Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Katie rationalized her decision, blaming it on her overwhelming love for Cornell. She felt she had sacrificed so much. Losing him would be unbearable. Resolved, she was determined to prevail this time.
Observing Cornell’s strikingly handsome face, a troubling suspicion nagged at Katie. Something was amiss.
Before Katie could delve deeper into her thoughts, Henley’s next announcement captured everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, shareholders of the Clement Group, I must disclose a crucial matter,” Henley announced, commanding everyone’s full focus. “Cornell is not actually the son of my father. He…”
The room fell deathly silent, everyone hanging on Henley’s words.
They were all in disbelief.
Henley, a master of suspense, paused and cleared his throat before revealing, “He was an orphan, adopted by my father as a charitable gesture.”
Henley then displayed a paternity test on the large screen, which unequivocally stated that there was no blood relation between Alexis and Cornell. “This test has been notarized, and my father is prepared to re-notarize it at any given time,” he proclaimed.
A hushed moment passed, before the crowd burst into whispers and murmurs.
“Good heavens, Mr. Cornell Clement isn’t actually Mr. Alexis Clement’s child?”
“I always wondered why they were Like enemies, battling daily over the company. I thought who else would inherit Mr. Alexis Clement’s estate if mot Mr. Cornell Clement, but to think they’re not even related!”
“I’ve heard whispers of Mr. Alexis Clement having an illegitimate child before. It seems those weren’t just idle rumors.”
“Now Mr. Henley Clement is not an illegitimate child. He’s the sole heir of the Clement family…”
These murmurs, audible yet discreet, filled the stage area.
Cap?tulo 919:
A smirk flickered across Henley’s Lips. After years of anticipation, his moment had finally arrived. It seemed as if the heavens themselves conspired in his favor!
Henley declared, “I chose today to expose this because Cornell has wrongfully claimed a position that doesn’t belong to him and refuses to relinquish it to my father. My father generously adopted him, and this so-called brother of mine, with no blood relation to us, has instead sought to displace me and my father from our own family.”
Turning to face Cornell, whose composure remained intact, Henley sneered, “Tell me, Mr. Clement, how can you justify your actions?”
Henley’s use of “Mr. Clement” dripped with irony.
In such a situation, any ordinary man might crumble under the weight of embarrassment or react with indignation. Yet, Cornell stood unflappable, as though he were detached from the turmoil swirling around him.
Even Henley, brimming with confidence, experienced a twinge of doubt in the face of Cornell’s serene demeanor. How could Cornell remain so composed, revealing nothing of his inner state?
At that moment, Alexis joined Henley on stage, aiming to mend his image after previous disputes with Cornell within the company.
Portraying the role of a contrite father, he tearfully expressed, “Cornell, although we’re not connected by blood, a father’s duty to educate endures a lifetime. It’s one thing to ignore your parental guidance, but your aggressive actions against Henley were unwarranted.”
Alexis wiped away tears, his voice hoarse with emotion. “Seeing you turn out this way, I must accept part of the blame, but… This time, you’ve truly disappointed me.”
Alexis’ performance was that of a father worn out by his child’s missteps. If taken at face value, Cornell’s actions would be morally reprehensible, possibly even disqualifying him from leading the Clement Group.
With Cornell remaining silent, the crowd was left uncertain of his perspective.
Impatient to resolve the situation, Alexis continued, “Cornell, I withheld the truth about your adoption to protect you and ensure you had a normal upbringing. But now, with my own son being marginalized by your actions, I had to clarify things. I hope you will correct your course and return the Clement Group to its rightful leader. Of course, if you choose to stay at the Clement Group, you’re welcome to continue in a role that suits you.”
While Alexis’ offer seemed gracious, he was convinced Cornell would decline. Given Cornell’s acumen, he surely realized staying within the Clement Group would only lead to his marginalization amidst growing hostilities. He wasn’t naive enough to believe otherwise.
Yet, Alexis grasped it was crucial to extend these courtesies to avoid seeming callous.
“Mr. Alexis Clement.” Cornell finally spoke, his tone laced with irony as he addressed Alexis.
Looking squarely at Alexis, Cornell inquired, “The name Alexis Clement, did Kyler choose it?”
Alexis’ complexion blanched, and he snapped back, “You ungrateful son, how dare you address me by my name directly? It seems you insist on compounding your mistakes.”
Cornell responded with a dismissive chuckle, light yet disdainful.
With a slightly lowered gaze, Cornell looked down from his heightened stance and questioned, “Mr. Alexis Clement, do you truly not recognize who is really making a mistake here?”
As Cornell spoke, Alexis felt his heart racing, a sense of dread creeping in.
Yet, Alexis maintained a facade of calm, retorting, “You’re talking nonsense. If you’re going to be so delusional, don’t be surprised when I cut off our family ties and sue you for trespassing on my property!”
“Speaking of cutting family ties, I have no blood connection with you, so there’s no bond to disown in the first place,” Cornell replied coldly.
Alexis was confused. Why did Cornell sound like he knew something?
