Chapter 8: Holy Moly

Finally, they reached the main point. Jasper concealed his displeasure, speaking calmly. "His name is Sean. Evian and I plan to adopt him. He'll be our son. Sean, this is your Uncle Alexander and Aunt Isabella. Say hello."

Just as Sean was about to stand, David interrupted, his expression grim. "Hold on. We haven't discussed this."

Sean's face paled, and he slumped back down.

Feeling sympathy for the child, Selena suggested, "Perhaps Sean should go play." They should avoid discussing adult matters in front of him.

Jasper, however, seemed unconcerned.

David, struggling to contain his frustration, finally spoke. "I'll be blunt. Evie is only thirty; she's young enough to have children. You brought this child home and told us about the adoption without warning. Is this how things are done in the Lawson family?"

Paula responded, "You can't blame us. Since Evie's health was affected by complications during her first labor, doctors said conceiving again would be difficult. We couldn't just wait…"

Nine years earlier, Evian had a stillborn child and hadn't conceived since. The Quirks believed advancements in medicine still offered Evian a chance, but they hadn't expected the Lawsons to arrive with an adopted child.

Evian's eyes filled with tears. Are they that eager? Is Jasper dying, and is the Lawson family line about to end? Isabella, enjoying her fruit, thought harshly.

The Quirks, controlling their anger, almost laughed. Even the emotional Evian was speechless.

Alexander coughed, took Isabella's arm, and said, "It's almost dinner; go easy on the fruit."

He turned to Jasper. "What's the rush? Even if you think there's no hope, you shouldn't have chosen a child his age."

Isabella put down her fork, inwardly praising Alexander. Wow, he grasped the crux of the matter!

Alexander was stunned. So there really is an issue? David and Selena were equally surprised. What? Evian shuddered, staring at Isabella in astonishment.

Before Jasper could speak, Alexander asked, "What's so special about this child? Why him?"

Jasper and Paula's faces stiffened. Paula laughed dryly. "He's nine and resembles Jasper and Evie. I thought it might be fate, so…"

David and Selena scrutinized Sean. He did resemble Jasper and Evie.

Evian became even more upset, her eyes brimming with tears. Sean lowered his head, appearing guilty.

Isabella was shocked. Holy moly! Sean is Jasper's biological son! Evian didn't give birth to him—he's Jasper's child with another woman! And Jasper's forcing Evian to raise him? How audacious! How shameless!

The Quirks were dumbfounded, staring at Paula, Jasper, and Sean. Evian looked at Isabella in confusion, wondering how she knew.

The Lawsons had pressured Evian to conceal Sean's origins, insisting on the adoption and warning her against revealing the truth. They claimed it would cause discord between the families. They also blamed Evian for her inability to conceive, arguing they had to continue the family line. Seriously? A royal family needing an heir? I can't believe Evian listened. Good heavens. What did she do to deserve this? Why is she enduring such injustice?

The Quirks were utterly astounded. Their eyes widened as they looked at Evian. Evian was disheartened and close to tears. Alexander's face paled as he understood. The Lawsons remained unaware of the Quirks' grave expressions.

Alexander's voice was icy. "What about the child's biological parents? Who are they? Have you investigated thoroughly? If you haven't, I will. If he's joining my family, his background needs to be clear."

Jasper and Paula paled, their reactions snapping David and Selena back to reality. Isabella's statement was true! They were furious.

"This child is mine," Jasper admitted, knowing Alexander could easily discover Sean's origins.

Seeing Jasper's unapologetic attitude, David slammed the table, startling the butler who was setting it. David rarely lost his temper since retirement. The butler, already contemplating fetching a weapon, placed down a plate.

Jasper, pale with fright, said, "I didn't wrong Evian. My ex-girlfriend gave birth to him without my consent."

Paula added hastily, "Please don't be upset. We just learned of the child. Everyone knows how our families are joined. Since Evie can't have children, and we found a family descendant, we considered adoption. The biological mother has disappeared; it won't affect Evie's position."

Selena's face flushed. "So, my daughter should be grateful for helping your son and his ex-girlfriend raise their illegitimate child?"

"Evie will have a son without childbirth. After legal procedures, he'll be her biological child," Paula continued.

Selena was speechless. This is unfair! This is what happened to Evie! We raised her to be too gentle. She probably didn't know how to handle this, which is why she came home. Selena, ignoring Sean's feelings, said, "We don't agree."

David agreed. Alexander remained silent, watching Isabella eat. Is she really that hungry? Seeing her enjoy the meal, he felt hungry too and picked up his cutlery. I can handle matters with a clear head after eating.

The intensity of the situation meant nobody noticed Alexander and Isabella eating. Paula's expression soured, while Jasper, unable to retort, vented his frustration on Evian. "Evian, what do you think? You weren't against it, right?"

"You're not going to chase my grandson away, right?" Paula added, trying to guilt-trip Evian.

"Enough," David said, his anger rising. "Evian, whatever you decide, we'll support you. No one can push you around!"

Jasper and Paula faltered.

"Dad, I…" Evian panicked, glancing at Sean. While Sean was well-behaved, and Jasper's indifference offered some relief, she felt uneasy. She could foster other children, but not this one. Sean's name even sounded like Sienna, Jasper's ex-girlfriend's name.

"Evian!" Jasper's voice was threatening.

Evian, flustered, turned to her parents. "I don't know what to do! Mom, Dad, what do you think?"

David and Selena were disappointed. Evian, usually strong-willed, had become weak and indecisive since marrying.

Alexander sighed, considering intervening. I won't allow this child into our family.

He was about to speak when he heard Isabella's inner voice. Dmn! Why is she hesitating? They're humiliating her! Why hasn't she divorced him? What is she waiting for?*

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