Chapter 48 A Hard Stomp

Oliver felt terrible. He really thought he had been rejected by his own son. Meanwhile, Herman stood by, unsure of what to say. "I'm really not trying to insult you, but just think about it. Could someone as smart as me really have a father like you?" Herman tried to soften the blow, but Oliver’s overwhelming sorrow meant that he barely heard anything Herman said. Herman could not fathom having such an unintelligent father. Oliver did not deserve his mother at all. Herman tried to conceal his disdain, but Oliver had constantly been rejected by his brother when he was growing up, which had made him particularly sensitive to any kind of contempt. Oliver’s sadness intensified as he looked at the kid beside him. “How could you say such hurtful things about me and reject me when I already think of you as my son? What you say might be true, but I'm not that dumb, you know! I can be pretty clever, too!” Oliver's eyes turned red as he spoke. He could not hide his distress. Herman remained sil