Chapter 519 Arnold Collaborates with Richard First
"We haven't been together long, so I didn't know about you. It doesn't matter if you're my son. What's important is that you're Cordelia's son now," Arnold said, looking at Richard.
"Sophia never raised me, so she wouldn't influence me," Richard replied, understanding Arnold's concern about Cordelia.
"If you are my son, I'll acknowledge you, but..." Arnold hesitated, looking conflicted.
Richard quickly interjected, "Mr. Sanders, there's no need. I won't be your son. Let's just forget this and live peacefully without Sophia's influence. You don't need to worry."
Arnold sighed. "It's not that."
"After Sophia and I split, I was bitter and never thought I'd fall in love again, let alone be a dad. Now, finding out I might have a grown son, I don't know how to be a father," Arnold admitted.
Richard looked at Arnold, wondering if he felt the same way Richard did when he found out Betty was pregnant. Probably not.
When Richard found out Betty was pregnant, he was thrilled, excited, then confused and worried. He was scared he wouldn't be a good dad and worried he couldn't take care of Betty and the baby.
"Sophia wants to use a child related to me to do harm. I can see it coming. She's in a tough spot, and William won't forgive her. She's going to come at me hard."
Arnold looked at Richard. "No matter what, we should do a paternity test."
"Is that necessary?" Richard asked, looking down.
"Don't you want to be stronger? If you're my son, you'll have a head start and a higher platform than your peers. You can protect those you care about," Arnold offered. "In the future, my estate will be yours and your siblings'. You, Jasmine, Nolan, and Edward are already like siblings."
Richard was stunned. Arnold already considered him an heir? "I can't be."
Richard wanted to explain he couldn't be Arnold's son.
"As I said, I protect my loved ones. Whether you're my son or not, as long as you're Cordelia's son, you're included in my inheritance," Arnold explained.
Richard was stunned for a while and felt less hostile towards Arnold.
"Let's do a paternity test to be prepared. You can use me to protect those you care about, and I can avoid unnecessary risks and protect those I care about." Arnold smiled at Richard.
Richard understood. With Brade desperate and Betty newly pregnant, he needed strength and confidence to support his family and protect Betty and the baby.
"Okay." Richard nodded.
"Pleasure working with you." Arnold smiled, not wanting to pressure Richard.
Richard also smiled. "Pleasure working with you, too."
Elbert had just returned from the Everhart family to the psychiatric hospital and saw an unexpected guest in the lounge.
"Miss Harper," Elbert greeted with a faint smile.
Annabelle stood up and extended her hand. "Dr. Perry, after the last treatment, my insomnia has improved a lot."
"That's good to hear," Elbert replied, still smiling.
"Thanks so much, Dr. Perry. Want to grab dinner tonight?" Annabelle asked, a bit hesitant.
Elbert politely declined. "Sorry, I'm really busy at the hospital. Plus, helping you is just my job; no need to thank me."
Annabelle relaxed. If Elbert had agreed too quickly, she would've been more suspicious.
"Alright, I'll schedule another hypnosis session," Annabelle said lightly. "I've been having headaches and feeling anxious lately."
Elbert led Annabelle into the treatment room.
"Dr. Perry, everyone has desires and things they want. Do you?" Annabelle asked.
"Of course." Elbert nodded.
"What could trouble someone like you?" Annabelle smiled.
"I want all the evil in the world to disappear, for all prejudices to vanish, and for no one to need a psychologist anymore," Elbert said, leaning back and talking nonsense.
Annabelle's expression changed, and she went quiet.
After a while, she spoke again, "Dr. Perry, I have a friend with severe depression. She's attempted suicide before. She seems fine now, but I'm worried something might trigger her. What should I avoid?"
"Patients with severe depression never fully recover. They struggle with relapse and experience recurring suicidal thoughts," Elbert said, leaning back. "You can recommend your friend to see me."
"She seems healthy now, like she doesn't need a psychologist," Annabelle said, surprised.
"Then protect the person she cares about most. A person with depression is like someone walking a tightrope. Their loved ones are the last straw holding them together. If something happens to them, they'll collapse," Elbert explained.
Annabelle smirked. She thought, 'Jasmine cares most about Ethan and her sons. Ethan's tough, so I'll target the kids.'
She was determined to bring Jasmine down.
After Annabelle left, Elbert leaned back and called Connor. "I don't fully agree with your plan, but I followed your instructions. Annabelle might target the people Jasmine cares about. Be ready."
Connor's treatment plan was like a vaccine, introducing a small threat to build immunity, but it carried risks.
This approach required a psychologist who truly understood Jasmine.
"After this, Annabelle will be useless," Connor said. "The Harper family's situation might be complicated. Find out the truth and make Annabelle disappear from Jasmine's life."
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