The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 492

He could only think of one thing the Lopez family was truly missing — children.

"It's not about wanting," Jonathan argued, his voice firm with conviction, "Since the kids are Lopez’s bloodline, so it's my responsibility to bring them home, instead of letting them suffer out there with Dorothy!"

He hadn't planned on keeping this from Everett. Of course, it wouldn't have stayed a secret for long. He just hadn't felt ready to broach the subject.

"Whether it's suffering or blessing, that's up to the kids to decide, not you."

"They're too young to know what's good or bad for them. Surely they want to be with their mom. But we, the Lopez family, can't accept Dorothy, nor can we let our lineage falter outside!"

Everett tugged at his chapped lips. "They’re not outside with me here."

He never saw the children being raised by Dorothy as "suffering". They were clearly well-cared for — adorable, healthy, and incredibly sensible.

As their father, he felt a deep gratitude for Dorothy, and it pained him to see her struggle.

"Nonsense!" Jonathan started to scold, but then hastily softened his tone as recalling his son's condition, "Everett, you know what I care about! If you really wish for the best for the kids, you should have them back to us. Who knows how Dorothy might raise them!"

"Dorothy has never taught them to resent the Lopez family. Your fear isn't necessary."

"I feared? We, the Lopez family, didn't even know about the kids before!" Jonathan’s voice deepened with emotion, "Yes, I admit that your mother made a mistake and that I didn't expect Heather to be so brazen. From now on, we'll make sure you have nothing to do with Heather. But Dorothy... she can't be part of the Lopez family."

"Why?" Everett clenched his teeth, attempting to sit up despite the pain.

After several failed attempts as he was restrained by the wires of the monitoring equipment, he simply unplugged the cords.

Suddenly, the machine let out a shrill, buzzing alarm.

"Mr. Lopez, what have you done?" She reached to remove the bandage and check his wound, but he dodged her.

"It's nothing. I'm fine."

"You're bleeding out, and how can it be nothing?" Quincy had never seen anyone so reckless with their life. "Where's Ms. Sanchez?"

Everett looked at her and asks, "What do you need her for?"

"Because you won't settle without her!" Quincy had him figured out, "Mr. Lopez, either cooperate with me right now, or I'm calling Ms. Sanchez to handle you!"

"I'm serious!" She was already pulling out her phone.

Everett's demeanor softened slightly, but his brow remained furrowed. "Don't tell her!"