The paper rattled softly in Clara's trembling hands.
Julian leaned in close so he could read every single word.
Victoria stood motionless near the base of the staircase.
She maintained her proud posture despite the growing suspense.
Julian: This test was ordered three weeks ago without our consent.
Evelyn: The trustees required full proof of biological relation.
Clara: You invaded our private home while we were away.
Evelyn: I did what Aunt Victoria asked me to do.
Victoria narrowed her eyes as she looked at Evelyn sharply.
She did not expect Evelyn to drop her name so quickly.
Victoria: I authorized a routine check for the estate lawyers.
Julian: You tried to invalidate my daughter's rightful custody claims.
Clara pointed at the official lab seal stamped on the bottom.
The stamp confirmed the document came from an accredited city lab.
Clara: Look at the probability percentage written right here, Julian.
Julian followed her finger down to the final conclusion paragraph.
His breath caught in his throat as he read the numbers.
The document showed a ninety nine point nine percent match.
It proved beyond any doubt that Julian was the biological father.
Julian: She is my daughter, just like we always knew.
Victoria: Let me see those papers right now.
Victoria snatched the legal document directly out of Julian's hands.
She pulled out her reading glasses and checked the stamped signature.
Her face went pale as she read the legal findings.
Victoria: This cannot be correct according to our family records.
Clara: Why do you hate the idea of my baby being family?
Victoria: Because your background does not fit our social circle.
Julian: That is the most cruel thing you have ever said.
Evelyn tried to slide toward the front door quietly.
Julian noticed her movement and called out across the room.
Julian: Stop right there, Evelyn!
Evelyn froze in her tracks near the heavy oak door.
Evelyn: I was just going to call the family divorce lawyer.
Clara: There will be no divorce lawyer because we are staying together.
Julian: But there will be a lawsuit for illegal DNA collection.
Evelyn turned around with a defensive look on her face.
Evelyn: I was only following orders from the trust board.
Victoria: Do not blame me for your clumsy actions, Evelyn.
Clara held her baby tighter against her shoulder with love.
She could see the cracks forming in the powerful family alliance.