Chapter 474 William's Conspiracy
Michael's car stopped outside the gates of Whispering Pines Estates.
Elizabeth came out to meet him.
"Michael, you look like you've had a rough day."
Michael lowered his head and took Elizabeth's hand. "I hate to break it to you, but Quinn's been taken by William."
Elizabeth was momentarily stunned but quickly gathered herself. She wanted to scold him at first, but then she realized he must be feeling even worse.
After all, in this whole family mess, she was more of an outsider.
Michael's voice was low and filled with guilt. "William says Quinn is his biological brother. He has the right to take Quinn with him. I couldn't argue."
Elizabeth looked up at him and tried to comfort him. "If Quinn's with William, it's better than being with Jesse. At least they're real family. You don't need to worry about it anymore."
Michael led her towards the garden. "I'm feeling pretty down. Walk with me for a bit?"
Elizabeth followed his lead. They strolled slowly through the neighborhood garden, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
She gently tugged his hand, signaling him to lean in.
Michael bent down slightly, his ear close to her mouth.
"Michael, I secretly did a DNA test for you, Jesse, and Eloise."
Michael straightened up and looked at her quietly. In the twilight, she couldn't see his expression clearly.
"Why didn't you tell me the results earlier? Were you afraid I couldn't handle the truth?"
Elizabeth felt guilty for invading his privacy. "I didn't use your real names, just codes. I just wanted to verify my suspicions."
Michael gave a bitter smile. "You thought it was fun, huh? This is my life we're talking about."
Elizabeth immediately apologized. "No, Michael, I didn't mean it like that. I just thought if the truth was what I suspected, I would hide Quinn somewhere they couldn't find him, to protect you."
Michael brushed her wind-tousled hair behind her ear. "Silly, let me handle these things. You don't need to get involved. From now on, tell me everything."
"Michael, I'm worried about one more thing. Our wedding is in a few days. Do you think William will use Quinn to cause trouble with so many guests around?"
Michael frowned. "I've thought about that. If William really plans to do that, it means he's ready to completely break ties with me. Not that there's much brotherly love between us anyway."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "When we first got married, Anthony tried to use me to steal your assets."
Michael smiled and touched her cheek. "Luckily, my smart wife saw through his scheme and didn't let him succeed."
Elizabeth tilted her head. "I remember it was you who saw through it and personally dealt with him."
Michael held her close and continued walking.
"Elizabeth, you're about to marry me. Will you regret it?"
"It's not my first time marrying you. What's there to regret?"
"The first time, you were forced. This time, you have a choice. You know all my secrets now. I'm not the same Michael as before. Will you still marry me without hesitation?"
Elizabeth pulled him down and kissed him. "I don't care about any of that. I just know I want to marry the man beside me, no matter who he is or how much money he has."
Michael held her tightly.
A few days later.
Michael and Elizabeth's wedding day finally arrived.
William didn't receive an invitation. He was fuming at home. Quinn was so scared he locked himself in his room and didn't make a sound.
Anthony was also indignant. "Dad, why didn't Michael invite us to the wedding? Is he trying to completely cut ties with us?"
William's face was dark with anger. "He's afraid I'll reveal the truth at the wedding."
Anthony egged him on. "Dad, if that's the case, we should expose him to everyone. Let the world see who Michael really is!"
William was convinced. "You're right! Today is the perfect opportunity!"
They dressed up and headed out.
Before leaving, William had already contacted several media outlets, telling them there would be explosive news about Michael today.
Outside the wedding venue, reporters gathered in droves.
Michael hadn't invited any reporters inside. He didn't need the world to share in his wedding joy.
He just needed Elizabeth to be happy with him.
At that moment, the ceremony hadn't started yet. Elizabeth was still in the dressing room.
Sarah asked her, "Elizabeth, are you nervous?"
Elizabeth was touching up her makeup in the mirror and smiled. "It's not my first wedding. Besides, Michael and I already have three kids. What's there to be nervous about?"
A commotion erupted at the entrance.
William was causing a scene at the door.
"Michael! You coward! Come out here!"
The bodyguards had informed Michael of the situation. Since the troublemakers were the boss's brother and nephew, they didn't dare to act without his permission.
Michael came to the entrance.
Seeing him, William immediately started shouting accusations.
"Michael! You coward! You thief! Finally, you're not hiding anymore!"
Michael's brows furrowed, anger simmering just below the surface.
"William, what do you want? Do you know what day it is?"
Today was his and Elizabeth's wedding day. William showing up with a crowd was clearly to cause trouble.
William shouted, "Michael! You're not even a real member of the Thomas family! You stole my brother's life for over twenty years! Now, it's time to give back everything you owe him!"
The crowd gasped.
Michael wasn't a real member of the Thomas family?
But then, secrets were never scarce in wealthy families.
Reporters from finance, entertainment, and news sections all thrust their microphones at Michael.
"Mr. Thomas, is what William said true?"
"Mr. Thomas, do you know your own background?"
"Mr. Thomas, will you give up everything you have?"
Michael glared at William. "You say I stole everything. Do you have proof?"
William smirked. "I've done a DNA test with my real brother. The report is right here. Want to take a look?"
"Your father was our family's driver. You and your father swapped identities with my real brother to gain our family's wealth, leaving my real brother out in the cold for over twenty years. Michael, don't you think you should compensate for his loss?"
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