Chapter 438


    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 ss 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 topensate her without forcing her to marry into the Lopez family.”


    “But only someone truly loyal to the Lopez family deserves to be my daughter inw!” 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 be aughingstock


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


    that! Then… Heather’s misfortune would be 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,e 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 moreplicated 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 yroom; instead, it was filled withputers


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


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    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 preupied 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.