Chapter 514

"My dear, you know you have a younger brother"

"I don't have a brother!" Arianna interrupted decisively. "Mom, you and Dad only have one child! Have you forgotten? I don't have a brother!"

Eloise sighed wearily. "Yes, neither of us wants to accept the truth, but your father is determined to bring this son home. What do you think?"

"It's not the first time Dad's tried this. If it were easy, he wouldn't constantly ask for your opinion. Mom, you're still very important in this family," Arianna said seriously, turning away.

Of course, Eloise knew her importance. Without it, Joseph would have divorced her long ago and married that woman! She had turned a blind eye for years, unwilling to escalate things. How many men remained faithful? As long as he didn't go too far, she could maintain a comfortable, outwardly stable life.

However, Derrick's health had deteriorated over the past two years. Joseph, anxious to seize control of the company due to the lack of a suitable successor, had always coveted leadership of the Oakley family, but his older brother had held him back. Now, he saw an excellent opportunity.

Considering the situation, Eloise naturally wanted her husband to take charge of the family, thereby elevating her status. But accepting that mistress and her son was unacceptable.

Giving in once would set a precedent. What if the mistress demanded marriage? Eloise and Arianna could be forced out. After years of hard work, she couldn't surrender.

"However, if your father is determined, I'm afraid we can't stop him." His actions over the past two years, from initial temptation to his current position, showed his hand. Eloise suspected the other woman was encouraging him. Who could guarantee he wouldn't bring them into the family regardless of their objections?

"Mom, what are you going to do? You've been married to Dad for years, yet you still don't understand his temperament? Resisting him will only make him more persistent, pushing him further into the other woman's arms!" Arianna said softly.

Always well-behaved and quiet, she was a role model among wealthy young women, admired for her gentleness, demureness, and intelligence. Her clear analysis made it seem as if she were an uninvolved observer offering objective advice.

"Can I stop him? If I don't, they'll move in. What should we do?"

Arianna softly laughed, finishing her cake. Setting down the plate and gracefully wiping her mouth, she turned to her mother. "Mom, you're so smart, why haven't you figured this out? Relax and think.

Even if you try to stop Dad, you might fail. But if you don't stop him, they might not necessarily succeed! " Her gaze drifted towards the door. "The bar is set high in our household; not just anyone can join. Fail to manage this correctly, and you will fall!"