"Identity? What identity?" asked Hendrix.

The words made Ophelia pause for a moment, and then she asked,

What identity are you talking about?"noveldrama

"Hm, Gerald's illegitimate child, is it?" Hendrix spoke, even directly mentioning Gerald's name.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ophelia's displeasure reached its peak.

But Hendrix seemed completely unaware, continuing, "But everyone in Coppersville knows that my parents had a strong relationship. For an illegitimate child to suddenly appear.. It's really not something honorable for the Freeman family, is it?"

"A strong relationship? Have you forgotten what happened last year?" Ophelia said, her eyes briefly scanning Beatrice.

The meaning was crystal clear.

But Hendrix didn't mind. He smiled slightly and continued, "You're wrong to say that. The two matters are completely different in nature. No matter what, my mother never did anything out of line while they were married.

"But Gerald's been dead for so many years, and suddenly, a illegitimate child appears? That's nothing but embarrassing him, isn't it?"

"So what? Does that mean Nathan should live his whole life in the shadows?"

"To be honest, with a mother as shameless as his, it's only right that her child should never see the light of day." Hendrix's tone was very calm.

It was as if he were casually commenting on stray dogs or cats on the street, without any emotional attachment. Ophelia slammed her hand on the table. "Hendrix, Nathan is still your brother! How could you say something like that about him? The Freeman family has taught you so much over the years, only for you to insult your own brother like this?"

Hendrix smiled. "What else should I say, Grandma? What exactly do you have in mind? Feel free to tell me."

"I've already made up my mind. From today onward, he'll live here! At the banquet, I'll publicly announce his identity as the second heir of the Freeman family.

"I'll also allocate five percent of the shares under my name to him. From now on, the two of you will work together in Amity Group and manage the company!!

Ophelia's voice was strong and commanding, clearly not showing the slightest trace of the physical discomfort she claimed to have had a couple of days ago.

Her tone was resolute. This was an order, not a negotiation with Hendrix.

Hendrix fell silent, only raising his head to look at the man sitting opposite him. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though it was neither a smile of joy nor one of mockery.

Nathan sat there, eyes lowered, exuding a calm demeanor, as if the whole conversation had nothing to do with him.

It wasn't until Hendrix's gaze turned toward him that he spoke, "Hendrix, don't misunderstand. I'm not trying to take anything from you.

"I... I just want a family. I'm already very satisfied to be able to stay by Grandma's side and keep her company. I

wouldn't dare to ask for anything more, nor would I compete with you."

As soon as Nathan finished speaking, a burst of laughter suddenly erupted from the dining table. It

seemed like a mixture of suppressed laughter and a snort, immediately drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

Noelle only then realized her own inappropriate reaction.

To be honest, she hadn't meant to laugh, but the situation in front of her was just too coincidental and familiar.

When she returned to the Swanson family all those years ago, Sandra had said the same thing. That pitiful, gentle look and the words about wanting to be with family and not wanting to compete with her- each and every word matched perfectly,

It was precisely because of this that Noelle couldn't help but snicker.