Chapter 434: DNA Paternity Test

Nora’s heart was in turmoil, but she forced herself to remain calm. Olive's background must remain hidden; otherwise, years of planning and everything Crystal possessed would vanish. Nora smiled and said, “Damien, why do you say that? I was the woman that night. We haven't communicated in years, but you still remember. I admit I approached you to have a baby. I used artificial insemination—I wanted to… steal your genes. Who could have imagined…?” Nora displayed an embarrassed expression.

Damien remained silent, calmly observing her as if contemplating something. Nora knew her confession wasn't entirely false. He must have seen Joyce's discarded insemination tube that night. Nevertheless, she felt incredibly nervous under his quiet gaze. His eyes, though not sharp, felt like X-rays, piercing the depths of her heart. She couldn't fathom his thoughts. Damien then stood and left.

“Damien,” Nora interrupted hastily, “I’ve done wrong, and I’ve paid the price, but Crystal is our biological daughter. You must care for her. She’s been cherished for twenty years, loved by her parents, and will be loved by her husband. You must help her plan her life. Crystal loves Elvis; you must help her marry into the Augustine family.”

Damien didn't pause, his imposing figure quickly disappearing. Crystal emerged as Damien exited the car.

At an academic forum, Damien’s invitation to visit Nora in prison prompted Crystal to sever ties, yet a nagging feeling persisted, particularly regarding her father’s relationship with Olive. This led to her visit. Nora possessed valuable information.

Nora had been seeking a meeting with Crystal, but Damien’s awareness of the hidden truth necessitated a confession. “Number 19, you have another visitor,” the guard announced. Upon seeing Crystal, Nora exclaimed, “Crystal, you came! How are you?” Nora took Crystal's hand, but its calluses from recent work caused Crystal to recoil in disgust. “Mom, I have something to tell you.”

Nora’s lips tightened, “What is it?”

“Dad truly cares for Olive. That temptress is shameless. She's involved with Elvis and now wants to seduce Dad. What does she want? To be my stepmother?”

“I don’t understand Dad's feelings. What kind of woman does he want? Why Olive? He doesn't just care for her, does he?”

“Mom, what should I do? Grandma warned me against causing trouble.” Nora's heart sank; Olive had clearly captivated Damien.

“Crystal, you misunderstand. Your father has no romantic interest in Olive.”

“Then what kind of concern?”

“Crystal, I have a secret: You are not your father’s biological daughter. Olive is!”

Crystal gasped, leaping from her chair in disbelief. “You… what are you saying? I'm not my father’s daughter? I’m a Robert! Olive… Olive is from a lowly background; how can she compare…?”

“Crystal, it’s true. You must accept Olive as your father’s biological daughter, the true Robert, and you… are not.”

Crystal’s legs gave way; she slumped back into the chair. Her background was her pride, her life’s foundation. Olive, the lost daughter of the Hart family, was insignificant in Imperial society. Yet, Nora revealed Olive as the true Robert daughter, leaving Crystal devastated.

“Mom, what do I do? Dad’s already suspicious because of Olive.” Crystal looked to Nora for help.

“Crystal, your background and Olive's must remain hidden. You must plan your future. You'll marry. Before your father and grandmother discover the truth, arrange to marry Elvis. Becoming a lady of the Augustine family will secure your future.”

Crystal nodded eagerly. She wanted to marry Elvis, but… “Mom, I told Dad, but he didn't promise. He told me not to think about it.”

“Crystal, you must find a way. You are still his daughter, and he loves you. If he agrees, you can marry Elvis!”

Crystal, though struggling to accept the truth, steadied herself. She had to act; she couldn't afford to fail.

Returning home, she neared her father's study and overheard: “Sir, this is your and Miss Hart’s hair. I’ll send it for a DNA paternity test; the results will be swift.”

Crystal's heart pounded. A paternity test? Through a crack in the door, she saw the butler holding a sealed bag containing two hairs. She froze; her father had acted swiftly, securing Olive’s hair for the test.