By late afternoon, the family attorney arrived at the house with a briefcase full of documents.
Arthur Vance had been Mark's trusted legal counsel for more than twenty years.
He sat across from Mark in the grand library, reading through Sarah's folder carefully.
"This is solid work, Mark," Arthur said, tapping the certified hospital stamps with his pen.
"The DNA match is ninety-nine point nine percent accurate and legally binding in court," Arthur confirmed.
"What about Victoria's father and his legal threats against my company?" Mark asked straightforwardly.
"He has no legal leg to stand on once this evidence reaches the judge," Arthur answered.
"In fact, his corporate board will likely remove him to avoid a massive public scandal," Arthur added.
Sarah walked into the library carrying a tray of warm tea for everyone.
Little Bella was walking right beside her, holding onto Sarah's apron with a small smile.
Mark looked at his daughter, noticing how much she had grown without him knowing.
"Bella, come here for a second," Mark called out gently, holding out his hand.
The little girl hesitated for a moment before walking slowly toward his big armchair.
She climbed up onto his lap and rested her small head against his chest comfortably.
Mark held her close, feeling a deep sense of peace he had never known before.
"I missed so much of your life, sweetie," Mark whispered into her soft hair.
"Sarah told me you were working hard to build a home for us," Bella said innocently.
Mark looked up at Sarah with immense gratitude shining in his eyes.
"You kept her safe when everyone else was working against us," Mark said to Sarah.
"She is family, Mark. Lily would have wanted her to be with you," Sarah replied warmly.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the library slammed open with a loud bang.
Victoria's father, Richard, marched into the room followed by two corporate lawyers.
Richard was an elderly man with silver hair and an arrogant scowl on his face.
"What is the meaning of this foolishness, Mark?!" Richard barked, pointing a finger at Mark.
"You're kicking my daughter out over a domestic misunderstanding?" Richard demanded aggressively.
Arthur Vance stood up from his chair, pulling the legal folders into clear view.
"It is far more than a misunderstanding, Richard," Arthur said in a steady tone.
"We have proof of your illegal payments to hide Mark's child three years ago," Arthur stated.
Richard froze in his tracks, his arrogant scowl quickly fading into pure panic.