Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 496

Brett knew his cousin well enough to guess which way things would go. After the family left the prayer room and headed back to the living room, George told the kitchen to start serving dinner. Brett, though, grabbed his jacket from beside the couch and slipped it on. “Grandpa, I’ve got work to handle. I’ll head out first.”

He didn’t even bother saying goodbye to Stephen. He just walked straight out. George watched the plates being set on the table and let out a long sigh. “Guess it’s just you and me, then.”

Stephen didn’t sit down. He looked at his grandfather. “What’s your next move, Grandpa?”

The old man’s eyes drifted for a moment, cloudy with thought. “I had someone check the date. The start of next month looks perfect. I’m going to throw a banquet, invite everyone, and announce Ben’s identity officially.”

Stephen nodded, not surprised at all. Ever since his grandfather mentioned bringing Ben into the family, Stephen figured he already had everything mapped out. So news of a banquet was just confirmation.

The old man turned to him. “Should you tell Joan yourself, or should I send someone?”

Stephen answered, “You should tell her. You’re the one who wants to recognize the child.”

George grumbled a bit, then gave in. “Fine, fine. I’ll have the butler let her know.”

The butler nodded and reminded them, “Dinner’s ready. Let’s eat.” He helped the old man to his seat.

Right then, Stephen’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, ignored it, and looked back at his grandfather. “I’ve got something to take care of, too. I’ll come by for the banquet.” Then he left, leaving George alone at the huge table.

George let out another heavy sigh and waved at the butler and maids. “Enough work. Come on, sit down and eat with me.”

Next to her, Ben tugged at her sleeve. “Mom, let’s just wait in the coffee shop.”

The receptionist frowned. The kid was more reasonable than his mom. Still, the woman had a child with her and was claiming to know Mr. Duncan. The receptionist immediately remembered those recent rumors online. Was it true? Did Mr. Duncan really have a child no one knew about?

Trying to hide her curiosity, the receptionist smiled. “Ms. Knotts, please have a seat for a moment. I’ll go check with Liam again.”

Joan sighed. “Fine.” She took Ben’s hand and turned around. That’s when she spotted Rebecca.

A slow smile spread across Joan’s face. She walked right over. “Ms. Harper, fancy seeing you here. Small world. You haven’t met my son yet, have you? Ben, say hello to the nice lady.”