Chapter 461 The Illegitimate Child
Thinking back on the past, Magnus couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.
He had expected Alaric to resent him, but he never imagined he would hate him that much. For a moment, he felt somewhat at a loss.
It had been too long since he'd come back, and too long since he'd spent time with Alaric.
He couldn't quite figure out his temperament now, nor did he know what he should do to make amends.
He thought about it for a long time but couldn't come up with anything, so he had to give up.
Just then, there was another knock at the door.
Magnus froze, thinking Alaric had come back, and hurriedly stood up to answer it.
Before opening the door, he carefully hid the photo. His identity wasn't suitable to be revealed yet.
If it wasn't Alaric, he wouldn't be able to explain the photo.
As he thought, it indeed wasn't Alaric at the door.
It was Benjamin.
Looking at the familiar tall figure outside, Magnus couldn't tell if he felt happy or disappointed.
He forced a smile and stepped aside to let him in. "Benjamin, what brings you here?"
"I need to talk to you about something. Let's go inside first."
Benjamin noticed something was off with Magnus's mood, but didn't ask.
He had more important things to discuss, which was why he'd rushed over.
Magnus closed the door and followed behind him, asking, "What happened? Is there news from GeneCipher Society?"
Benjamin nodded slightly and walked over to the sofa to sit down, but unexpectedly noticed two glasses of water on the coffee table.
He casually looked away and spoke slowly, "Matthew found the orders from the past few years today. Several of those companies are indeed backed by GeneCipher Society people."
"Is it... Elijah?"
Since Lachlan could hide this deep, it meant he was cautious enough.
If he didn't want to expose the fact that he was running companies behind the White family's back, he definitely wouldn't use his own name.
Elijah was probably the person he chose.
And facts proved that Elijah was indeed very loyal.
For over twenty years, he'd been hiding within the White family, observing the changes in Benjamin's poison, monitoring every move of the White family.
Benjamin nodded. "Yes, the legal representative behind those companies is all Elijah."
"With order information, we can find delivery addresses. That's good news."
Magnus looked down in thought. Although GeneCipher Society frequently changed locations, they had too few leads right now.
If they could find the previous delivery locations, they might be able to uncover other clues.
"I've already sent Chase to look into it. I'm sure we'll have news soon."
"I've also had people watching those locations in Celestria. As soon as they make a move, we'll know immediately."
"Thank you, M."
Benjamin looked at Magnus gratefully, his eyes sincere and serious.
Magnus paused, then smiled and shook his head. "We don't need to be so formal with each other. Helping you is helping myself."
After a pause, he added, "Just let me know if you need anything. Don't be polite with me."
"Okay." Benjamin's lips curved slightly, and he chatted with him about some business matters before leaving.
"Wait."
As he was about to leave, Magnus suddenly called out to him.
He stopped and turned around in confusion. "What is it?"
"Lachlan... never mind. He's very cunning. Don't make any rash moves until you're sure everything is in place."
Benjamin nodded. "Okay, I'll remember that."
With that, he left without looking back.
Benjamin also had people secretly watching Lachlan. He'd been fairly quiet recently, staying at home.
Wherever he went, someone would report to Benjamin.
So for now, Benjamin wasn't worried about Lachlan.
What worried him more was how to tell Preston about this.
Although Preston's health had improved somewhat, he couldn't handle shocks.
What was Lachlan's purpose in doing this?
Even if he wasn't Preston's biological son, Preston had never done anything to wrong him.
Benjamin got in his car with a serious expression. As he was about to drive off, his phone vibrated.
He took out his phone and glanced at it. It was a message from M.
"We can't hide this from Preston. Better to find a gentle way to tell him."
Benjamin stared at the message for a long time, then M sent another one.
It was a web link.
The headline read: "The White Family's Second Young Master is an Illegitimate Child" - the second young master of the White family referred to Lachlan.
This gossip article was published over twenty years ago.
Right around the time Alaric mentioned, when Lachlan's biological mother came to the White family.
Was this a coincidence?
Didn't Alaric say that Lachlan wasn't Preston's biological son?
How did he suddenly become Preston's illegitimate child?
He felt things were getting more and more confusing.
Rubbing his temples, Benjamin made a decision. M was right - it was time to tell Preston about Lachlan.
They knew nothing about the previous generation's grudges. Guessing wasn't enough.
Only by having enough information would they have a chance to take the initiative.
Otherwise, they would just be controlled by Lachlan and GeneCipher Society.
But it was already too late today. Preston had probably gone to bed.
So he planned to visit the White Manor tomorrow.
He turned off his phone and drove home.
When he got home, Sophia had already woken up and was eating in the dining room.
Hearing footsteps, she immediately stood up and came out. "Honey, you're back!"
Benjamin watched Sophia running toward him, slowly opened his arms, and pulled her into his embrace.
He lowered his head and kissed her forehead.
Sophia's eyes curved into a smile as she leaned against him, asking softly, "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. I went out to handle something."
Benjamin took her hand and walked toward the dining room.
He told her about what happened during the day. Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "So... does that mean there's progress?"
Benjamin nodded. "On my way back, I got word that Chase has already found two warehouses in Silverlight City."
Next would be searching the surrounding areas for their base.
After dinner, Benjamin put down his utensils and said seriously, "Sophia, I'm planning to tell Grandpa about Lachlan."
Sophia was stunned, not expecting it to be so sudden, but after thinking about it, she nodded in agreement. "Grandpa does have the right to know. I'll go with you tomorrow."
But Benjamin shook his head. "The White Manor isn't very safe. I'm planning to bring Grandpa here, or take him out for a meal."
Although he had already investigated the backgrounds of the servants at the White Manor, he still didn't trust them.
The fewer people who knew about this, the better.
"You're right. We need to be careful now."
The next day, around noon, Benjamin specifically asked Alaric to pick up Preston from the White Manor.
Alaric happened to be staying at the White Manor now. If he took Preston out for a meal, it wouldn't raise suspicion.
But he and Sophia had already been there yesterday. If the servants at the White Manor tipped off Lachlan, that would be trouble.