don’t care if you're being genuine or fake, I don't give a rat's ass about your apology!
Sir.
Don't call me. I don’t know you.
"Mr. Fordham, Liv and I have four kids together-two sons and two daughters.
Even if it's for their sake, please-"
The mention of the children angered David more. "Bastard! How could you choose to save someone else instead of your wife when she was pushed into the sea? She even had a preterm delivery! She barely survived it! And yet you passed the baby to someone else?
How could you sacrifice a mother's love for a child just to repay your personal debt!
His voice broke, and he almost cried. "I'm a father myself too. I understand the pain very well when my daughter passed on."
It felt no different from having his world crumbling. It was as if someone dug his heart out of his chest.
The unfathomable pain was hell.
If a father like him felt that way, it must've been worse for Olivia, who was a mother.
It broke David's heart to hear that.
It wasn't something that could be forgiven with an apology. If it weren't for those children, David might've slaughtered and chopped Ethan into pieces.
Ethan placed the presents down before kneeling next to the bed. "Sir, I can't kill myself and leave Liv and the kids behind. I know that I was wrong.
You can punish me however you wish. I sincerely regret what I did."
David wasn't buying it. "If you want to kneel, do it somewhere else. Don't be such an eyesore."
"Yes, sir.” Ethan headed outside.
Bending his knees, he knelt there without hesitation.
Liv, were you hurt this much back then?"" He gazed at her gently."
But how did he respond to that?
She looked up at the moon. "Yup, very much."
It didn't hurt physically, but her heart ached
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Even After Death Chapter 1606-Sometimes, one couldn't sympathize with the pain unless one experienced it first-hand.
Olivia had gotten over it. It happened such a long time ago.
She still loved Ethan, and they had four children together.
Near-death experiences and the reunion with her true family taught her how valuable a family was.
Instead of wasting time on revenge, she'd rather cherish the present.
She cherished what she had right now more than anyone else. It wasn't easy for her to come this far.
However, the people around her didn't think the same way. The Fordhams wouldn't be able to forgive Ethan even if he were to kill himself multiple times over.
Ethan knelt in the yard the whole night.
When Olivia told him to stop, he merely said, "Liv, I want to marry you and give you a grand wedding. The marriage won't be perfect without your parents' blessings. I’ll ask for your family's forgiveness no matter what it takes." 1 "Why?" She sighed.
I had this coming. As long as you're alive and you're still willing to accept me, it won't hurt to do this much.
Numbness had crawled up to his knees, but his back remained straight. His eyes spoke of determination too. "Besides, this is nothing compared to what you suffered."
It poured heavily that night, but he didn't move a muscle.
If it were a woman, she wouldn't fainted on the spot. However, he was strong enough to hold on.
Olivia returned to the room. David seemed better than yesterday.
He grinned the second he saw her. "Olivia, you're here. Your medicine works wonders! I feel much better today.” His complexion finally seemed better, but she was aware that he hadn't had a good night's sleep from all the worrying about his wife.
The exhaustion was still evident on his face.
She glanced out the window, reminding him, "Dad, he's still kneeling out there.
It's been four hours."
So what? He wasn't bothered at all. "Think about the day you fell into the sea on that snowy day. Wasn't it cold? Weren't you afraid? Wasn't it painful? N Sean brought over the medicine for David while agreeing, "Dad's right.
Olivia, don't pity a man or you'll be unfortunate. Think about the days you suffered. So what even if he has knelt for 24 hours? He should die there."
Troy chimed in, "Although Sean has never dated, he knows that this kind of man must never be a husband. Olivia, you've made a mistake once. Don't make the same mistake again. Ethan may be the father of the children forever, but you still can end things with him." 2 Everyone in the Fordham family had a heart of steel.
A sigh escaped from Olivia, and she went outside.
Willow was struggling to hold an umbrella for Ethan as she couldn't even hold it properly.
Get up. They’re not buying this. If you die here, they'll throw a party to celebrate your death. It's meaningless. 1 Ethan, who was completely drenched, held Olivia's hand tightly.
Well, it wasn't like he could kill himself in front of everyone. A suicide would be truly meaningless.
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Even After Death Chapter 1607-Ethan knew what Olivia meant. "Don't worry, Liv. I've asked someone to look into it. It's just that it's not going to be easy."
After all, he was mainly influential and powerful in Arlandia. Wielding his authority here was quite difficult.
Furthermore, Brandon had planned for this for many years. It wouldn't be easy to track him down.
That was why David couldn't sleep lately. The men he dispatched would end up missing. There was no news as of today.
Ethan ended up fainting after kneeling for two days straight, but the Fordhams stood firm with their stance. 1 Sean coldly said, "He should've died there."
Troy agreed, "Bad guys tend to live longer than the good guys."
David hummed in response. "Throw him out. What an eyesore."
