Ever since Jeannie and Irwin returned from the hospital, the question of Irwin's origins had weighed heavily on both their minds.
To be honest, Jeannie's feelings had grown complicated since discovering Irwin's true identity.
On the one hand, she was relieved to learn Irwin wasn't Stewart's biological son. That meant if she married Stewart one day, any child she bore would be the rightful heir to the Wentworth family. Irwin, with his questionable parentage, would inevitably be cast aside.
Yet she couldn't help but worry—what if Stewart learned the truth and abandoned Irwin immediately? Then her own worth in the household would vanish entirely.
After weighing her options, Jeannie decided the secret had to be kept—at least until she became Stewart's wife. For now, Irwin's parentage had to remain hidden.
The next afternoon after school, Jeannie took Irwin out to dinner. She'd gone out of her way to book a private dining room at a quiet little bistro. After the food was served, the waiter closed the door softly behind him, leaving them alone.
Jeannie watched Irwin dig into his meal, her amber eyes crinkling with a gentle smile.
"Irwin, do you want to know what your teacher and your mom talked about yesterday?" she asked, her tone light and coaxing.
Irwin paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, and shook his head.
"Are you sure you don't want to know?" Jeannie pressed, her voice sweet as honey. "It's something important. About you."
Irwin frowned and glanced up at her. "About me?"
Jeannie nodded. "Your teacher wasn't sure whether to tell you, honestly. This might be hard to hear."
Irwin's nerves began to fray. "Ms. Radcliffe, you're scaring me."
She let out a soft sigh. "Poor Irwin. Your mom… she was so selfish. She actually lied to your dad."
Irwin's eyes grew wide. "Lied? My mom lied to my dad about what?"
Jeannie leaned in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You're not really your dad's child."
Irwin's face went pale with shock.
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