Caught off guard, Alexis found himself at a loss for words.
Beuford, intrigued by the mention of a letter handwritten by Kyler, pressed further, âA handwritten letter from Mr.
Kyler Dixon exists? Mr.
Alexis Dixon, why not let us see it?â
Alexis faltered.
âWell, itâs⦠Itâs not of great consequence.
It simply discusses my fatherâs desire to integrate Henley into our lineageâ¦â
âImpossible!â Beufordâs interjection cut through the room before Alexis could elaborate.
Beufordâs decisive rebuttal left the room stunned, and Henleyâs composure broke, his visage darkening with fury.
Henleyâs hands balled into fists so tight that they whitened, his gaze burning into Beuford with barely contained rage.
Alexis, flustered and humiliated, insisted louder, âBeuford, youâre speaking out of turn.
This letter outlines my fatherâs explicit wishes!â
Alexisâ appeal to Kylerâs authority was a desperate bid to regain control over the narrative.
However, Beufordâs response was unyielding.
âMr.
Kyler Dixon would never authorize such a directive.
He held a stringent view against acknowledging any illegitimate offspring within the Dixon lineage, a stance codified within our familyâs charter to deter opportunistic claims.
â
Kylerâs Legacy was one of moral fortitude, staunchly resistant to any form of scandal or dishonor.
The notion of an illegitimate heir gaining recognition would have been unthinkable under his watch.
Beuford chose not to vocalize these thoughts, offering Alexis a sliver of respect by withholding a full condemnation.
Nevertheless, the message was clear, leaving Alexis to reflect on the implications.
Alexisâ patience snapped.
He slammed his hand against the table, glaring at Beuford with intense animosity.
âBeuford, while I acknowledge your long service to my father, need I remind you of your station? You remain a servant of this family, nothing more.
â
Alexisâ words were utterly devoid of respect, a clear indication of his disregard for decency.
In a sudden movement, he ordered his security, âGet this liar out of here!â
However, before they could act on Alexisâ command, Mitchelâs reaction was swift and bold.
He flung a cup of tea directly at Alexis.
The splash of tea left Alexis drenched and humiliated, a stark visual contrast to his earlier arrogance.
âYou insolent cur! Youâ¦â he began.
But Mitchel cut Alexis off.
âDad, choose your next words carefully.
â
The threat in Mitchelâs tone was palpable, silencing Alexis instantly.
At that moment, Alexis felt dwarfed by Mitchelâs authority, recognizing that the balance of power had shifted profoundly in favor of Mitchel, who stood before him not as the young lad he once belittled but as a formidable adversary.
Mitchel then stated, âIn case some of you might not fully grasp the significance of Beufordâs position, let me make it clear.
To my grandfather, Beuford was much more than a butler.
â
Alexis, already simmering with anger from the unexpected confrontation, found himself at a loss for words, dwarfed by Mitchelâs imposing presence.
Mitchel elaborated on the depth of Beufordâs loyalty and bravery.
âIn times of danger, it was Beuford who stood between my grandfather and harm, enduring wounds in his stead.
My grandfather himself regarded Beuford not just as a loyal aide but as a brother, in both life and peril.
â
This narrative, familiar to the elder shareholders of the company, underscored the deep bond Kyler and Beuford shared, highlighting Alexisâ disrespectful treatment of someone his father esteemed as family.
This revelation caused a stir among the shareholders, leading to whispers and glances that left Alexis exposed and humiliated, his prior contempt now turned against him.