Chapter 1089: Paternity Test Report
The news of Jolencami's royal family's blessings from around the world—except Northfield—created a global sensation. Theodore, impatient, sat in Oscar's office, watching him read congratulatory messages. "How much longer?" he asked, noting only a few words remained.
Oscar looked up. "Theodore, give me a cigarette." Theodore obliged, lighting it while grumbling about the overflowing ashtray. "Besse and Doyle have been gone nearly half a year," he continued. "If they were coming back, they would have. They're probably getting married."
Oscar took a drag, recalling Besse's departure months ago. He'd always hoped she might return, perhaps regaining her memory or missing Northfield.
Theodore interrupted. "If you don't send congratulations, it could affect relations." He snatched an invitation card. "I'll send them. It's done."
Oscar reluctantly agreed, knowing he couldn't force Besse's return, though her absence pained him. His phone rang, interrupting them.
"Have you received the invitation?" Susan asked excitedly.
Oscar remained silent.
"I got one!" Susan continued. "I've booked a flight for Saturday. Are you going?" Three days remained. "You're not going, are you? You didn't receive one, did you?" she pressed, a smug tone in her voice.
"No," Oscar finally admitted.
"As I expected. Anything for Besse?" Susan asked pointedly.
Oscar avoided her question. "Aren't you due soon?" he countered.
"Not yet," Susan replied casually.
"Does Manuel approve of your trip?"
"If he says no, he'll lose both of us," Susan stated firmly.
Oscar pictured Susan's forceful persuasion of Manuel. "So, anything for Besse?"
"No."
"Really nothing?"
"Nothing."
"Boring," Susan said. "I thought you'd try to steal the bride."
Oscar hung up, leaning back in his chair, drained. Steal the bride? He laughed bitterly. It was impossible now.
His phone rang again. He answered without checking the caller ID.
"Manuel," the voice said. "Did Susan call?"
"Yes. She said you're going to a wedding tomorrow."
"Okay."
"I mean…do you want to come?"
"No, I didn't receive an invitation."
"You're just going to watch her marry someone else?"
"What else can I do?"
"Maybe she's waiting for you."
"She won't be."
"You have Salem."
Oscar fell silent. Salem was their connection, but he wasn't sure if it was enough for Besse. He wouldn't force her.
"I sent something to you," Manuel continued. "Look at it when it arrives. I'll go with Susan tomorrow. Wait for your good news."
Oscar hung up and Theodore re-entered, holding documents.
"Looks like something from Manuel, just for you," Theodore said, handing him the papers. "What is it? So cryptic?"
As Oscar began to open the package, Theodore leaned closer, eager for details. Oscar paused when Theodore's gaze met his. Theodore looked away, uninterested.
The documents read: "Parentage Testing Certificate. Appraisers: Besse and Salem."
Oscar's heart pounded. He knew the answer, yet dreaded seeing it confirmed. He hesitated, lips pursed tight.
Overhearing Manuel's call, Susan asked curiously, "What did you send Oscar? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Good stuff," Manuel chuckled.
"What exactly?"
"I can't tell you."
"Why?"
"Didn't you promise to listen if I let you go to the wedding? Must I tell you everything? Are you going back on your word? If so, I'll cancel the flight immediately."
Susan, never having won an argument with Manuel, took a deep breath. "Do you think Oscar will go to the wedding?"
"He will," Manuel stated firmly.
"Really?" Susan asked skeptically.
"We'll see," Manuel laughed. This was why he'd conceded; he didn't want to miss the drama.
"Go to bed early. We're flying tomorrow with a private doctor. Stay by my side in Jolencami. If you have problems, we return home immediately, regardless of the wedding."
"Manuel, you're not afraid I'll die with the baby, are you?"
"Then it would be three lives lost."