Chapter 493
At that moment, all eyes turned to Bryan.
Brandon’s display of vulnerability had struck a chord. The group of elders now saw the suggestion of a paternity test for Travis as clear evidence that both Bryan and Stella had crossed a line. Initially, they had questioned whether Brandon truly had a son named Travis. Now, they began to doubt the legitimacy of Travis as Brandon’s biological child. Even after a paternity test, they might continue to question the results.
This matter could drag on endlessly.
Feeling the pressure, the elders were compelled to side with Brandon, directing their focus to Stella.
“If you decide to strip Bryan of his place in our family, the Dawson family will be left without an heir!” Stella declared, her expression resolute. “Because Brandon became infertile after that car accident over two decades ago!”
In the expansive villa, the living room, once filled with the chatter of guests, fell into an unnerving silence at Stella’s words.
“You’re lying!” Brandon immediately retorted. “Mom, am I not your flesh and blood? How could you accuse me like this for Bryan’s sake?”
He raised his voice, skillfully shifting the blame onto Stella. “I know you’ve watched Bryan grow up, and I understand you’re not close to my son. But don’t forget, I’m also your child. Why would you say such things about me?”
Brandon repeated his claim that he, too, was her son, as if trying to make his presence and worth undeniable. How could he face anyone if this became public?
“Well…” a voice chimed in, siding with Brandon. “Stella, we have no objections to you supporting Bryan, but this accusation is absurd.”
“Yes, and let’s not forget about Travis, who is also your grandson. He seems responsible and well-mannered. Surely he won’t mishandle the company funds like Bryan did…”
The discussion grew as more voices joined in, defending Brandon and promoting Travis as the rightful heir to the Dawson family legacy.
“As long as they are my descendants, I’ll treat them equally,” Stella declared, locking eyes with Brandon. With firm resolve, she added, “It’s easy to find out if I’m telling the truth. Brandon has lost his ability to father children. We don’t even need a hospital checkup. Just strip him naked and see for yourself!”
Her implication was clear. Brandon was physically incomplete.
Gasps filled the room. Those present looked at Brandon with a mixture of shock and pity. Amidst the expressions of sympathy, there were also snickers of sarcasm, each one piercing Brandon’s heart like a dagger.
Brandon vividly recalled the surgery after his accident—the local anesthesia, the vulnerability he felt, the cold of the scalpel as it made its incision…
The memories surged forward, overwhelming his ability to stay composed.
Feeling as if he had been stripped bare, shame washed over him, and his face turned livid with rage.