Chapter 490
Eileen, who had been silent, noticed the rage simmering in Brandon’s eyes. It was as if he wanted to hurl something directly at Bryan’s mother. “Since you ruined me, I will stop at nothing to prevent you from getting what you want!”
This wasn’t just a grudge; it was visceral loathing, a demon entrenched in Brandon’s very soul.
“Really?” Bryan’s voice remained even as he spoke. “Then let’s have Travis join us, so everyone can meet him. You claim he’s twenty-two, yet no one has laid eyes on him for over two decades. To those unaware of his existence, he might seem like a mere figment, not a real person at all!”
“He has been studying overseas since his youth. The curriculum is demanding, and his packed schedule has left him no time for vacations. Therefore, he has never returned. That’s perfectly reasonable, isn’t it?” Lydia stepped in. “This isn’t the moment to talk about Travis. Let’s concentrate on you.”
“Why?” Eileen looked toward Lydia, skepticism clear in her tone. “Doesn’t it seem absurd to consider ousting Bryan before we even verify if Travis truly exists? What if Travis is just a fabrication? Without a legitimate heir, the elders certainly won’t approve of removing Bryan.”
She dismissed Lydia’s attempt to divert attention, her gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd.
When Eileen and Bryan mentioned Travis—who hadn’t been seen in twenty years—a palpable tension filled the room. Members of the Dawson family’s various branches might only meet the core family members a few times in their lives.
Yet, as the stewards of each branch, they made annual trips to Dawson Mansion in Onaland, ensuring they met the family and its future generations. Brandon and Lydia had been living overseas for years after Travis was born. It was indeed strange that none of the family had seen Travis as an infant.
Before anyone could ponder further, Stella interjected with a scoff. “Let’s drop the theories and suspicions. I’m Travis’ grandmother, and even I haven’t laid eyes on him, much less any of you.”
Her declaration stirred murmurs in the room.
Stella continued, “Lydia took the baby home from the hospital and never once brought him to visit, always citing his frail health as the reason. She kept him hidden before they moved abroad. It’s been years.” Her gaze flickered to Lydia and Brandon. She added casually, “I’m starting to wonder if there’s even a child at all.”
Turning to Bryan, who stood beside her, she said, “At least I’ve seen Bryan grow up. He’s dependable. Yes, I made mistakes that hurt Eileen’s feelings, leading to Bryan marrying into Eileen’s family. But I can assure you, Eileen is a good soul.”
“Mom!” Brandon hissed, his voice low with warning. “Remember what I’ve told you.”
Unperturbed, Stella held her ground. “Brandon, my presence here isn’t out of fear of you; I’m simply running out of patience. I am ready to confront whatever comes our way regarding the Dawson family’s fate. And remember, I still know your secret!”
Her words hit Brandon like a vice, leaving him red-faced and speechless.