Chapter 6: The Paper Trail
Chapter 6: The Paper Trail
Jason swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat. His composed, wealthy facade was completely dissolving.
“Doctor,” Jason stammered, holding up a hand. “We can handle this privately. I’ll call your office in the morning.”
Dr. Ellis looked at the man he had known since childhood with profound, unmistakable disappointment.
“No, Jason. We will not wait until morning.”
He walked slowly forward, his footsteps heavy on the marble, and placed the thick, sealed envelope directly in the center of the dining table, right next to the floral centerpiece.
“You made this a public matter the moment you allowed your heavily pregnant wife to be humiliated and interrogated in front of her family.”
Margaret’s eyes flashed with residual, desperate arrogance. She was a woman who never lost.
“Careful, Doctor Ellis. You are an employee of this family.”
Dr. Ellis did not flinch. He did not look away.
“I have been careful for thirty years, Margaret. I have kept your secrets. I have managed your scandals.”
He paused, his voice dropping into a register of pure regret.
“Too careful.”
Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. She stepped forward, ignoring the ache in her back.
“What does that mean?”
Dr. Ellis broke the wax seal on the envelope. The sound of tearing paper seemed deafening.
“The prenatal paternity results you requested are clear.”
The room froze. Even the air conditioning seemed to stop humming.
Dr. Ellis looked dead into Jason’s panicked eyes.
May you like
“The child is yours.”
Olivia closed her eyes. She didn't cry tears of relief, because she had never doubted herself. She closed her eyes because of the agonizing, painful reality that truth can still destroy you when it has to prove something that basic love and trust should have protected.
