Chapter 8 - THE UNDENIABLE BLOOD
By noon, the Ashford estate was a fortress. Paparazzi surrounded the iron gates, but Nathaniel’s private security kept them at bay. Inside, a private medical team had arrived to conduct a discrete, rapid-result DNA test, just to ensure there were absolutely no legal loopholes Vanessa’s family could exploit.
They sat in the study waiting for the results. Lily was asleep on the sofa, exhausted from the excitement of her new toys and her new bedroom.
Grace stood by the window, looking out at the sprawling, manicured gardens. "I never wanted this life for her," she said softly. "The cameras, the scandals. I just wanted her to be safe."
Nathaniel stepped up behind her. He didn't touch her, respecting her boundaries, but his presence was a warm, solid comfort. "I know. And I am sorry that my world is so loud. But I swear to you, Grace, I will build a wall around you both. Nobody will touch her. And nobody will touch you."
Grace turned to look at him. "Why are you doing all this, Nathaniel? I know she's your daughter, but you don't know me. I kept her from you for three years. You have every right to hate me."
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened, filled with a profound sorrow. "Hate you? Grace, you gave me the only real, pure thing I have ever had in my miserable, money-obsessed life. You kept her safe when I was too blind to see the vipers in my own inner circle. You sacrificed your dignity to clean my floors just to be near me. I don't hate you."
He reached out, his fingertips gently grazing her uninjured cheek. "I revere you."
The door opened softly, and a doctor stepped in holding a sealed folder. "Mr. Ashford. The results have been verified by three independent labs."
Nathaniel took the folder. He didn't even open it. He just looked at the doctor. "And?"
"99.99% match, sir. Lily Carter is your biological daughter."
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Nathaniel closed his eyes, a heavy, ragged sigh escaping his lips. He walked over to the sofa and dropped to his knees beside the sleeping child. He rested his forehead against her small, warm hand. The billionaire, the ruthless corporate titan, wept quietly.
Grace walked over and placed her hand on his broad shoulder. For the first time in four years, they were no longer strangers in the dark. They were a family.
