After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 769

“What now?” Jackson sounded tired, like he’d already run out of patience.

Kevin came down the stairs, suitcase in hand. School was out for the summer and his dad had picked him up, bringing him straight to the Lane family mansion. He’d barely finished unpacking. Natalie had made sure he had a huge room, one flooded with sunlight, and all the furniture was brand new. His dad said if they’d had more time, Natalie would’ve had the whole place redone just for him.

Jordan and Natalie acted like they were thrilled to have Kevin and his mom move in. Kevin, for his part, looked a lot like Jordan, but even more like Jackson. The resemblance was uncanny. He was good-looking, smart, charming, and always knew the right thing to say. Jackson doted on him. If Kevin hadn’t been so impressive, Deborah would’ve had a much harder time securing her spot here.

“Mom, what happened?” Kevin hurried over as soon as he heard his mother crying, his voice full of concern.

The moment he spotted Jordan and Natalie, his young face clouded over and he shot them a cold stare.

Isabella edged closer to Ethan and whispered, “Kevin’s not your average kid.”

Ethan nodded, keeping his voice low. “Neither is his mom. Kevin grew up with everyone calling him an illegitimate child, but he’s fine. Strong, even. No wonder Jordan’s so angry and tried so hard to stop Jackson from marrying again.”

If Kevin had been useless, Jordan wouldn’t have anything to worry about. At worst, he’d split a little of the inheritance. The Lane fortune and the company would still be his.

But Kevin was smart. Even at his age, he was more mature and steady than most adults. He was a real threat. Plus, Jackson could easily stay in charge of the Lane Group for another decade or more. By then, Kevin would be an adult, maybe even more capable than Jordan. If that happened, Jackson would hand the company to Kevin, and everything Jordan had worked for would end up benefiting someone else’s son.

“He’s a big guy, and he knows martial arts. He pushed me so hard, my shoulder still hurts. It’s killing me,” Deborah said, rubbing her left shoulder and looking as if she might cry again.

“Dad, I didn’t do anything. Natalie and I didn’t even touch her. She’s making things up. You invited us for dinner, but it feels more like a trap. We didn’t even get through the door before she started accusing us,” Jordan said, his face dark with anger.

Natalie nodded, backing her husband up. “Dad, it’s true. We never even touched Deborah.”

Jackson looked from his wife to Jordan and Natalie. “Jordan, just be honest. Did you push Deborah or not? If you’re angry, take it out on me. Don’t take it out on her. That’s not what a real man does.”