"You ungrateful bastard! Why have you pulled Beuford away from his duties, disrupting his tranquility?" Alexis' accusation against Mitchel betrayed a hint of a tremble in his voice, perhaps unaware of the emotion it carried.

Beuford had been a formidable presence in the Dixon household, one who had never bent the knee to Alexis' authority.

Before Mitchel could interject, Beuford took the floor, his voice carrying the weight of years yet resolute. "Mr. Alexis Dixon, this visit was of my own volition, not at Mr. Mitchel Dixon's urging."

The unease on Alexis’ face was palpable as he managed a strained smile. “And what caused your presence here, Beuford?"

"I came upon learning of your recent endeavors within the Dixon Group, which brought to mind the final charge Mr. Kyler Dixon entrusted to me," Beuford stated, his voice gaining volume as he brushed his beard.

“He warned me, ‘Alexis lacks stability. In my absence, you must steer him on my behalf. '"

The authority with which Beuford spoke mirrored that of Kyler himself, a testament to the years spent under the patriarch's influence.

Alexis, attempting to mask his mounting ire, diverted his gaze downward. He was tormented by the notion that even beyond the grave, Kyler's dominance shadowed his every step.

Witnessing Alexis wrestling with his inner turmoil, Mitchel seized the moment. “Dad, why not share with Beuford the letter you claimed to be handwritten by my grandfather?"

Caught off guard, Alexis found himself at a loss for words.

Beuford, intrigued by the mention of a letter handwritten by Kyler, pressed further, “A handwritten letter from Mr. Kyler Dixon exists? Mr. Alexis Dixon, why not let us see it?"

Alexis faltered. "Well, it's... It's not of great consequence. It simply discusses my father's desire to integrate Henley into our lineage..."

"Impossible!" Beuford's interjection cut through the room before Alexis could elaborate.

Beuford's decisive rebuttal left the room stunned, and Henley's composure broke, his visage darkening with fury.

Henley's hands balled into fists so tight that they whitened, his gaze burning into Beuford with barely contained rage.

Alexis, flustered and humiliated, insisted louder, “Beuford, you're speaking out of turn. This letter outlines my father's explicit wishes!"

Alexis' appeal to Kyler's authority was a desperate bid to regain control over the narrative.

However, Beuford's response was unyielding. "Mr. Kyler Dixon would never authorize such a directive. He held a stringent view against acknowledging any illegitimate offspring within the Dixon lineage, a stance codified within our family's charter to deter opportunistic claims."

Kyler's Legacy was one of moral fortitude, staunchly resistant to any form of scandal or dishonor. The notion of an illegitimate heir gaining recognition would have been unthinkable under his watch.

Beuford chose not to vocalize these thoughts, offering Alexis a sliver of respect by withholding a full condemnation.