Chapter 251: They Are Two Different People
Lana Langley said, "I just heard Ian say that you’re his mother. That’s rather strange. Everyone knows you’re Nathan Fawcett’s wife, so how could you possibly be Ian’s mother? I once heard a rumor that Ethan Linden actually died several years ago and that the man living now is really Nathan Fawcett. I didn’t quite believe it at first, but now that I see you, I’m starting to wonder! Why don’t you tell me all the details?"
Anne Sutton looked at the woman, realizing she was just here to gossip about Nathan Fawcett’s identity.
’If they found out that Nathan Fawcett was posing as Ethan Linden...’
’The real Ethan Linden is dead. These people are all Lindens by blood; they would never willingly accept Nathan Fawcett as the Head of the Linden Family!’
Just as Anne Sutton was hesitating over how to respond, the door opened, and Anna Linden walked in.
Seeing Lana Langley, she frowned. "What are you doing here?"
The moment she saw Anna Linden, Lana Langley jumped to her feet in fright. "Aunt, you’re back so early today?"
Anna Linden was a workaholic who usually worked very late.
Anna Linden said impassively, "I went to bed late last night, so I came home early to get some sleep. What are you doing here?"
Lana Langley pointed to Anne Sutton. "I heard you were setting Ethan up on blind dates, Aunt. I have a cousin who is very beautiful, and I was thinking of introducing her to him. But then I came over and heard that Ethan had already brought someone home."
Anna Linden glanced at Anne Sutton, then turned back to Lana Langley. "If you have this much energy to spare, go do something meaningful instead of spending all day spying on my household. Mind your own business. With all this free time, why not teach your son how to read? Don’t let him end up like his father—completely inept and good for nothing."
Lana Langley stiffened. Having been berated by Anna Linden, she could only accept it.
Anna Linden said, "You can leave now!"
Lana Langley glanced at Anne Sutton, looking as if she wanted to say something but not daring to in front of Anna Linden.
She was terrified of Anna Linden. Just the thought of exchanging a few more words with the woman made her skin crawl, which was why she always made a point to visit only when Anna wasn’t around.
Now that Anna Linden was chasing them out, she had no choice but to leave with Chubby. Before she went, she glanced at Anne Sutton and said, "Anne, come visit us when you have a chance. Our place is just to the left as you exit."
The Linden Residence was the family’s ancestral home, so the various relatives lived nearby; otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to pop over so frequently.
Anne Sutton didn’t respond.
Only after Lana Langley had left did Anna Linden turn to Anne Sutton. "You didn’t say anything you shouldn’t have, did you?"
Anne Sutton replied, "I haven’t said anything yet."
Anna Linden warned, "They don’t know that he’s actually Nathan Fawcett, not Ethan Linden. If you don’t want to cause trouble for him, you’ll keep your mouth sealed."
"And if they found out, what kind of trouble would that cause him?"
Anne Sutton asked.
Fearing she would stir up trouble, Anna Linden explained with forced patience, "Nathan Fawcett is now the Head of the Linden Family, a position that was originally meant for Ethan Linden. If the others find out that Ethan died long ago, they will surely refuse to accept it and try to stage a revolt."
"I don’t understand," Anne Sutton said.
Anna Linden glared at Anne Sutton. "Don’t you dare talk back to me. I am being perfectly serious. Now that you’re living here, you need to learn your place. You wouldn’t want to ruin his future, would you?"
Anne Sutton said, "Ethan Linden was your son, but so is Nathan Fawcett. Even if he doesn’t carry your surname, he’s still your biological son. You are the successor of the Linden Family. Legally speaking, Nathan has a right to inherit, doesn’t he? What are you so afraid of?"
"..." At this, Anna Linden’s gaze fell on Anne Sutton. "They are two different people. Only Ethan Linden was my son."
Anne Sutton’s words had clearly displeased her. Anna Linden continued, "I may have allowed you to move in, but that does not mean you can do as you please. There are certain things you had better understand, or else..."
Anna Linden said, "I can let him bring you here, and I can just as easily make him send you away."
Having said her piece, Anna Linden went upstairs.
Anne Sutton watched her imperious retreat. ’I wasn’t wrong,’ she thought, ’but I still managed to make her furious.’
A small smile touched Anne Sutton’s lips. She wasn’t angry at Anna Linden’s words; she just felt it was deeply unfair to Nathan Fawcett.
’Children are the primary heirs to their parents’ estate. With Ethan Linden gone, Nathan Fawcett is Anna Linden’s only son. It’s only right and proper for him to inherit the Linden Family’s assets.’
’And yet, Anna Linden acts terrified of anyone finding out he’s Nathan Fawcett!’
...
Since Anne Sutton was back early, she decided to make dinner.
Ian was beside her, helping out.
He was just a little boy, but he insisted on helping, even with preparing the vegetables.
Anne Sutton watched the little guy. ’He should be a Fawcett, Nathan’s son, but instead he’s Ian Linden.’
Anne Sutton wasn’t too concerned about the surname itself. After all, it was perfectly normal for a child to take their mother’s surname or their father’s—Nathan could have just as easily been a Linden as a Fawcett.
There was no law stipulating that a child had to take their father’s name.
It was just...
’Nathan is living under another man’s name. Doesn’t that weigh on him?’
If she were ever forced to take someone else’s place, Anne Sutton couldn’t imagine how she would feel.
Just as dinner was nearly ready, Nathan Fawcett returned. He walked in with a dark expression on his face, looking deeply displeased.
Butler Walters followed beside him, not daring to speak.
When Anne Sutton saw Nathan Fawcett, she asked, "What’s wrong?"
Nathan Fawcett glanced at Anne Sutton, sat down in a chair, and didn’t answer.
Butler Walters said, "Sir didn’t eat lunch, so his stomach condition is acting up."
"..." Anne Sutton turned to Nathan Fawcett. "Then why didn’t you eat? Do you think you’re invincible or something?"
’He’s someone who has been through a life-or-death experience, and yet... he doesn’t seem to value the life he fought so hard to get back at all.’
’Back then, Chairman Fawcett had been willing to give up his own son, to let him take Anna Linden’s surname, all so that she would save his life!’
Nathan Fawcett looked at Anne Sutton and said, "You’re home early. Dinner’s already made."
Anne Sutton nodded. "Your mother is home as well. Ask her to come down for dinner."
Nathan Fawcett instructed a maid to go upstairs and call for her.
A few moments later, the maid came back down and said to Nathan Fawcett, "Family Head, the madam says she won’t be eating. She said for you all to eat without her."
Hearing this, Anne Sutton guessed it was probably her own words that had upset Anna. ’Otherwise,’ she thought, ’she wouldn’t refuse to even eat dinner.’
Nathan Fawcett asked, "What’s wrong with my mother?"
She was a creature of habit. The family always ate breakfast together, and whenever she was home, she insisted they all dine as a family.
For her not to come down for dinner now, she had to be feeling unwell.
"I don’t know," the maid replied.
"I’ll go get her." Nathan Fawcett stood up. Even though he was the one feeling unwell, his first thought was still for his mother.