Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 486

After Stephen left, Brett stuck around for dinner with George, then played a slow game of chess with him. A few times, Brett almost asked how his grandfather felt about the kid, but every time the words got stuck in his throat.

The night got late. Brett drove away from the old house toward his hotel.

When Joan saw Brett walk in, she looked surprised. “You’re back already?”

The whole trip to the old house had been Joan’s idea. She had somehow found out that Stephen was going to be there, so she called Brett and convinced him to go too. She wanted to see for herself how George would react to Ben.

But now Brett was back so soon, and Joan felt a sinking sense of dread. She frowned. “Did Grandpa say anything about letting Ben officially join the family?”

Brett pressed his lips together. “No.”

“What about Stephen? What did he say?”

“He said to just leave things as they are for now.”

Joan’s heart dropped. “What does that mean? He doesn’t want to acknowledge his own kid?”

Brett shook his head. He tried to soften the blow. “It’s probably just temporary.”

Joan bit down on her lip, her eyes brimming with tears. “He’s really so cold to me. Not even our child can make him change his mind.”

Brett glanced at Ben, who was busy playing with his toys on the floor. Brett went over and scooped the little boy up. “Ben, it’s really late. Want me to carry you to bed?”

Ben nodded right away. “Okay!”

Aunt Joan said his dad and uncle were brothers, but his dad always looked so scary, while his uncle was warm and gentle. Ben definitely preferred Uncle Brett.

The mention of medicine made Joan go quiet for a moment. She bit her lip until it bled. “No, I’m not sick. I’m not taking any pills.”

Brett’s heart twisted. He gently wiped the blood from her lips with his thumb. “Joan, you have a manic disorder. You have to take your medicine. Please, just tell me where it is. I’ll get it for you.”

“You’re lying. I’m not sick!” Joan shoved him away, muttering to herself, “I’m not sick. I’m healthy. He doesn’t like it when I’m sick. I’m fine, I’m totally fine, not sick, not sick…”

Joan stumbled toward the master bedroom. Brett caught her, holding her tight, his eyes stinging with tears.

“Joan, if getting back with Stphen is what you really want, I’ll help you. I don’t care what it takes.”

If it meant she’d be happy, he was willing to do anything for her.