Chapter 474

Michael was caught off guard by Kenna's silence.

He glanced at his phone and saw the call was still going. It seemed like Kenna was wrestling with something.

Michael's face darkened, like he'd just discovered a betrayal, feeling a mix of anger and sympathy for his mom, Audrey.

"Looks like Mason spilled the beans about the crazy stuff," Kenna's voice sounded relieved, like a weight had been lifted.

Trying to stay calm, Michael asked, "Mason shared a lot about the wild times you two had growing up. But what I really want to know is the answer to that burning question."

There was a brief pause from Kenna, followed by a sigh. "Are you mad on your mom's behalf? No need, she's known about this for ages."

Michael was incredulous. "Are you serious? How could mom agree to be a stand-in?" he asked angrily.

Equally frustrated, Kenna shot back, "Why do you think your mom is a stand-in? Do you really think so little of your dad? My feelings for your mom have nothing to do with Isabella's grandma!"

Kenna seemed fed up with being misunderstood, her tone dripping with frustration and anger.

Michael was left bewildered by Kenna's intense reaction.

"Dad, what's the deal with all this?" Michael asked, puzzled.

Kenna snorted, saying, "From day one with your mom, I joked about her resemblance to an old friend and she even teased if she was my first love. I shared the story of me and Isabella's grandma with her. I didn't want to date her at first, fearing she'd be seen as a replacement. I respected your mom too much for that."

Interrupting Kenna, Michael asked, "Hold up, are you saying mom was the one chasing you back then?"

Kenna's tone held a hint of pride. "Absolutely, I was young, good-looking, talented, and fit-a real catch, if I may say so. Your mom was drawn to me and made her move. I turned her down initially until one night she got me tipsy, things happened, and I gave in."

Michael's expression darkened. "Dad, spare me the lies. A drunk man can't perform, so if mom did sleep with you, you weren't really drunk. Actions speak louder than words."

Coughing awkwardly, Kenna seemed sheepish at Michael's revelation.

"Well, I'm human too, I can be swayed. Your mom pursued me so persistently, if I felt nothing, that'd be a sham. Eventually, I caved to her advances, and after we tied the knot, I stayed faithful. Your mom was never a stand-in; I genuinely loved her!" Kenna emphasized.

Michael lapsed into silence, contemplating whether to trust Kenna, especially considering how deeply Audrey's passing had affected Kenna. Kenna's conversations with Audrey's photo and his lack of interest in other women over the years weighed on Michael's mind.

"Alright, Dad, you've made your case," Michael conceded, then shared his chat with Mason.

Upon hearing Michael's recount, Kenna chuckled, "Mason's still a prankster, even at his age. Never outgrew his antics."

Rolling his eyes, Michael shot back, "If you were more grown-up, you would've met him ages ago."

"Come on, I'm your dad, your words always get under my skin," Kenna grumbled.

Suddenly, Kenna sighed, "But Mason's got a point. Even though I'm over Isabella's grandma, the four of us were tight pals in college. Out of respect for that bond, I should watch out for her descendants."

"Dad, you're reminiscing about Isabella's grandma, not grandpa. Still hung up on her?" Michael teased.

Kenna didn't deny it, snorting, "Mason and I went all out to win over Isabella's grandma back then. But that jerk Patrick swooped in and stole her heart. Do you think I'd have any warm feelings for him? Ask Mason- even after his wife passed, he kept a friendly relationship with that old coot Patrick. Was it all just buddy-buddy?"

Michael's expression soured. He had admired Mason's loyalty to Patrick, but now, he saw their friendship in a different light.

'So, Mason stuck by Patrick for his wife's sake? What a twist.' Michael shook his head with a bitter smile, deciding to keep this revelation from Mason. He didn't want to upset him.

Kenna didn't dwell on the topic and steered the conversation elsewhere.

"You're thinking of bringing the overseas business back home, and I'm on board. You've steered the company to where it is now, and I'm getting up there in years, not keen on the business anymore. But tread carefully. You're not just up against Isabella's foes; your own enemies might target Isabella over this. Can you handle it all?" Kenna cautioned.

Michael fell silent, a shadowy figure creeping into his thoughts-Ryan, his supposed brother, lurking like a snake in the grass, ready to strike at any moment.

"Don't worry, Dad. I've got it under control," Michael assured with a faint smile, knowing what he needed to do.