Olivia shut her eyes, feeling helpless. It seemed like they wouldn't accept him for the time being. 3 She told Kelvin to carry Ethan to the bed so that she could look after him.
Avery, who didn't hate Ethan that much, approached Olivia. "Jacqueline has the money ready."
Let the show begin. She smirked.
Jacqueline traveled as quickly as possible overnight.
Avery had put on makeup to look sickly. He coughed. "Jacqueline, you're here."
Avery, it's only been two days, but your complexion looks bad. You must hold on.
Don't worry, Jacqueline. It's not like it's my first day. It's not a big deal. Did you manage to gather one billion dollars?
Yes. How are things going lately?
Don't worry. As long as I'm here, I'll make sure to secure Dad's company. He coughed again. "Jacqueline, I'll be counting on you in the future."
"You'll be fine, Avery.” Despite that, she wished for him to die sooner.
Once he was dead, Fordham Group would belong to her!
Jacqueline had to admit that Avery had held on for way too long considering his illness.
When the issue of the shares was settled, it would be time for her to send Avery off.
No matter how well she acted, Avery could notice the murderous intent in her eyes.
Just why didn't he catch on to it in the past?
There was a shareholders' meeting the next day. To be more precise, it was a war among the Fordham family members vying over the right to the company.
David's family, which used to be respected by all, now received rude treatment from others.
Their relatives didn't even try to be courteous.
Can't believe that they have the guts to come."""
We showed them respect and allowed them to wield so much power within the family. Who knew they'd turn out to be outsiders?
Avery finally knew what betrayal tasted like. These people used to treat him with respect just to gain more benefits from him.
Their attitude had taken a 180 turn.
After his son's death, Henley was no longer as healthy as he seemed in the past.
His eyes were dark. "Graham is right. Outsiders should leave this place as soon as possible. And you should return the assets to us before leaving!"
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Even After Death Chapter 1608-Henley and David were half-brothers, but Douglas was stricter toward Henley.
Can’t you learn from David?
David is smart, but why do I have a stupid son like you?
Why can't you understand such a simple report? If you were David…
Those were the words Henley heard the most.
He was always compared with David because he was the second son.
As the second son, Henley appeared so ordinary and was overshadowed by David.
Henley worked hard, but there was a huge difference between effort and talent.
David wasn't only smart; he was also a hard-working man.
In addition to his talent, he worked so hard that Henley could never surpass him forever.
Hence, David became that pall of trauma clouding over Henley for eternity.
Henley had been waiting his entire life for this day to come. This time, he could finally drive David's family out of Fordham Group and retrieve what was rightfully his.
Avery, you're smart, so I guess I can just go straight to the point. Even if you've bought some shares, Douglas' shares are with US. You're bound to lose! So why make it more difficult for yourself? You’ll end up being the laughing stock. 1 Jacqueline retorted, "That's not right, Uncle Henley. Let's not talk about whether my father is Grandpa's biological son or not. We still share the same blood and the same grandmother. Grandma and Grandpa loved each other for many years. How could we not have inheritance rights?
Besides, Dad built up this company single-handedly. Now that it's a huge and profitable company, you're trying to gain benefits from this. There's no free lunch in this world.
Graham snorted coldly. "Let's not waste our time talking with them, Dad."
He clapped, motioning for his legal team to enter the room.
Avery's legal team followed suit.
Both teams comprised the top lawyers in the whole world, possessing only a winning streak on their record.
The lawyers split up to stand with the person they sided with.
Tension inflated in the air as though it was the period before the outbreak of war.
Right then, a low yet solemn voice resounded. "Graham, I didn't know you hated me so much."
Everyone was surprised. That was David, who was announced dead due to a plane crash!
Olivia, who was in disguise, helped David to the room.
David was known to be protective of his people.
However, his character completely changed when he was out there.
David, y-you're still alive! Henley murmured.
How scary could David be? No one knew that better than Henley.
The moment he showed up, his hawk-like eyes scanned everyone.
The people he looked at were equally scared out of their wits as they avoided his eyes instinctively.
They either looked at the floor, ceiling, or the plants but never David.
How lively it is today, he stated indifferently, removing Olivia's hand.
Standing there, he coldly interrogated, "Were you trying to bully my son and grandchildren just because I wasn't around?" 2
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Even After Death Chapter 1609-David's words sent a chill down everyone's spine.
Among the people present, many of them used to be on his side. However, they chose a new leader to follow after the news of the plane crash.
Although they didn't know what kind of illness Avery had, his health had been deteriorating as the years went by. It seemed serious.
Avery's brothers seemed unreliable, so they chose to side with Henley.
Who would've known that David's death was a feign? He even showed up at such a critical moment!
Immediately, they began to curry favor with David.
