Portia glared at Levant and scolded, “How could you do something so despicable? I am so disappointed in you, Levant.”
“Mom, you will only be even more disappointed if I didn’t do anything,” insisted Levant while staring straight into her eyes.
Portia looked at him from head to toe. She later scoffed, “Are you saying bullsh*t to justify your crimes? You can’t wash your sins away via lies.”
Levant walked to her and asked, “Mom, do you know who Nicole is to Dad?”
Portia was furious as soon as she heard Nicole’s name. “I am talking to you about the dukedom. Why are you changing the subject to that b*tch?” asked Portia, who deliberated before adding, “Are you jealous because that b*tch got close to your dad? Is that why you chased your dad out of the estate?”
“Mom, you were wounded from the assassination attempt and have been recuperating in your room. It is normal for you not to have heard the recent news——that Nicole is Dad’s biological daughter.”
Portia’s face darkened upon hearing Levant’s words.
“W-what did you say? That b*tch is your father’s daughter?”
How could it be? How could he actually have an illegitimate daughter?
“Mom, you know how your relationship with Dad truly is, so I won’t elaborate further. But it is true that Nicole is Dad’s daughter and he wanted to pass the title to her. Do you think that is fair to me?”
“W-what did you say?”
Portia’s mind was at a loss after hearing those two shocking news. She took some time to digest that information.
It took her a while to regain her composure and asked, “Is everything you say true?”
“Absolutely. You can call Dad and ask him about it if you don’t believe me.”
Portia had a hard time accepting it.
Passing the title to Nicole? Then what does that make me? How could he leave everything for his b*stard child? That kid… could she be the child that woman was pregnant with over twenty years ago? Wasn’t the kid aborted? And didn’t the woman marry someone else?
Portia had always thought that the rumor of Stephen’s search for his illegitimate child was fake. She never thought that there would come a day when the child would show up in front of her to take everything away.
Stephen Musgrave, I am your wife. How can you disregard me completely and only think of the illegitimate child you have with that woman? How could you do that? How could you!
Levant was relieved to see Portia going livid.
At the very least, Portia did not think that he was at fault.
Levant believed that he was just fighting for what was rightfully his, so Portia should be on his side.
“Don’t be sad, Mom. I may be adopted but I will treat you like my mother and love you as a son.”
Portia remained silent for a moment. She tilted her head up and stared at Levant with anxiety burning in her eyes. Did I make a mistake taking him in all those years ago?
Levant saw how terrible she looked and assumed that she was worried about Stephen.
“Don’t worry, Mom. Dad’s son-in-law, Evan Seet, is a pretty capable man. Dad will be just fine living with them. Moreover, Dad will be happy about being able to see Nicole all the time, so all you need to do is take care of yourself and recover as soon as possible, Mom.”
Portia had her head down and turned quiet. She looked troubled but she finally instructed, “Please leave for now. I want to be on my own.”
“Okay, rest well.”
Portia turned pale as she watched Levant leave her room.
She thought about how she adopted Levant all those years ago. Every scene bubbled up in her mind…
What would Stephen do if he realizes that the boy he has been raising for over twenty years is that man’s son? No, I must take this secret to my grave. No one can know!
Levant returned to his room and asked his bodyguards, “Have you figured out where they are?”
“Ms. Lane and the kids returned to their country, but Evan Seet and Sir Musgrave have stayed back.”
“I knew they wouldn’t leave just like that. They must be bidding their time and waiting for an opportunity to strike. Keep a close eye on them and report to me as soon as you learn anything.”
“Yes, Sir!”
After the bodyguards left, Levant sat on his chair and let his mind wander, as his long fingers tapped on the desk. He now had the title, but the battle wasn’t over yet.
