Chapter 1034

Bruce sensed an underlying motive in Jonah’s words.

“What are you insinuating?”

“Simply put, I’m not her biological son. Consequently, her partiality extends disproportionately to

Marcus. You, my son, are similarly a casualty of her inequity.”

Bruce’s retort was immediate.

“What nonsense is this?”

“In my childhood, it became evident to me that Claudia favored her other two sons more than me. For a

long time, I couldn’t fathom why.

Angela’s Library

The truth only unveiled itself when I overheard a conversation between her and my father. It transpired

that I was conceived under dubious circumstances, the result of a waitress slipping a drug into my

father’s drink. It turned out that I was his illegitimate child-a perpetual thorn in Claudia’s side. How

could she possibly extend kindness to me?”

Jonah’s revelation reached back to his nine-year-old self, trapped in a quandary of helplessness. With

Victor’s subsequent departure for Raven Island, the Thomas family hierarchy solidified under Claudia’s

authority.

Before uncovering the hidden truth, Jonah, oblivious to the clandestine reality, puzzled over Claudia’s

failure to extend him warmth and kindness. Post-revelation, his perspective shifted dramatically. A

newfound dread of her, the once-maternal figure, gripped him. Fear gnawed at him, painting the

specter of expulsion from the esteemed Thomas family under her command.

Jonah had no other kin to rely on, leaving him with an acute awareness that expulsion from the family’s

fold would undoubtedly spell his demise.

Unintentionally overhearing a conversation, Jonah learned that the very waitress who had administered

the drugged concoction to my father was, in fact, his biological mother. Tragically, her life was cut short

by a catastrophic hemorrhage during childbirth. The once- cherished dreams of a prosperous life had

been irrevocably shattered.

The child’s blood relation to Victor prompted his inclusion into the family. Victor’s gesture to dismiss the

household staff aimed to appease Claudia. He assured her that the child was oblivious to his true

parentage and would regard her as his mother. Persuaded by this rationale, Claudia consented to his

retention within the family.

To avoid being ousted from the Thomas family, he adopted an increasingly compliant demeanor. Even

as he matured, he concealed his true feelings and projected an air of detachment from the world.

Yet, he alone harbored the knowledge that he needed to grow stronger.

As Victor’s son, he held an equal claim to inheritance rights.

He safeguarded this secret over the years, even refraining from sharing it with his wife, fearing that

Claudia would regard him with suspicion if she became aware.

Fortuitously, despite Bruce’s playful demeanor, Claudia extended him genuine kindness.

When he learned this, Bruce was taken aback. Had Jonah not revealed it today, he would forever

remain oblivious to the fact that Claudia bore no actual relation to him.

It became clear why Claudia consistently favored Marcus.

Even Leon, absent for an extended span, had been appointed a project executive under Claudia’s

direction.

In contrast, Bruce, who had always held the notion of family close and entertained Claudia, found

himself bereft of preferential treatment.

“Now, with the truth laid bare, there’s no turning back. Our path to a promising future hinges on the

elimination of Marcus. Claudia regards us with nothing but disdain, and unless we act imminently, she’ll

endeavor to eliminate us as well. Age has only intensified her ruthlessness.”

With sobering resolve, Jonah retrieved the documents from the bedside and presented them to the

flabbergasted Bruce.

“Claudia just confirmed Marcus’ recovery. I remain skeptical. Bloody Herb’s grip is unrelenting. We

must ascertain the extent of his recuperation before we strike. That way, our odds will be notably

higher.”