"Are you bewitched by her? How dare you question me?" Jason was furious. He tapped his fingers on the table and questioned Byron. "Will is my biological grandson. Why would I harm him?"

"For Neville," Byron replied, his voice icy. "You've gone to great lengths to pave the way for your beloved illegitimate son. Am I right?"

Jason's face hardened. "What nonsense? How can Neville be my illegitimate son?"

Byron's thin lips curled into a cold smile as he tossed a document bag onto the table.

After reading the documents, Jason's expression changed dramatically. He leaned on the table, his body visibly tense.

Silence filled the study.

After a long moment, Jason exhaled. "The paternity test was done years ago. You only reveal it now. You're very patient."

"You flatter me," Byron said, his thin lips curving slightly. "I'm not as patient as you, enduring humiliation for years to help your illegitimate son inherit successfully."

Jason's expression remained unchanged, even under Byron's mockery. "I can give my position to whomever I choose. Who are you to interfere? Since time immemorial, inheritance in wealthy families has gone to the winner, not necessarily blood relatives."

Whether they were father and son, or brothers, blood ties were less important than advantage. Jason raised his head and looked at Byron with a sharp gaze. "You won this time. Next time, you might not be so lucky."

"Is that so?" Byron lowered his eyes, sneering. "Will there be a next time?"

"What do you mean?" Jason sat up straight, sensing a hidden meaning. "What did you do to Neville?"

"Do you still have time to worry about Neville?"

Byron turned, and Alexis, standing at the doorway, hand over her mouth, came into view. Seeing her, Jason's composure vanished. He stood abruptly. "Alexis, listen to me…"

"Jason McDaniel, you're a fucking bastard!" Alexis rushed forward, slapping him. She sobbed, "You had me raise your illegitimate son for over twenty years! While my biological son suffered, your bastard enjoyed the best care! How dare you!" She treated her biological son coldly, even scolding him, and blamed Byron every time Neville looked disappointed and sad. She gave everything to her husband's illegitimate son!

The betrayed woman exploded with fury. Jason couldn't restrain her. His face and neck bled from her scratches; several buttons were torn from his coat. He was a mess.

"Enough! Are you done?" Jason winced, but dared not retaliate. He was deeply aggrieved.

"It's not enough!" Alexis's eyes were bloodshot. "Hear me clearly, Jason! I'm not done with you!" Because of his illegitimate son, she and her biological son remained estranged. What had she done?

Byron had left the study. The McDaniel family rules prevented Jason from harming his wife; he wouldn't risk expulsion by his grandfather.

Byron stopped, glancing sharply at a corner. "Come out."

A small, furry head peeked out. "It's me!"

Byron's expression softened. "Why aren't you asleep?"

Theo shook his head, glancing at the study door. He'd overheard the argument and realized Byron hadn't had an easy life. Will's current experiences mirrored Byron's past, all due to Jason's selfishness. It was saddening.

Theo approached Byron, offering his hand. Byron raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

Theo decided to be kinder. "I'll... I'll give you my lollipop!" Byron smiled at the determined yet hesitant expression. "Do you still have lollipops?" "Of course!" Theo patted his bag. "It's full of candy!"

Byron took the bag. "I'll confiscate them."

Theo was shocked. Byron had tricked him! He crossed Byron out of his heart.

"Byron." Alexis emerged from the study, tearful. "Can I talk to you?"

Byron nodded, telling Theo to wait in the living room.

On the balcony, Alexis remained silent before saying, "I've let you down." She regretted her past coldness toward Byron. She hated herself. Her husband was at fault, but so was she. Had she shown Byron gentleness, she wouldn't regret this so much.

Byron remained calm. Alexis felt even guiltier. She didn't know Jason's actions; she was a victim. Byron wouldn't blame her.

"I never knew your father did so much," Alexis said, wiping her eyes. "He treated you that way because of his illegitimate child. He even abandoned Will. I treated you badly because of his illegitimate child… I never cared about your feelings. Byron, I'm sorry. Can… can you forgive me?"

Byron narrowed his eyes. "There's no need. Just treat me normally. Don't feel burdened."