Chapter 409 The Statement Of Bryson
"If you hadn't given me your word that the record would be erased, I wouldn't have trusted you. Is this your idea of resolving my issues? Madeline, do you realize how close I came to succeeding with my plan? I almost pulled it off."
Kathy's eyes welled with regret. Her entire scheme had collapsed because of the pregnancy test report.
At that time, she hadn't interacted with Bryson at all! How could she fabricate a history with him?
It was utterly impossible!
That was why she and her family had been embarrassingly ousted from the Andrews family's house.
When Madeline had given her assurance, she had sounded confident. But now, being challenged like this, her confidence waned.
"How would I know where the Andrews family obtained the report? 1 guess marrying Bryson is no longer an option. What's our next move?"
"Kathy! Look at what you have done!"
Madeline's words were abruptly cut off by Derek, who burst into the room and thrust his phone in her direction. "The child you're carrying isn't even Bryson's? How dare you show up at their doorstep with such audacity? No wonder Dad lashed out at you. If it weren't for your pregnancy..."
He felt a surge of anger, wanting to give her a piece of his mind. What a shameless woman, carrying another man's child and yet. trying to pin it on Bryson. Did she think Bryson was a fool? He was the heir to the Andrews family, one of the four prestigious families of Glophia.
Derek's complexion turned gloomy. "Because of you, our family's reputation is ruined. Completely ruined."
Madeline seized the phone from him and saw that Bryson had issued a statement across all social media platforms
It read, "I had nothing to do with Kathy Carter's unborn child.
Here's her pregnancy test report."
The comments section below buzzed with speculation, many suggesting Kathy's attempt to pin the responsibility on Bryson had backfired.
"Tsk, Isk, crossing the Andrews family spells trouble for the Carters.
"Hey, I used to envy her for being with Bryson. What a turn of events!"
"Was the previous video intentionally leaked by her? Unbelievable!" "It's clear. The aim was to deceive Bryson's family into believing the child was theirs."
Kathy's eyes welled with tears as she read the comments, feeling her world crumble around her.
"Kathy, please, tell me. Who is the father of your child?" Derek asked, his hand on his forehead as he sank into a chair, overwhelmed with anger-induced dizziness.
Their attempt to gain advantages from the Andrews family had not only failed but had also irreparably offended them.
The relationship between the two families was now beyond repair. Kathy remained silent, refusing to utter a word. Madeline had once stood by Kathy's side. Now, despite their failed plan, she still exhibited the loyalty of an ally.
"Derek, Kathy has been through a lot. Don't make things harder for her. Let her rest, and we can discuss the rest later."
She gently urged Kathy to leave. "Kathy, if you need anything, call me. It's time for you to go."
After Bryson's statement, Kathy's spirits had hit rock bottom, and she lacked the strength to confront anyone.
Turning back to Derek, Madeline placed a comforting hand on his back
"Kathy is still young and inexperienced. How could she fully grasp the harsh realities of society? As her brother, you have to support her more. This situation isn't entirely her fault."
She refrained from mentioning her involvement with Kathy, subtly implying that Kathy had been misled by others.
"She may have genuinely believed the child was Bryson's, especially considering the video from before."
"But what about the report?"
"Perhaps it was fabricated by the Andrews family to avoid responsibility? Who would you rather trust, Kathy or outsiders? Derek, let's give Kathy some space and time to process."
She needed time to come up with a plausible explanation.
Hayes
In the Hancock Shooting Club
In addition to the noise-canceling earmuffs, Sean donned protective glasses and a specialized shooting uniform. He stood with his legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, holding the pistol in his left hand, facing the target.
He pulled the trigger as the moving target moved gracefully from left to right
A sharp crack echoed through the air, and a perfect round hole appeared in the bullseye of the target.
"Mr. Scott, your marksmanship remains razor-sharp. You still got it.
The applause rang out in the confined space, echoing off the walls. After removing his ear protection, Sean turned towards the table, where he grabbed a water bottle to quench his thirst.
"Kennedy, you're too kind, but I'm just not on your level yet", Sean replied humbly. "You don't need to use formalities with me. After all, I'm younger than you and still have a lot to learn. Just call me Sean," he added.
The person talking to Sean was a man in his 60s, clad in a dark suit. His gray beard and well-groomed hair complemented the quiet confidence that emanated from his bearing, but his intense, unspoken air spoke volumes about his authority.
"Ha ha! Everyone in the Glophia knows to respect you!"
Kennedy Hayes boomed with a jovial laugh, his robust laughter filling the room.
"It has been ages since we've seen you around here," he added, his tone friendly and inquisitive. "Are family matters keeping you occupied?"
The pair, faces hidden by the steam rising from the freshly served tea, sat opposite each other.
"Ah, yes! Life has a way of keeping one on their toes," Kennedy replied, his eyes twinkling with unspoken stories
Sean's gaze lingered on the delicate cup, the tea leaves swirling and dancing in the hot water.
"It seems to me, my friend, that a man like you should consider finding a partner to share your life's journey", Kennedy said leaning forward, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "What's holding you back from taking that step? Let me tell you, there are many benefits to marriage, beyond the obvious companionship and affection. It's an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop in ways you never imagined. Life is too short to waste on loneliness."
Despite his formidable appearance, Kennedy proved to be quite the conversationalist. Sean, now taking on the role of the listener, sipped his tea and allowed Kennedy's words to flow.
"I've heard all the gossip in Glophia, but I don't trust a word of it because, well, rumors are just that-rumors. Tell me, what's going on between you and that illegitimate daughter of the Wilson family?"
Kennedy paused and cast a gossiping glance at Sean. He had basically watched Sean grow up and had taught him how to shoot. So he was quite straightforward with his words.
"It's difficult to see you often since you've taken over the family's firm. So tell me, what's on your mind?"
"She is not an illegitimate daughter."
The teacup clinked softly as Sean placed it gently on the table.
"The rumors about us are not rumors at all, Sean clarified, his voice steady. "She's my girlfriend now."
Kennedy's jaw dropped in astonishment. "Oh my goodness! Sean, you're telling me that you've taken up with a divorced woman?" he exclaimed, his eyebrows raised in shock.
"There are plenty of eligible women for a man like you. Why choose a divorced woman?" Kennedy asked, his confusion and worry evident in his voice. "What sorcery has she cast over you?"
Phillip watched in fearful anticipation, dreading the eruption he knew could come at any moment.
"So what? I adore her! I don't care who she is or what she's done. I love her, and that's all that matters to me."
The recent tension between Sean and Norah seemed to fade away when he confessed his love for her.
Kennedy, with a grin, gave Sean a thumbs-up. "Well said! Love wins. When are you bringing her here? Drinks, food, everything would be on the house!"
"And talking about shooting, I'm afraid she'd give you a run for your money."
In Otland, he had seen for himself just how good she was. Her marksmanship skills were better than his and even possibly better than Kennedy's.
As a master marksman, Kennedy couldn't resist the silent challenge in his mind to test his skills against the young woman's.
"Hey, don't underestimate me!" Kennedy retorted. "My skills were forged on the battlefield. How could I lose to a young lady? I think you've forgotten just who you're talking to!”