Mr. David, I'm glad to see you safe and sound. We've been praying for you, hoping for you too-
David interrupted, "Hoping for me to die tragically sounds more like it."
The person chuckled wryly. "How humorous of you, Mr. David.” "We've been hoping for you to come back sooner. Look, the company was in huge trouble while you weren't around. This way, Mr. David." One of the elderly people changed his mind the moment he saw David.
He was on Henley's side, scolding Avery just a moment ago! Oh, the irony!
He also smacked Graham's head. "This seat isn't for an immature person like you. Get up! Mr. David should be sitting here."
What a perfect enactment of the phrase "Only the strongest can survive."
Everyone was aware of how the company came this far. It was all thanks to David, the founder.
They tried to steal the company while he wasn't around, but he showed up before they could achieve their objective!
So meekly, they began to turn their back at Henley to side with David.
Henley's supporters changed their minds the moment David showed up.
The turn of tables caused Henley to go frantic. The deep respect he had for David since young died hard.
Henley. David took the main seat. Judging from his bad complexion, it was obvious that he had yet to recover from his serious injuries.
Yet, that didn't will away the formidable coldness he had.
Languidly, his gaze landed on Henley as he touched his wedding ring.
His acquaintances gulped their saliva in fear at that.
We're blood-related. It doesn't matter if I'm Dad's biological son or not. I'm still your elder brother, am I not?
Y-Yes, answered Henley cowardly. His confidence had clearly plummeted.
Graham watched how cautious his father became. It was as if Henley was David's subordinate!
Dad, why are you so afraid of him? Don't forget that we're Grandpa's true family. He's just an illegitimate child!
The glint in David's eyes changed at the mention of him being an illegitimate child.
That voice…
Could it be…
Olivia looked at the door in disbelief.
A familiar face showed up at the door!
It was Linus! 1 The Heath family was here! 1 No words could adequately express the excitement soaring in her right now.
He showed up like a hero to save his people in distress! 2 "H-He's…" Someone clearly recognized Linus.
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Even After Death Chapter 1610-Linus rushed over from overseas. Prior to this, he had a basic understanding of the Fordham family through videos and pictures.
The way Linus thought was different from Henley's family.
Although Linus and David were half-brothers, Linus knew that Mason had a regret.
Many years ago, Linus knew that Mason had loved a woman a lot.
If that woman had given birth to Mason's child, it might make up for Mason's regret.
Linus had been pampering Krystal for his whole life only to find out that she wasn't his biological sister. If he actually had a business genius brother, that would be good news to Linus!
Aside from being a family, they could join hands in both the political and business worlds to bring their family to higher heights.
After Olivia told Mason about the matter, the Heath family had a discussion.
Tatiana had no reason to throw a tantrum as David's mother had passed on.
After all, Mason loved David's mother before Tatiana showed up.
Furthermore, David was one capable man. Although his existence could pose a threat to Linus' inheritance, it could bring a lot of advantages to the family at the same time.
After weighing the pros and cons, Tatiana figured it out. The most important thing to take note of was it wasn't easy for Mason to find his son.
Since she couldn't stop it from happening, she thought that she might as well accept it.
Mason couldn't leave the country due to his special identity, so Linus came to see David as a representative.
Linus' confident strides carried him over. Despite the spacious room, his murderous intent swept everyone up.
Even if some of them didn't know who he was, they couldn't help the fear they felt.
Many things had happened to the Fordham family recently. Olivia couldn't find the right time to tell David about the Heath family.
David was equally baffled. This clearly wasn't in his plan.
At such a crucial moment, he was the only person able to keep the situation under cohtrol.
Everyone began gushing. "Isn't he the youngest general of Arlandia in history?"
Why is someone like him here?
Wait, didn't he say his elder brother? Who's his elder brother?
Everyone was on tenterhooks. They had a bad feeling about this.
Despite his young age, he had climbed so high up the ladder.
His relationship with Mason didn't contribute anything to his achievement. In fact, he was able to come this far mainly because of the life-staking risk he took on battlefields.
That was why everyone was weighed down by the pressure he exuded the second he showed up.
When were they acquainted with such a prominent figure from another country?
Like a scared rodent, Henley's family hushed in silence while watching David.
Their gaze was prompting him to stand up for them.
David mustered every strength in him to stand up. "May I know your reason for visiting, Mr. Heath?" 1 Avery took an instinctive step forward to protect David.
Linus hurried over to hold David. "You don't have to be this courteous.
We're brothers." 2 "Brothers?" David's eyes widened.
Soon, he caught on to something.
They're brothers? everyone blurted simultaneously.
Henley's family was planning to eliminate David's line out ofthe ll!
family. Ketcanother huge hurdle had présented itself.
It turned out that David's biological father was Mason, that praminent figure froh AMandia!
Henley's expression turned dreadful.
How could this be?