Chapter 1985

In another annex of the Driscoll residence, Mia stormed in with a dark expression.

"Mia, what's wrong? You look furious," Franklin asked with a smile.

This part of the estate was her personal territory, taking up nearly a third of the Driscoll family’s grounds. As Maurice’s wife and the second lady of the house, Mia had enjoyed endless favor and privilege.

"Franklin, we might have a serious problem. Maurice is probably getting suspicious about our relationship," she said coldly, giving him a meaningful glance.

Franklin’s expression didn’t change as he raised his palm in a gesture that made him look like some enlightened holy man.

He said calmly, “We’ve always just had a normal senior-junior relationship. You’re now married to Maurice and have given him a top-tier genius heir, so I don’t think he really cares what kind of relationship we have."

Mia snapped irritably. "Franklin, there’s nobody else here, so drop the holy act already! Put away that holier-than-thou routine. I’m sick of looking at it.”

The smile faded from Franklin’s face, replaced by a darker, heavier look. "What happened? Did Maurice hear something? Or did he find something out?"

Mia shook her head. "I don’t know the details. I went to see him just now, brought him something to eat, and out of nowhere, he scolded me. He acted like he was disgusted by me, and I immediately remembered what you warned me about Victoria exposing our relationship."

She continued, "When she said it, the only Driscoll family members there were Bradley, Walter, and Scarlett. The first two are already dead and haven’t had a chance to report back. But Scarlett is different. She’s Maurice’s daughter from his first marriage, and she’s never liked me. I’m afraid she might have told him something she shouldn’t have."

Franklin’s expression did not change, but a flash of killing intent flickered in his eyes. "If only Andrew had finished her off that day. I gave him every chance to do it, hoping he’d take out the Driscoll family members present. Didn’t expect the plan to fall short."

His voice stayed steady, without a hint of panic.

Mia frowned. "If, and I mean if, Maurice really is suspicious about us, then with his nature, he’ll dig into it. When that happens, things will turn ugly for both of us. But I’m even more worried about Joe."

"That boy was raised with strict, traditional values. He’s straightforward and righteous. If he found out the truth about his parentage, he might not be able to accept it."

Franklin ran a hand over his bald head and gave a sinister smile, looking every bit the wicked monk. "It doesn’t matter. Maurice doesn’t have any solid proof yet. Without real evidence, he won’t dare make a move."

"Otherwise, it would get out that the great head of the Driscoll family had been played for a fool, and that would be a scandal that humiliates him and the entire family."

Mia nodded, then asked, "And what about Joe? Your cover’s already blown, and you’re no longer the cathedral abbot. He’s your son, and you’ve always wanted him to acknowledge you. Maybe this is your chance."

Franklin’s eyes lit up, though he kept himself in check. "Of course I’ve wanted that. I spent decades as a monk, hiding my identity, all so I could one day take you and our son away to live freely."

"But now isn’t the right time. Joe’s better off in the Driscoll family for the moment. That platform is exactly what he needs. Besides, I’ve barely interacted with him. If I suddenly tell him the truth, he might reject me outright."

Mia smiled. "That’s how I feel, too. Joe is perfect and gifted beyond measure. If our relationship hadn’t been exposed, I’d want him to grow up in the Driscoll family and eventually lead it."

Franklin gritted his teeth. "That’s exactly why I told you to marry Maurice in the first place. My son is being raised at the Driscoll family’s expense… What could be better? People rise on bones. Bleed or be bled… That’s the true, unchanging law of this world."