A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“Nat, go get some sleep,” Bernard commanded, before looking directly at Joseph “Joseph, come with me to the study. I need to have a word with you.”

Bernard could tell right away that Natalie was trying to talk her way out of things. A hint of displeasure crossed his face, but he didn’t say anything.

Once inside the study, Joseph let out a yawn. “It’s almost dawn and I haven’t slept a wink, so I’ll just cut to the chase.

“Natalie said she followed Cora to a club. She was trying to track down the guy Cora had been sneaking around-the one who might be her biological father.

“After she was discovered, she was taken to the precinct. Since she didn’t contact any of you and left my contact information instead, they had no choice but to call me.

“When it gets light out, talk to Cora. Tell her to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother. That’s the whole story. If you don’t need anything else, I’m leaving.”

“Hold on, Joseph,” Bernard called out, stopping him in his tracks. “I’ve got a question. Is that paternity test real?”

Joseph let out a dry scoff. “Cora can fool herself all she wants, but surely you’re not irrational enough to question science? I’ll be straight with you. Even if the world ended tomorrow, those results would still be real.

“Natalie is not, and never could be, my biological daughter. To me, Natalie is nothing more than some bastard kid Cora had with another man!”

Bernard frowned for a moment upon hearing the word “bastard”, his expression darkening. This matter was enough to bring shame to him and the entire Lowell family.

Trying to keep a clear head, Joseph rubbed his temples, adding, “As Cora’s father, you ought to know everything about her. Are you seriously telling me you didn’t know about the man she is seeing on the side?”

“I refuse to believe that Cora is that kind of woman,” Bernard huffed, though he didn’t sound too confident, especially not with that paternity test staring him in the face.

“You’re her father-of course you’re taking her side! Regardless, I might as well be real with you. I only slept with Cora after we got married, but Natalie was conceived before that.

Then would you even give me the opportunity?” Joseph countered.

“In your dreams! What isn’t meant for you will never be yours. I would sooner die than hand you even a penny! I’ll make sure a schemer like you ends up with absolutely nothing! And I always keep iny word!”

“So this was your true intention all along. Since that’s the case, then there’s nothing left to say! If you don’t want me eyeing your money, then hurry up and get Cora to agree to the divorce!”

Joseph was done wasting his breath on him.

“Joseph, once morning comes, I’ll have my lawyer get you to sign an agreement stating that you have no plans to go after the Lowell family fortune,” Bernard dictated. “That’s the only way I’ll trust you. If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to make the first move and drive you out of Jenton!”

“You want to drive me out of Jenton?” Joseph shot back, his voice rising in disbelief. “What right do you have?”

“I have the right because I’m a Lowell! The Lowell family spent generations building our influence in Jenton. As such, I can rally people with a single call. I won’t allow an outsider to harm my family’s empire! You’d better not forget that I’m a man of my word!”