Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 494

The two brothers exchanged a look, then answered together, “Yes.”

Cindy grumbled under her breath, “Like any of this is our fault.”

Chelsey shot her daughter a warning glance, then went over to her father. “Dad, where did you disappear to just now? We didn’t see you anywhere.”

When they first came in, he was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t in the front yard or the back. Now he popped up out of nowhere, like some kind of ghost. It was honestly a little creepy.

He looked at her. “I was at the prayer room.”

“The prayer room?” Chelsey’s confusion only grew. What was he doing there for half the day?

Before she could ask more, her father spoke up. “I know you’re all wondering why I called you here. But don’t rush me. I just asked God for guidance.”

Cindy piped up, “Grandpa, just say it. We’re all listening.”

George reached over and pinched her cheek. “I knew you’d be the first to lose patience.”

He nodded at the butler. “Take everyone to the prayer room.”

Chelsey felt a wave of unease. Her hands curled into fists without her even realizing. Her dad was acting way out of character today. What could be so important that he had to announce it at there?

A sudden thought made her eyelids twitch. No way. He couldn’t possibly… He wouldn’t make that kind of mistake.

They walked together to the hall.

With everyone watching, George spoke slowly and clearly. “I’ve decided that Ben will officially become part of our family.”

“Fine, fine. None of you ever make things easy for me.”

Finally, he looked at Stephen. “Ben is your son. What about you? Do you disagree too? I saw him at the hospital a few days ago, you know. He was standing alone by the road after someone snatched his toy. He just stood there crying and looking so helpless, like a little rabbit. When you two were kids, neither of you ever had to go through something like that.”

As soon as he finished, everyone’s attention shifted to Stephen, as if the whole family’s future hinged on his answer.

Cindy pleaded, “Stephen, I know you made mistakes before, but don’t do it again. Think about yourself, and… just think about your future.”

Chelsey gave him a meaningful look. “Sometimes, one wrong step is all it takes, and there’s no way back.”

Stephen gave a small smile. He reached out and ruffled Cindy’s hair, then glanced at his mother.

Finally, he spoke, slow and sure. “I agree with Grandpa’s decision.”