Chapter 149

"Alex is using the project to pressure Beckett." "If he cannot press Beckett, then the only thing left is to pressure Stanton." "Alex, our two families have always been close. When Beckett's grandfather was alive, he had a comradeship with your grandfather, hence our two families naturally have to cooperate closely," Stanton said with a smile, obviously interested in the Yarrin mining project. "Beckett, Alex is Chris's biological father, give the child to him." Once Stanton finished his statement, the faces of the Merritt family turned extremely dark. Especially Charlotte. They are not yet married, she's just a fiancee. Madeleine even had a child with Alex. But the Merritt family does not dare to speak up now, fearing to intensify the conflict. The old man of the Simpson family obviously wanted to protect his own bloodline, which the Merritt family is unhappy about, but they can only swallow this dissatisfaction. Today, Charlotte accidentally hurt Chris, Zhuang's father still had to find a way to explain it to the old man of the Simpson family, at this time they can only swallow their grievances. Once Charlotte truly marries into the Simpson family and gives birth to a son for Alex, there is no hurry to deal with this Chris. "Mr. Beach..." Madeleine stands behind Beckett, cautiously tugging at his sleeve, her heart beating fast. She can't let Beckett lose too many business partnerships because of her. The board members will have opinions about him then. Ruby and Clinton are both trying to seize power, he cannot offend Alex at this time. Alex's influence on Beckett's position in the Beach Group plays a significant role. “He would not harm Chris. Hand Chris over to me … I’m sorry for troubling you," Madeleine whispered, gripping the corner of Beckett's clothes. It was so clear she was reluctant. Beckett furrowed his brows, cradling Chris in one arm, and patting her head with his other hand. "Don't be afraid, I'm here, okay?" Madeleine's eyes were red as she shook her head. "Don't...don't confront him, it's not worth it." "Whether it's worth it or not, I'll decide." Beckett's voice was soft, yet extremely indulgent and gentle. Jenny, who was standing to the side, was filled with jealousy, her eyes radiating murderous intent. Could Beckett really be so gentle to a woman? "I can't give the child to you. Charlotte must publicly apologize and leave Pinebrook. This is my final warning," Beckett told Alex, his voice deep and resolute. Both parties locked gazes, the tense standoff bristling with hostility. Alex’s face turned even more sour. "Beckett, it seems...you're definitely going to abandon the Mountain Construction cooperation." "In worrying about immediate disaster, one cannot overlook more distant trouble. Since Mountain Construction already has other motives, I think there’s no need to continue cooperation. The loss is naturally shared by both parties, it’s not only the Beach Group that will suffer," Beckett scoffed. Using this as a threat? Doesn't the Simpson family profit from their partnership? Alex's face darkened further. "Beckett, that's my son!” "Beckett, give the child back to Helil! What kind of father doesn't love his son, He is the real father." Stanton's hand trembled in anger. Beckett seemed to have gone insane today. Stanton raised his voice too high, scaring Chris into trembling and rubbing his eyes awake. Beckett gave Stanton an ominous look, his eyes full of profound suppression. Stanton was taken aback. Did he scare his son? "Helil, before your divorce with the Merritt family is finalized, I won't allow you to see Chris. Charlotte dared to hurt Chris before she married into He's family. If she becomes Chris's stepmother in the future, the consequences would be unimaginable. I wouldn't put it past her to do something like pouring sulfuric acid or poisoning!" Beckett's face was drained of color, these words not only meant for Helil, but also for Stanton. Over the years, he had never outright confronted Stanton with these issues. Because he knew Stanton was unfit to be a father. From the time his mother died to now, Ruby had made countless attempts to harm him, had Stanton really been unaware? "Where there's a stepmother, there may very well be a stepfather. It's a common saying you should heed." Beckett soothed Chris, warning Helil. Holding onto Beckett's neck, Chris spoke softly, "Daddy... I'm sleepy." "Sleep then," Beckett's voice was comforting, patting Chris's back. "Chris, come home with Daddy," Helil extended his hand, gesturing for Chris. Chris looked back at him, staring blankly at Helil. "Chris, daddy will protect you in the future, alright?" Alex soothingly said to Chris. "It's daddy's fault that I didn't take good care of you. I will correct the issue of you getting hurt, alright?" Chris cautiously looked at Beckett, then at Madeleine, uncertain whether she should believe him or not. Mom said that Alex is her daddy. But she preferred Beckett as her daddy. "Bad woman, bullied mommy, allowed others to hit mommy, are you my daddy, will you protect mommy, will you punish the bad people?" Chris cautiously asked. "I will," Alex nodded. Over there, the Merritt family were all utterly infuriated, especially Charlotte. "Madeleine, you vixen, didn't you just bind Alex with this illegitimate child! We're still not certain if the child is Alex's, if you dare, let's have another paternity test!" Charlotte absolutely refused to accept that the child was Alex's. She wouldn't believe it. "Shut up!" Alex angrily roared back at Charlotte. Charlotte shivered, feeling wronged and started crying. "Alex, I'm your fiancée, and you yelled at me!" Alex found Charlotte extremely annoying. "Before I decide to deal with you for hurting Chris, get out of my sight!" Alex told Charlotte to leave. He's actually providing a way out for the Merritt family. Regardless of the situation, He was still siding with the Merritt family, whether openly or covertly. Maintaining this allied marriage. Regardless of whether he was compelled or because of the old man's influence, they all deeply wounded Madeleine's heart. Originally, she thought... if the Simpson family insisted on competing for the custody of Chris, if she could not provide Chris with a good education, she didn't mind losing. At least Alex would be kind to Chris. But now, it seems that what Beckett said was right... With a stepmother like Charlotte, how could she let her child be with him without worrying? "Even to this point, you're still protecting her..." Madeleine asked hoarsely. "Chris is your son. Charlotte hurt him. Now it's a minor injury. What if it was a more serious accident? It doesn't matter to you, right?" Alex's heart tightened. He knew his decision hurt Madeleine. But he would compensate her later. Just not right now... "Maddy, I told you before, you just need to wait a few more years," Alex softly consoled. "There's no need..." Madeleine disappointedly evaded Alex. Over there, Zhuang's parents, annoyed, turned to leave, intending to exit first and plan for the long run at home. "I'll only give the Merritt family three days. If the Merritt family doesn't hold a press conference admitting Charlotte's transgressions, or doesn't send her abroad or have her leave the Pinebrook, I'll hold the press conference myself. I have evidence, you can try me if you don't believe me," Beckett threatened, looking at the Merritt family. "Beckett!" Zhuang Xingye was furious. But this time, Ruby was the one who had done wrong first. Zhuang Xingye, besides anger, really couldn't meddle too much. He was not considering this father-son relationship now, but his appreciation for Beckett's contribution and capabilities towards the Beach Group. "Alex! Look, Beckett is so harsh towards us, the Merritt family, effectively opposing the Simpson family too! I am your fiancée, do you know how many men Madeleine has been with? I don't believe Chris is your child, I demand a new paternity test!" Charlotte angrily pronounced. Beckett looked at Alex, his voice low. "Then let's redo the paternity test."