Chapter 653


    Everett mulled over it for what felt like hours, trying to understand why Dorothy was adamant about


    him not attending her mother''s memorial. Surely, it was not just because her mom appreciated


    peace and quiet, as she had imed.


    Keh was wee while he was not, and the only logical exnation Everett coulde up


    with was the bitter truth surrounding Dorothy''s mother''s passing.


    After much contemtion, he figured that the crux of the matter must lie with Heather. Dorothy


    probably believed that if it were not for his presence, Heather would not have been green with envy


    andsh out in a fit of jealousy, and her mother would still be alive.


    Everett was indirectly responsible for the tragedy. That must be why Dorothy could not bear the


    thought of him paying his respects.


    After all, he had never hurt Be. In fact, he was the one to arrange for her top-notch surgery with a


    renowned doctor from abroad.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Now that he thought he had pinpointed the cause, he was determined to unearth the real culprit. He


    wanted Dorothy to be able to settle her scores and release the pent-up anger in her heart.


    Plus, it would also prevent Keh from exploiting the situation.


    "I can''t just say ''yes'' to this. I need to talk it over with your mother." Jonathan sighed heavily into the


    phone. "You''ve got to understand the tough spot I''m in here! When Heather stabbed you, and your


    life was hanging by a thread, I had someone deal with her already. But your mother insisted on


    stopping it. Otherwise, Heather would have been long gone."


    Jonathan was not one to mince words; a menace like Heather needed to be dealt with once and for


    all.


    He disagreed with his wife''s constant talk of gratitude and repaying kindness.


    In fact, Heather''s boldness was bolstered by the very backing of the Lopez family. She grew more


    audacious over time, even daring to dabble in murderous plots.


    "When you''ve settled things with Mom, I''ll talk to Dorothy about changing my children’s surname,"


    Everett said, setting his terms.


    "Changing their surnames needs her approval?”


    “And does Heather paying for her crimes need my mother''s approval, too?"


    Jonathan was at a loss for words, then finally conceded. "Alright, I''ll talk to your mother. I''m tired of


    arguing over someone like Heather to the point of father and son falling out."


    Everett knew his father wasn''t just giving in; he was in a bind and had no choice but to give in.


    The true power within the Lopez family had already shifted to him, and no one else was suitable to


    take over the reins.


    Regardless of the oue, neither of them wanted a rift between father and son.


    Just as Jonathan was about to hang up, Everett asked coldly, "Did my mother have a hand in what


    Heather did to Dorothy''s mother?"


    "What are you implying?" Jonathan''s voice rose sharply.


    "I mean just what I said."


    "Of course not! Your mother was just propping Heather up, that''s all. She never liked Dorothy, and


    you knew that. Your mother thought she could break you up if she kept opposing you two. And even


    if Heather had those murderous intentions, do you think she''d dare to confess them to your mother?


    Heather has yed the timid and gentle woman before your mother and me all these years. Even I


    was fooled."


    Everett''s brow furrowed deeper. "I hope what you''re saying is true."


    "Dorothy didn’t tell you anything, did she?" Jonathan quickly asked.


    "No, it''s just something I wanted to ask."


    "Everett, do you really see your mother as cold-hearted and cruel like Heather? Don''t forget, you''re


    her flesh and blood! If it wasn’t for her carrying you for nine months, enduringbor to bring you into


    this world, Dorothy wouldn’t have had the fortune of being connected to the Lopez family in any


    way!"