Chapter 518 Illegitimate Child
Thomas was struck as if by lightning, standing there in shock, seriously doubting his ears. "You want to investigate Mr. Bryan Hearst?"
Bryan was basking in the media spotlight today, praised and flattered by major media outlets, truly a figure at the center of attention!
"Secretly investigate the women he has been involved with in the past, their current living conditions, and whether they have any children. If necessary, I will talk to him personally."
Thomas swallowed hard. God, a son uncovering his father's secrets, wouldn't that turn everything upside down?
"Yes! I'll start investigating."
Damian pondered for a long time, ruling out the enemies KM had made over the years, and scrutinized the groups and individuals with personal grudges against the Hearst family, focusing on the grudges of the previous generation.
Because when Selene was kidnapped, he was only a teenager and not involved in the company's management, there were no personal grudges. The most likely scenario was that the father's debts were being repaid by the son.
If their target was Bryan, then his biggest flaw was his chaotic love life, having played with many women in his youth.
Perhaps those women hurt by Bryan, or their children, were the ones seeking revenge on the Hearst family.
And Volcano, this young company, its founder might not be very old either.
Could it be possible that he is Bryan's illegitimate son?
This hypothesis currently had no evidence and involved Bryan's reputation, so Damian needed to investigate secretly.
The reason for not exposing Bryan's secrets now was to save face for him. As a son, Damian would try to maintain the dignity of the Hearst family.
Hopefully, things were not as he imagined.
The Hearst family.
Bryan led KM to a great victory, and the Hearst family banquet undoubtedly treated him as the greatest hero.
With good news, Anthony was also in a good state. His intermittent memory was unusually stable today. Holding Bryan's hand, he said earnestly, "Bryan, in the future, you must lead the younger generation and protect the company well!"
Then he looked at Victor and Nathan, and the empty seat left for Damian. "You two, learn well from Bryan, be steady in your work, think things through, and remember this lesson."
Victor and Nathan gritted their teeth in hatred but could only nod and agree on the surface. "Yes, Grandpa."
Rufus Hearst and his wife Magnolia Belle exchanged glances, hating Bryan's family to the core. Their two sons could only serve as stepping stones for Damian!
"Dad," Rufus said with a smile, "Bryan is getting older, and managing the company is so tiring. We feel sorry for him. Why not let the younger ones take on more responsibilities to ease his burden?"
Victor was now just an assistant under Bryan, which was frustrating! He felt it was unfair for Victor.
Nicole smiled lightly and said, "Rufus is right. Bryan has been working tirelessly for the company, still holding the front line. He does need capable helpers. If there were any reliable young people in the family, he wouldn't have to handle everything himself."
With one sentence, she belittled Victor and Nathan completely.
Bryan was working so hard because Victor and Nathan were incompetent. If they were capable and didn't cause trouble, would he need to step in to resolve issues?
Magnolia smiled and said, "Nicole, that's not a nice thing to say. Victor has been the vice president of the company for many years, sharing its ups and downs. Even if he hasn't achieved much, he has worked hard. We women don't understand the intrigues of the business world and shouldn't speak carelessly."
Anthony disliked the women in the family fighting openly and secretly. With a sullen face, he said, "Enough, what's the argument about? The men work hard to build a career so you can live in comfort. Be content and grateful, manage the household honestly, and don't comment on things you don't understand."
Anthony was very opposed to the women in the family interfering in company affairs, especially those who were not born into the family.
Nicole and Magnolia had to shut up.
Bryan said, "Dad, Damian's health is no longer an issue. He can return to the company in a while. This position is still his."
Mentioning Damian, Anthony was heartbroken. First, his marriage to Ashley had disappointed him greatly. Now, with his legs disabled and unwilling to go to the company, the heir he had painstakingly cultivated was about to be ruined?
Looking at Victor and Nathan, he was not satisfied at all. His thoughts turned to his grandson Doyle Hearst, who had been abroad for more than ten years and hadn't returned.
Back then, his lover had given birth to the family's third son, Everett Hearst. The child returned to the Hearst family, but the woman was forever excluded by his wife.
Everett was silent but rebellious in his youth, getting married and having children before graduating from college, bringing the family a grandson, Doyle, and then emigrating to Switzerland, not getting involved in the company's affairs.
He felt guilty about this illegitimate son.
He knew Everett had a grudge against him, refusing to accept any benefits from the Hearst family or take advantage of the Hearst family.
But Doyle was still his biological grandson and very much loved by him.
Now, thirty-five-year-old Doyle had founded his own company and was a rare talent. If he and Damian joined forces, KM would surely be invincible.
Anthony, now in the twilight of his life, looked at his gathered descendants and couldn't help but feel emotional. "How many years has it been since Everett came back?"
When he mentioned the family member with a special status, Bryan and Rufus were a bit surprised.
Bryan said, "Dad, if you miss Everett, I can send someone to bring him back to the country. After all, we are family, and we haven't had a reunion in over ten years. It would be great to reunite this year."
Magnolia rolled her eyes, thinking to herself, acting outside and still acting at home! Why did Everett leave the Hearst family? Don't you know best?
Rufus followed Bryan's lead and said, "Dad, Bryan is right. Everett's family settled abroad, but they should return to their roots eventually!"
Hearing his two sons agree for once, Anthony nodded in satisfaction. Just as he was about to say something, his mind suddenly went blank. Looking at the table full of food and the group of people, he was confused. "Who are you all? Why are you in my house?"
Instantly, everyone was shocked!
Evelina was the first to run over. "Grandpa, I'm Evelina, take a closer look."
Anthony looked closely at her features, shook his head, "Jessica? No, you're not her? Where's Jessica?"
Nicole quickly said, "I'll call Jessica over. Bryan, you call the doctor to check on Dad."
After a flurry of activity, Anthony was sent back to his room.
The atmosphere in the living room was eerie.
Rufus said, "Dad's memory is getting worse, often forgetting even us. How can this continue?"
The implication was clear: had Anthony made his will? It must be done while he is still clear-headed to avoid future trouble.
Magnolia also said, "Dad's memory has deteriorated significantly in the past two years, and the company's affairs are busy. Rufus, you should also help out at the company, work together with Bryan."
Nicole, having finished calling Jessica, turned back and sneered, "Dad only has intermittent memory confusion. Most of the time, he is clear-headed. He knows better than anyone who is fit for what position."
Bryan was about to speak when his phone rang.
He took a look at it and his expression changed immediately.