Chapter 754: Insinuation

"Welcome to the family, Jonathan."

The corner of Zoren’s mouth stretched into a smile until his eyes squinted. Those with him, however, were slightly taken aback by Zoren’s first remarks. William furrowed his brows, confused. Even Old Mrs. Pierson gave her grandson a conflicted look.

Did Zoren... just welcome Jonathan without question?

The lines between William’s brows deepened. ’Did I mention Jonathan’s name to anyone? How did he know? Perhaps I slipped in front of Butler Hubert?’

"Grandma told me that you came here, talking about my father’s child from another woman some time ago," Zoren casually explained, gesturing for William and Jonathan to sit. He looked surprisingly generous, smiling in satisfaction as the men sat down again.

"I also heard that she asked for a DNA test from the center our family has trusted for generations, considering all the women claiming that their children were a Pierson," he continued magnanimously. "Although I didn’t appreciate that you went straight to Grandma before coming to me, I understand your caution."

"I’m glad you understand, Zoren," William replied with a sarcastic smirk. "I was simply worried that something might happen. Of course, I’m not suggesting you’d stop the test or have someone tamper with it. I know you wouldn’t do that."

Zoren chuckled in amusement, reaching for the document in front of Old Mrs. Pierson. As he leaned over, he cast his grandmother a quick glance.

Old Mrs. Pierson just let out a shallow huff, staying silent and letting Zoren take the lead. She knew perfectly well that Zoren was helping her at the moment, but she was certain he’d have many questions for her later.

"Ninety-nine-point-nine percent... I didn’t know you still had some samples from Dad. I guess technology has truly advanced," Zoren mused, rocking his head as he hummed a long tune. When he fixed his gaze on the men across from him, he smiled subtly. "You’re... my brother?"

Jonathan shrugged. "That’s what it says."

"Haha." Zoren nodded as he set the document down. "Since you came here today with the results, I assume you’ve heard about the family meeting tonight?"

"I have," Jonathan replied with polite restraint. "However, I don’t want to have any misunderstandings between us. I’ve been searching for my family for as long as I can remember. I understand the family gathering is important for the Pierson Family, and considering everything was revealed just today, I don’t intend to attend it."

William frowned, casting Jonathan a look. ’This isn’t what we planned,’

It took William only a moment to weigh the pros and cons. Even if it would appear he was advocating for Jonathan, he stood to gain a lot.

"How can —"

"How can you say that?" Before William could speak, Zoren had already responded. Zoren tilted his head slightly to the side, sighing. "The family meeting is the perfect opportunity to introduce you to everyone. Everyone will be there, and it would save us a lot of time if we could address everything all at once."

’What?’ William scrunched up his nose, feeling like Zoren was stealing his lines. ’Why is he being so forthcoming today? He couldn’t have foreseen this, could he? We were careful. There’s no way he could know!’

But unlike William, a glint of amusement and excitement shone in Jonathan’s eyes, as if he were thrilled. "I just don’t want to come across that way."

"No offense, but as part of this family, I’ll be frank with you," Zoren said, his voice unwavering as he looked directly at Jonathan. "The moment you chose to do the DNA test, people were bound to make assumptions, regardless of your intentions. You will come across exactly as the person you don’t want to be — even if you try your hardest not to."

"Whether it’s tonight or some other day, it’ll be the same. People will talk about you, me, my father, and everything," Zoren continued, pausing as he lifted his brows. "Unless, of course, you want to keep your adoptive family’s name and remain an outsider."

Silence filled the room as Zoren smiled at Jonathan, whose only response was a smile in return.

’He hasn’t changed,’ Jonathan thought in amusement. ’He’s always fun to talk to.’

"What do you mean, keep his adoptive family’s name?" William blurted out in displeasure. "Zoren, he’s your brother! How can you even suggest he stay out of family matters when he shares your blood?"

"Uncle, it’s alright," Jonathan interjected politely, but Zoren continued.

"I’m not suggesting it, William." Zoren shrugged. "I’m simply telling him he doesn’t need to put on a front with me. It’s just us here... unless, of course, you’re worried about the Chairwoman’s opinion?"

Zoren cast his grandmother a look, and the moment their eyes met, Old Mrs. Pierson cleared her throat.

"I’m old, and although I still hold the chair, I tire easily of reading between the lines. Don’t fret. I’ve seen plenty," Old Mrs. Pierson declared fiercely, more confident now that Zoren was with her. "I prefer honesty over watching a charade of hypocrisy unfold before me. If you’re going to be a Pierson, you should know that."

"You heard the chairwoman," Zoren said, snapping his gaze back to Jonathan. "So? Will you attend tonight’s family gathering? In case you need to know this, I insist, Jonathan."

’What is he doing?’ William felt a pang of anxiety at Zoren’s seemingly generous, welcoming words. He’d known Zoren since the latter was just a child, and if there was one thing that stood out in Zoren’s personality, it was his self-centeredness.

Initially, William had expected Zoren to question the DNA results, Jonathan’s origins, and how they’d arrived at this moment — everything from start to finish. But Zoren hadn’t asked any of those questions. Instead, he had welcomed Jonathan immediately, without question, and even insisted that Jonathan attend the family gathering.

Wasn’t this what people call welcoming someone with open arms?

’Wait.’William’s frown deepened as he realized Zoren’s true intent. ’Don’t tell me he’s bringing Jonathan in to draw attention away from his wife?! This way, even if his marriage comes up, no one will focus on it — this cunning fox!’

With this in mind, William opened his mouth to steer the conversation back to his advantage. However, before he could speak, Jonathan had already replied.

"Then, to save you the hassle and time — knowing how precious it is to you — I’ll come." Jonathan nodded, making it sound like he was doing Zoren a favor.

’What did he say?! Why is he agreeing?!’ William gasped, looking at Jonathan in disbelief. Jonathan, however, ignored him, keeping his narrowed gaze fixed on Zoren, whose smile didn’t reach his eyes.