But how could that be possible? The secret from years ago was known only to Kyler and Beuford. A third person couldn’t be aware.
Cap?tulo 920:
Alexis was certain of one thing. Kyler was a man of integrity, committed to his promises his entire life.
Kyler promised never to reveal where Cornell came from, and he intended to keep that promise.
Beuford was Kyler’s confidant, so naturally, he was involved and knew all about it. That couldn’t be avoided. And it was this very secret that led to Beuford’s death, done by Alexis.
In Alexis’ view, Beuford had it coming.
Why did Alexis have deliberately lost the impeachment against Cornell at the last board meeting, submitting without a fight? It was all because Beuford had used that secret to blackmail him! Dealing with Beuford, a cunning figure, was anything but easy.
Had Kyler not been alive back then, Alexis wouldn’t have waited so long to grab power. Truly, Kyler had been shrewd.
Alexis knew he couldn’t outsmart Kyler, and he didn’t dare to scheme over gaining some influence in the Clement Group until Kyler died.
But that process was slow, because Kyler, perhaps sensing Alexis’ had taken to the from ambitions, steps strengthen company within, excluding Alexis from major decisions.
Sadly, Kyler hadn’t anticipated his sudden illness, which claimed his life unexpectedly, leaving no final instructions and thereby granting Alexis a chance to do something.
Now, Alexis became the elder of the Clement family, and assumed, no matter how well Cornell did in the Clement Group, Cornell had to show him respect.
That was how Alexis slowly climbed the ladder to his current position.
If it hadn’t been for Beuford, Alexis would have reached success much sooner. But fortunately, Beuford’s interference reminded him of the threat, which he promptly neutralized.
Despite his inner doubts when facing Cornell’s calm demeanor, Alexis had to push them aside and focus on the present situation. He was sure that nobody else alive knew about the past. To appear gracious, he said, “Even though you treat me this way, out of paternal love, I won’t completely ruin you. The Clement Group still welcomes you.”
Compared to Cornell’s cold demeanor, Alexis’ apparent generosity seemed more admirable.
Some of Alexis’ allies among the shareholders rallied the crowd and said, “Mr. Alexis Clement is truly a kind-hearted man. Despite Mr. Cornell Clement’s disrespect, he’s willing to forgive and forget. A true role model for Ardlens!”
Others clapped and said, “Absolutely.”
Another person implored, “Mr. Cornell Clement, considering all Mr. Alexis Clement has done for you, it’s really unfair of you. You owe him an apology!”
Feeling pleased with himself, Alexis spread his arms and said, “Oh, you’re too generous! I’m not worthy of such praise!”
Cornell let out a cold laugh. “You’re right. You don’t deserve it.”
Alexis was taken aback. His face hardened. He couldn’t keep up his generous facade any longer. Even the kindest person has their limits, and he was only pretending to be noble.
“You little rascal…” Alexis muttered under his breath and abruptly stopped upon realizing his outburst was inappropriate.
After clearing his throat, Alexis said, “Cornell, you’re stubborn and unapologetic. As your adopted father, I have no choice. Since you refuse to acknowledge me, I won’t force the role upon you. I hereby declare that you’re no longer part of the Clement family. We’re going our separate ways. You carve your own path, and we’ll have no association with each other.”
As he concluded his speech, Alexis even feigned wiping a tear from his eye, feigning sorrow, as if genuinely wounded by Cornell’s behavior.
As Alexis’ performance swayed the audience, influenced by the insiders he had planted, someone stepped forward to address the crowd.
Cap?tulo 921:
“Mr. Cornell Clement has truly overstepped. How could he treat Mr. Alexis Clement this way? After all, Mr. Alexis Clement raised him for so long. How did we end up with such an ungrateful person?”
“Yes, I used to admire Mr. Cornell Clement for his ambition and talent, but now it seems his morals and respect for the family are lacking!”
“Someone like that will have a tough time making it in the market. No matter how skilled they are, being heartless and ruthless will only earn them disdain.”
Alexis fell silent. The murmurs around felt like blessings from above.
A wave of immense satisfaction washed over him, loosening his vigilance.
With a smile, Alexis said, “Cornell, without the Clement family’s support, you’d better hope Katie sticks by you. At least with her, you won’t have to worry about making your end meet.”
Ga lno vel s . com takes you into new worlds
Seeing Cornell remain silent, Alexis assumed the pressure of public opinion had subdued him. He felt triumphant. Turning around, he asserted his authority as the head of the Clement family, saying to Cornell, “After today’s gathering, you needn’t return to Kyler’s place. You aren’t a Clement by blood, and it’s unfitting for you to be there. That place is reserved for those truly deserving.”
Cornell gave a frosty smile and retorted, “Indeed, only those truly deserving should stay there. You and your son certainly do not qualify.”
“You… You!” Alexis was so furious that he couldn’t finish his sentence.
After a pause, Alexis said, “You little brat! How dare you question my worth! I am the most deserving member of the Clement family!”