Chapter 517 What was Going on?
Evelina was at her wit's end. Evan had been hospitalized three times recently for self-harm, each time when no one was watching.
No one had the energy to watch him 24/7.
Jasmine was stunned, shocked, and then fell silent.
She knew her godmother had no other choice but to call.
"I'll come over after work tomorrow," Jasmine agreed.
It was time to settle things with Evan, even though the outcome was already clear.
Cordelia looked at Richard and sighed in the study. "I heard Sophia's been bothering you."
Richard was nervous. He knew about the rivalry between Sophia and Cordelia and the trouble Sophia had caused the Cunningham family. He had always been scared and anxious, with low self-esteem.
He feared he might be Sophia's son and that Cordelia would resent him for it.
He cherished the warmth and sense of family he had found.
"Godmother, let me explain. I—" Richard stammered, unsure how to explain.
He couldn't explain it. Blood ties were something you couldn't put into words.
He'd heard that immorality was heritable.
With a mother like Sophia, he feared he wouldn't be a good person either.
Richard always had low self-esteem, whether facing Betty or Cordelia.
"Richard, you can't choose your birth, but you can choose your life," Cordelia said, sensing Richard's emotions. He reminded her so much of Justin.
When Justin first came to the Cunningham family, he was also cautious, making people feel sorry for him.
Cordelia held Richard's hand and spoke again, "No matter whose son you are, no matter who your parents are, you are yourself. Your name is Richard. Your adoptive father passed away when you were very young. Your adoptive mother didn't take responsibility for raising you and made you drop out of school early to fend for yourself. You don't owe anyone anything, child."
As Cordelia spoke, her voice became hoarse. Richard had suffered too much.
Jasmine's suffering began six years ago when it was discovered she wasn't the Wilson family's daughter, but Richard's suffering started from birth.
He was thrown to May by Sophia right after he was born. May wasn't a good person either, promiscuous and irresponsible. They never fulfilled their duty to raise Richard.
That Richard survived until now was truly a hardship.
As a child, he had to support Serena and May. As an adult, he helped Jasmine support Justin. Before meeting Betty, he had never lived for himself.
"Godmother," Richard's voice was choked. He didn't know how to express his feelings, but he was truly sorry. "I'm sorry for all the bad things Sophia did to you."
"Why are you apologizing? I'm a reasonable person. You should trust me and yourself. Will you acknowledge Sophia as your mother?"
Richard shook his head in panic. "No, I've lived alone until now and don't need her now. I trust you, godmother."
"Then that's fine. If you keep feeling sad, upset, or guilty about this, it means you don't trust me," Cordelia sighed. "I really like you and Betty, and I genuinely want to protect you and be your mother. I am very happy to have you around."
Richard lowered his head, eyes reddening.
After nearly thirty years of struggle, Richard finally found a place he could call home and met the woman he loved.
"Richard, what I'm about to tell you might be hard to accept, but you need to listen quietly until I finish," Cordelia said seriously.
This made Richard nervous.
"Although I'm not one hundred percent sure, it's still a strong possibility. Sophia didn't know that Guadalupe was Arnold before. I don't know why she gave birth to you and then abandoned you, but her sudden return to find you might be related to Arnold."
Richard was stunned, his back tensing. He didn't quite understand.
Arnold and Guadalupe.
"Sophia once had an engagement with Arnold. It was an arranged marriage. Although they didn't get a marriage certificate, they did have a wedding," Cordelia explained.
Richard took a deep breath. What did this have to do with him?
"Back then, Sophia indirectly caused the death of Arnold's mother for a son of the Frank family. Arnold was also forced to leave his home because of Sophia and her lover until he was found by the Sanders senior and brought back home."
Cordelia looked at Richard, feeling even more heartbroken. How could Richard have been born to Sophia?
"So you suspect that I'm Frank's son?" Richard scratched his head.
Cordelia sighed. "I suspect you are Arnold's son."
Richard was shocked. "That's impossible."
"If I were Arnold's son, Sophia wouldn't have easily given me to someone else to raise," Richard shook his head.
He didn't believe it.
Cordelia shook her head. "It's just a guess for now. Today, Sophia took a few strands of hair to Arnold for a paternity test. She intentionally concealed the identity of the hair's owner and where Arnold's son is. I'm just suspicious."
Richard breathed a sigh of relief. "Then it definitely isn't me. I didn't give Sophia my hair."
Cordelia smiled. "Wouldn't it be easy for her to pull a few strands of your hair?"
Richard shook his head. "I don't let her get close to me at all."
Cordelia was puzzled. "That's strange. Whose hair is it then?"
Richard shook his head again. "Sophia is a schemer. Who knows what she's up to now."
"Richard, Arnold will be here soon. Do you mind talking to him? If possible, you two should do a paternity test. Whether you are or aren't his son, don't let Sophia use you."
Cordelia wanted to stop Sophia's plans.
Richard knew Cordelia was helping him and was also afraid of Sophia's entanglement, so he nodded. "Godmother, I'll listen to you."
Cordelia was gratified—such a good child.
"Mom, Uncle is here," Jasmine called from outside.
Cordelia looked at Richard. "Don't be nervous. Come with me to meet Arnold."
Whether Richard was Arnold's son or not, Cordelia believed Arnold would like Richard.
This child was so honest that people felt sorry for him.
Arnold entered, a bit surprised. He was told to come for dinner, but there were so many people.
He hadn't experienced such a lively scene in a long time.
This was the Cunningham family dinner, and Cordelia had actually invited him over.
He felt a bit smug and smiled.
"Why are you back?" Outside the door, Willian also returned.
Nolan was stunned. What was going on today?
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