Secret Dynasty (The Dynasties Book 3) by Geneva Lee

Author:Geneva Lee [Lee, Geneva]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Estate
Published: 2021-11-08T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

I took the steps down two at a time, but before I reached the bottom of the stairs, Tod Belmond appeared in the foyer. His face was white as if he’d just seen a ghost. I paused, noticing an envelope clenched in his hands.

“This arrived for you,” he said in a strained voice and held out the letter.

I took the last few stairs slowly, unsure I wanted to take it. Whatever it was, it had upset him. He passed me the envelope. It was addressed to Kerrigan Belmond, and my heart stuttered when I saw the return address. I flipped it over, surprised to see it was still sealed.

“You didn’t open it,” I said.

“I don’t have to open it.” His hands remained balled at his sides.

If he hadn’t seen what was inside, why was he so upset?

“Go on,” he urged.

“Maybe I should…” I don’t know why the laboratory had sent a letter to me. I’d put Eliza’s address on the forms. Now I was on the spot. I could open the envelope in front of Tod or I could try to bluff over its contents. Truthfully, I didn’t know what was inside.

“Open it,” he demanded. “I want to see your face.”

I could feel my pulse in my fingers as I broke the seal. The room grew hotter as I withdrew two pieces of paper. I unfolded the top one.

Attn: Kerrigan Belmond,

Per request, please find a copy of your receipt.

It was a receipt. They’d sent a copy to the billing address I’d entered for my card. But my relief was short-lived when I read the following sentences.

A copy of your test results has been included for your files.

I didn’t look up. I couldn’t find the strength to lift my head. But I felt Tod’s wary gaze on me as I sifted the sheets and read the second sheet of paper.

There were two columns for each sample followed by numbers and words that meant nothing to me. The only thing that stood out was that each line was exactly the same. My heart stopped when they reached the final lines.

Probability of match: 100%

Based on the DNA samples provided, our laboratory has confirmed they came from the same individual.

The paper fluttered to the ground, my hands unable to hold its weight. I stared at where it had fallen. Everything felt numb.

“You really didn’t know,” Tod finally broke the silence.

A tear rolled down my cheek. I didn’t look up even as more fat, hot drops followed.

“Perhaps we should call Dr. Simmons,” he suggested.

I shook my head. There was too much to process, but I wasn’t ready to face the therapist again. Everything he’d said was true. I searched for an explanation for the results.

“How do I know you didn’t tamper with them?” I asked in a shaky voice.

“Do you really think I’m so desperate to fool you that I would lie to my own daughter?” Sadness echoed in his voice, and I turned my gaze up to face him. He stared back at me, his face etched in worry.

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