Chapter 288: Do a DNA Test
Ruby was terrified by her mother's crazed demeanor. She frantically pushed away Ava's grasping hand. She glanced at her father, silently questioning his wife's sanity.
Sergio was equally shocked. While he disliked Damien, he wouldn't stoop to ruining his daughter's reputation to sabotage him; it wasn't worth it.
Damien, recovering from the shock, stepped forward, glaring at Ava. "You've lost your mind! She's my sister! How could you suggest such a thing? Do you despise me so much?" he scoffed. He believed Ava couldn't accept that the night hadn't gone as planned, making her obstinate. His passivity had led her to believe he'd tolerate anything.
Although usually indecisive regarding his mother, Damien would never accept blame for this. Ava, however, insisted he take responsibility to save his siblings from catastrophe.
"It's you! How dare you deny it? I witnessed it! You forced your sister! You're a monster! You're a bad seed, insane" Ava's terrifying expression intensified.
The onlookers were appalled.
"What on earth is she talking about? Has she gone mad?" Elaine exclaimed.
"She's insane," Roland said coldly.
Aiden sneered, "Let Damien lose hope; then she'll stop mentioning his supposed debt for being born."
Ines' cheeks flushed with frustration. "This is so unfair! Damien is so pitiful!"
Ava's malice was beyond description. Despite Damien not being her son, she slandered him, conveniently shifting blame for her children's flaws onto him.
The Quirks sighed, having initially sympathized with Ava's children, but now felt she deserved this karma.
Alexander observed the scene, recognizing the perfect opportunity. Though Damien had long been disappointed in Ava, he was still greatly agitated. A hand rested on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Deborah, her expression cool and detached.
Rarely proactive, Deborah stepped forward. "Mrs. Willis, before you slander others, remember Damien was under everyone's scrutiny earlier. After you drugged him, he was with me, then rescued by friends. Your daughter was with you in the ballroom. When did he have time?"
Deborah's explanation was unnecessary; anyone could see the truth. But she was determined to expose Ava's lies. Ava reacted with hostility, her composure shattered.
"Shut up, you insolent girl! He's my son! Are you implying a mother would lie about her own child?" Ava snapped, silencing everyone.
Then, a voice cut through the silence: "But what if you're not his biological mother?"
Ava stiffened, turning towards the speaker. Initially dismissed as gossip, the source—Alexander—shocked everyone. Alexander wasn't one to speak carelessly, especially accompanied by Isabella, the "Gossip Queen," and others.
Isabella, usually inscrutable, looked astonished. She silently breathed a sigh of relief. The Quirks were surprised by her reaction, as was Alexander, who shot a resigned glance at his wife. He then addressed the crowd, his gaze on Damien.
Damien, trusting Alexander, widened his eyes, pleadingly asking, "What do you mean?" He felt a strong urge to sever ties with Ava, hoping for a miracle from Alexander.
Though lacking proof, Alexander spoke confidently. "If Mrs. Willis isn't insane, then there's only one explanation: you're not her biological son. That's why she can hurt you, use you, and steal your position."
Many harbored similar suspicions, but dismissed them as mere grumbling.
"Nonsense!" Ava shrieked, her demeanor psychopathic. "He deserves this! I had a difficult childbirth because of him! My husband is dead because of him! He's the cause of all my misery!"
The Quirks were dumbfounded. Ava believed Damien's birth caused Jared's death, making her a widow and leaving her child fatherless. Absolute rubbish!
Alexander continued, "What about slandering him for an incestuous relationship with Ruby? The only reason you'd do that is" As Ava's eyes widened in horror, he coldly added, "to cover up the real incestuous relationship."
With the revelation that Damien wasn't her biological son, speculation ran rampant.
"Could Oliver be Mrs. Willis' son, and Damien Mrs. Lydia's? Did she switch them? They look alike!" Elaine exclaimed, fueling the fire. "Damien, do you want a DNA test?"
"No! That's not true! Damien is my son! Oliver and Ruby aren't siblings!" Ava bellowed, her frantic denial confirming Elaine's suspicions.
Sergio, understanding Ava better than anyone, was shocked, recognizing her guilt. Everyone exchanged surprised glances. Ruby then shrieked, clinging to Ava, "Oliver and I aren't siblings, right, Mom? Prove it!" Her phone, containing evidence, fell during the struggle.