Chapter 149
James had been feeling the pressure ever since the new project landed on his desk. If he couldn’t squeeze Rhett for results, he would have to push Holcomb.
“James, our families go way back,” Holcomb chuckled, his interest in the mining project of Crescendo Town apparent. “Carter and Lucius were comrades–in–arms. It’s only natural we work together. Rhett, James is Summer’s biological father. Summer should be with him.”
The words sent a chill down the spines of the Haywood family, their faces darkening, especially Adrienne’s.
She wasn’t even married into the family yet, just engaged.
And Kristin had already given birth to James‘ child.
The Haywood family held their tongues, fearing the escalation of tension.
Carter wanted to protect his bloodline. Despite the Haywood family’s dissatisfaction, they swallowed their pride.
Adrienne had inadvertently hurt Summer earlier, and now Carter had to find a way to smooth things over. For now, they had to stomach the bitter taste of the situation.
Once Adrienne was part of the Bryce family and had given James a son, dealing with Summer could wait.
“Mr. FitzGerald…” Kristin clutched the back of Rhett’s shirt, her voice trembling.
She didn’t want Rhett to lose out on business deals because of her.
The board would have opinions about that.
Nicola and Vincent were already eyeing the throne. Rhett couldn’t afford to antagonize James
now.
James did have significant sway over Rhett’s position within the FitzGerald Group.
“He won’t harm Summer. Please, let me take him… I’m sorry for the trouble,” Kristin whispered, her grasp on Rhett’s shirt tightening.
She was clearly reluctant.
Rhett frowned, holding Summer with one arm and soothing her head with his other hand. “Don’t worry, I’m here, okay?”
Kristin shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. “Don’t confront James head–on. It’s not
worth it.”
“I decide what’s worth it.”
Rhett’s voice was soft, yet filled with indulgence and tenderness.
07:1
Hertha watched with eyes filled with envy.
Could Rhett be this gentle with a woman?
“The child is not going anywhere with you,” Rhett turned to James, his voice firm. And Adrienne must publicly apologize and leave Silvergrove City. That’s my final warning.”
The tension between the two men was palpable, their eyes locked in a silent battle, charged with animosity.
James contorted his face with anger. “Rhett, it seems you’re determined to give up on Auroral Tech as a partner.
“If immediate troubles aren’t resolved, long–term worries persist. Since Aurora Tech has other plans, there’s no point in continuing our partnership. The loss is mutual, not just on the FitzGerald Group,” Rhett retorted with a cold laugh.
A threat? As if the Bryce family wouldn’t profit from the partnership.
James darkened his expression further. “Rhett, he’s my son!”
“Rhett, give the child back to James! A father’s love for his son is undeniable. He’s the real father,” Holcomb interjected, his fingers trembling with anger.
child’s
Rhett had gone mad today.
Holcomb’s loud voice startled Summer awake, and Rhett shot Holcomb a dark and oppressive glare.
Holcomb paused, realizing he was frightened by Rhett.
“James, until you break off your engagement with the Haywood family. I won’t allow you to see Summer. Adrienne dares to harm Summer before even marrying into the Bryce family. Imagine what she might do as Summer’s stepmother,” Rhett was laced with a chilling finality.
For years, he had never confronted Holcomb on these matters.
Because he knew Holcomb wasn’t fit to be a father.
Had Holcomb been blind to the times Nicola had wronged Rhett since his mother’s death?
“With a stepmother comes a stepfather,” Rhett soothed Summer, his warning clear to James.
Summer clung to Rhett’s neck and whispered, “Daddy, I’m so sleepy.”
“Sleep, my dear,” Rhett murmured tenderly, patting his back.
“Summer, come home with me,” James reached out for him.
Summer looked back, his gaze lingering on James.
“Summer, I will protect you from now on, okay?” James coaxed. “I’m sorry I didn’t take better care of you. I’ll make it right, okay?”
Summer glanced cautiously between Rhett and Kristin, unsure whom to trust.
Chapter 149
Kristin had said James was his father, but Summer preferred Rhett.
“That mean lady bullied and hurt Mommy. You’re my daddy. Will you protect Mommy and punish the bad people?” Summer asked tentatively.
“I will,” James nodded.
At that, the Haywood family was seething, particularly Adrienne.
“Kristin, you seductress, using that bastard to tie down James! It’s not even certain if the child is James‘. Let’s have another paternity test!” Adrienne refused to acknowledge the child as James‘. She didn’t believe it.
“Shut up!” James snarled, his anger boiling over as he spun around to face Adrienne.
Startled by his outburst, Adrienne shivered and began to cry. “James, I’m your fiancée. Why are you yelling at me?”
James found Adrienne’s voice grating. “Before I even start on what you did to Summer, get out of my sight!”
By telling Adrienne to leave, James was essentially trying to save face for the Haywood family. He was still, overtly and covertly, siding with the Haywood family, maintaining this alliance through marriage.
Whether he was compelled or it was due to Carter, it deeply wounded Kristin.
Kristin had hoped if the Bryce family insisted on fighting for custody, she could concede Summer’s education to them, hoping at least James would treat Summer well.
seemed Rhett was right
But now, it Given that Adrienne is the stepmother, how could Kristin possibly entrust her child to James?
“Even now, you’re still protecting her…” Kristin’s voice was hoarse with accusation. “Summer is your son, Adrienne had someone hurt him and it’s just a minor injury now. What if it had been something more serious? It wouldn’t matter to you, right?”
James felt a tightness in his chest, knowing his decision had hurt Kristin.
He planned to make amends, just not right now….
“Kris, I’ve told you, just wait a few years,” James murmured to soothe her.
“I don’t need to wait…” Kristin pulled away from James, disillusioned.
Meanwhile, Richter and Abigail were furious and turned to leave. It was better to retreat and strategize from a distance.
“I’m giving the Haywood family three days to hold a press conference and admit to Adrienne’s misdeeds. They either send her abroad or out of Silvergrove City. If not, I’ll call the press myself. I have all the evidence. Just try me,” Rhett threatened, his gaze fixed on the Haywood family.
07:14
Chapter 149
“Rhett!” Holcomb was livid.
Yet, it was Nicola who had erred first. Apart from his anger, Holcomb couldn’t really intervene.
His concern now was not so much the father–son bond as it was Rhett’s contributions and prowess within the FitzGerald Group.
“James, just look at the mess Rhett is creating in our family, and he’s even challenging your family! I’m your fiancée, for goodness‘ sake. Do you even know about all the men Kristin’s been with? There’s no way I’m buying that Summer is your child. We need a new paternity test!” Adrienne spat out in anger.
Rhett landed his gaze on James, his voice low and firm. “Then let’s have that paternity test.”
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