He Wanted to Rename My Son,But My Son Was Never His

My son scored 730 on his college entrance exam—top in the state. At his college celebration banquet, I signed over company shares worth over a hundred million as his gift.

My parents presented their own generous gifts, beaming with pride.

“He's a true Delgado, through and through. Keep pushing, Kenny. Your mother and the rest of us are counting on you to make this family proud.”

The guests chimed in with praise.

“Top scorer in the entire state! A child this exceptional? The Delgado family has a worthy heir.”

My husband stood up and clapped a hand on Kenneth's shoulder.

“Kenny, you remind me of myself at your age. I've got a gift for you too. Come with me to get it.”

Everyone looked curious, wondering what it could be.

Max Perry surveyed the room, face full of pride, and spoke.

“I'm taking Kenny back. He's going to carry the Perry name from now on—that's the real gift I'm giving my son.”

I stepped forward and tried to pull Max away.

“Stop talking nonsense.”

Max shoved me to the ground.

“Veronica, know your place. I let the boy use your last name for eighteen years. Your family should be honored.”

Diane looked on with smug satisfaction.

“A son should carry his father's last name—that's how it's always been. I pitied your family for not having a boy, so I let my grandson use your name for a few years, gave you a taste of what it's like to have an heir. And instead of thanking us, you try to stop my grandson from returning to the family line? You should be terrified of the karma headed your way.”

But my son isn't even Max's child.

——

“Today is the college celebration banquet for my son, Kenneth Delgado. He scored 730 on his exam, the highest in the state, and has been admitted to Westbridge University. As his mother, I couldn't be prouder. To honor this, I've prepared a small gift.”

My assistant came forward. I picked up the share-transfer agreement and handed it to Kenneth.

“Kenny, this is five percent of Delgado Group. I'm signing it over to you today as your college gift. And I want you to know your mother believes you'll only keep getting better.”

The guests couldn't contain their shock.

“Five percent of Delgado Group? That's worth over a hundred million! CEO Delgado really does spare nothing for her son.”

Kenneth shook his head.

“Mom, I appreciate it. But the company shares should stay with you. They represent years of hard work from you and Grandpa and Grandma. I can't just take them.”

Seeing how thoughtful and grounded he was, warmth filled my chest. I pressed the contract into his hands.

“Kenny, you're a Delgado. All of this will be yours eventually.”

He was about to refuse again when Max, a flash of greed behind his eyes, cut in with a smile.

“Just take it, Kenny. You don't want to hurt your mother's feelings.”

Kenneth accepted the contract, looked at me, and said with quiet sincerity:

“Mom, don't worry. As your son, as a Delgado, I won't let you down. I'll work even harder.”

My parents lit up, pulling Kenneth into their arms and presenting their own lavish gifts.

“That's a Delgado, all right. Got the family spine. Keep it up, Kenny. We're all counting on you to bring glory to this house.”

The rest of the guests crowded forward with gifts and congratulations, the room swelling with goodwill.

“CEO Delgado, you really are something. Raising a son this outstanding.”

“Top scorer in the state! If our family raised a boy like that, we'd be the luckiest people alive.”

“With a son this exceptional, the Delgado family's future is secured.”

“I'm jealous, honestly. Too bad he's a Delgado and not ours.”

I smiled and exchanged pleasantries as the compliments flowed. Then I glanced over at Max. His expression was off—glass after glass of liquor disappearing down his throat, as though something was eating at him.