Chapter 417

---- Chapter 417 The last name of the man of the household just happened to be Grayson, while his wife's last name was Gidden. Their financial condition couldn't compare to that of a wealthy businessman, but they were both well-educated. They even held respectable and stable jobs. By giving Marlon to such an ordinary family, Ethan believed that it would provide him a secure life. It would also keep his true origins hidden. So he lied and said that Marlon was the orphan ofa friend. Then, he signed the adoption papers with the couple. From then on, Marlon was officially renamed Gideon Grayson.

For the sake of his healthy upbringing , Ethan had no choice but to sign an agreement with the couple. He promised never to visit Gideon again or maintain contact. Still, in the years that followed , Ethan secretly kept track of Gideon's life through various channels. He quietly watched over him in the shadows. When Gideon turned seven, his adoptive parents had children of their own-a pair of twins. It was then that their affections for him began to fade. Soon, their neglect even turned into harsh treatment. After being coldly neglected and beaten at times, Gideon soon ---- turned rebellious.

The news tore at Ethan when he heard of it. He wanted to take him back, but he feared the damage it would do to his reputation and to his family. It took Ethan a few more years to make up his mind. Finally, when Gideon turned ten, he brought him back. He arranged for Gideon to live ina separate residence and hired several housekeepers to look after his daily needs. He even had a driver take him to school. To prevent gossip about his origins , Ethan had also kept the truth from him. He formally established their new relationship under the guise of a foster father.

Though he was only a foster parent on paper, Ethan's devotion was that of a true parent. He raised Gideon as his own and quietly ensured that he had access to the finest opportunities. Due to his lingering feelings for Helena, Ethan favored Gideon over his legitimate son, Zachary. He could never shake the sense of guilt he felt over Gideon's birth and tried to make it up to him however he could. On the other hand, his attitude toward Zachary remained much more indifferent. By the time he finished telling this story, Ethan's heart was heavy and his eyes were stinging.

"Tf it hadn't been for today's incident at the hospital, with the blood transfusion, I think I would have kept this secret ---- forever. I have never told anyone, and would certainly not let Gideon know a thing," he said, his voice low. "Don, you're the only one who knows the truth now. I hope you can understand the weight I've been carrying all these years, and I need you to keep it that way," he continued. "Oh, and don't worry. I won't bring him into the family business , nor will Tallow him to threaten your interests .

As long as you stay silent, I will make sure nothing changes." Donovan stayed quiet for a long while after hearing the story. He had no interest in Ethan's messy past affairs and didn't care to pry. But he found it deeply troubling that Gideon, his former love rival, was in fact his biological nephew. Thinking back on all their arguments just made everything feel messier. Finally, Donovan calmly said, "Don't worry, this doesn't concern me, so I won't interfere. Just make sure you keep him in line and prevent him from interfering in my life." "Alright," Ethan replied.

But just as the word left his mouth, the study door that was left slightly ajar was suddenly pushed open. It flew against the wall with a heavy crash. At that, Ethan's head snapped up in shock, only to see Grace standing in the doorway.