Chapter 4 - The Morning of Truth
The sun rose over the city skyline, casting a golden glow through the penthouse windows.
Maya hadn't slept a single wink all night.
She paced the floor, terrified that this beautiful dream was about to turn into a nightmare.
At exactly eight o'clock, Dr. Evans returned, clutching a manila folder to his chest.
Cassandra was already in the living room, sipping her morning espresso with a triumphant smirk.
Arthur stood up, his hands shaking as he approached the doctor.
"Well?" Arthur demanded, holding his breath.
Dr. Evans looked at Cassandra, sweating profusely under his expensive collar.
He opened the folder and pulled out the crisp white paper.
"Mr. Beaumont," the doctor stammered, clearing his throat nervously.
Cassandra's smirk grew wider, ready to watch Maya get thrown out into the garbage.
"The DNA test confirms..." the doctor paused, taking a deep breath.
"...that Maya is, with 99.9% certainty, your biological granddaughter."
Cassandra dropped her espresso cup, the expensive porcelain shattering into a hundred pieces on the floor.
"What did you just say?!" Cassandra shrieked, lunging at the doctor.
"You incompetent fool, read it again!"
Dr. Evans stepped back, refusing to meet her eyes.
"I am a doctor, Mrs. Beaumont, I do not take bribes to destroy families," he said firmly.
Arthur grabbed the paper, reading the results through his reading glasses.
Tears of pure joy spilled over his cheeks.
He turned and pulled Maya into a tight, desperate hug.
May you like
"Welcome home, Eleanor," he whispered.
Cassandra stood frozen in the corner, realizing her bribe had failed spectacularly.
