Katie glanced at Mitchel, momentarily surprised by his composed demeanor.
However, her surprise was short-lived, as she relished the unfolding drama, particularly thinking of Raegan, who she imagined was watching from somewhere hidden.
The thought brought her a perverse delight.
Katie had chosen not to provoke Raegan earlier, anticipating this very moment.
Moreover, Mitchel had assigned someone to monitor her, restricting her movements.
How else could she have missed such a prime opportunity to antagonize Raegan?
Yet, it seemed Mitchel was unaware of Raeganâs return.
Observing Mitchelâs calm demeanor, Katie reflected on the so-called punishment he had imposed on Raegan.
He simply sent Raegan abroad and banning the latter from returning to Ardlens.
Katie was fuming.
That was hardly a punishment, not compared to what she had endured.
Mitchel had forced her to spend days with the box of her deformed baby, a freak she thought had gone with her use of well-devised schemes.
The nightmarish vision of Abel, his body charred, haunted her sleep.
For two consecutive nights, this horrifying specter had come to her, demanding accountability.
In Katieâs nightmare, Abel, who usually followed her every command, turned against her, choking her as he demanded why she hadnât protected their child.
Actually, the moment Katie learned the child in her belly wasnât Mitchelâs, dark thoughts crossed her mind.
She considered ending its life.
However, the potential to use the child against Mitchel made her hesitate.
Yet, the idea of eliminating the child lingered, waiting for the right moment.
After all, she believed no man would wholeheartedly accept anotherâs child.
Driven by desperation, Katie recklessly consumed hormone pills and neglected her health, seeking any excuse to terminate the pregnancy.
Katie rationalized her decision, blaming it on her overwhelming love for Mitchel.
She felt she had sacrificed so much.
Losing him would be unbearable.
Resolved, she was determined to prevail this time.
Observing Mitchelâs strikingly handsome face, a troubling suspicion nagged at Katie.
Something was amiss.
Before Katie could delve deeper into her thoughts, Henleyâs next announcement captured everyoneâs attention.
âLadies and gentlemen, shareholders of the Dixon Group, I must disclose a crucial matter,â Henley announced, commanding everyoneâs full focus.
âMitchel is not actually the son of my father.
Heâ¦â
The room fell deathly silent, everyone hanging on Henleyâs words.
They were all in disbelief.
Henley, a master of suspense, paused and cleared his throat before revealing, âHe was an orphan, adopted by my father as a charitable gesture.
â
Henley then displayed a paternity test on the large screen, which unequivocally stated that there was no blood relation between Alexis and Mitchel.
âThis test has been notarized, and my father is prepared to re-notarize it at any given time,â he proclaimed.
A hushed moment passed, before the crowd burst into whispers and murmurs.
âGood heavens, Mr.
Mitchel Dixon isnât actually Mr.
Alexis Dixonâs child?â
âI always wondered why they were Like enemies, battling daily over the company.
I thought who else would inherit Mr.
Alexis Dixonâs estate if mot Mr.
Mitchel Dixon, but to think theyâre not even related!â
âIâve heard whispers of Mr.
Alexis Dixon having an illegitimate child before.
It seems those werenât just idle rumors.
â
âNow Mr.
Henley Dixon is not an illegitimate child.
Heâs the sole heir of the Dixon familyâ¦â
These murmurs, audible yet discreet, filled the stage area.