CHAPTER 26 — BEATRICE’S DAUGHTER
The laboratory doors sealed.
Evelyn stared at the file.
Beatrice Thorne.
The woman who had humiliated her, monitored her, and helped destroy her life.
Her biological mother.
Julian looked sick.
“We were married.”
Mara continued reading.
“The genetic connection is maternal, but the file may have been altered.”
“Run the test,” Evelyn said.
Mara took a sample from the blood on Evelyn’s shoulder bandage.
Nathan had recovered a blood sample belonging to Beatrice from the ballroom.
The portable analyzer began processing.
Wren stood near the wall.
“The Choir changes family records to control loyalty.”
Julian paced across the room.
“If Beatrice knew, she never would have allowed our marriage.”
Evelyn looked at him.
“You still believe there are things she wouldn’t allow?”
The result appeared.
MATERNAL MATCH: 99.98%
No one spoke.
Julian turned away.
Nathan closed his eyes.
Evelyn felt strangely calm.
Perhaps there were too many betrayals for one more to hurt.
A video began playing on the wall.
Beatrice appeared much younger, lying in a hospital bed.
Daniel stood beside her holding a newborn.
“You promised she would be protected,” Beatrice said.
“She will be powerful,” Daniel replied.
“That is not the same thing.”
“No. It is better.”
Beatrice tried to reach for the baby.
Daniel carried her away.
The video ended.
Evelyn whispered, “He stole me.”
Another clip appeared.
Beatrice stood before Celeste.
“If you raise her, she can never know.”
Celeste answered, “Then stay away from her.”
Beatrice’s eyes filled with tears.
“I will watch from a distance.”
Evelyn remembered Beatrice attending her school events under different names.
Watching from cars.
Standing at her father’s funeral.
Her hatred had not begun with cruelty.
It had begun with loss.
That did not forgive what came later.
But it changed the shape of everything.
The speaker activated again.
“Evelyn, proceed to the central chamber.”
Mara checked the system.
“No other exits.”
They entered a circular room.
A man sat behind a glass wall.
His face was hidden.
Beside him stood Beatrice, alive and unrestrained.
Evelyn stepped forward.
“You knew I was your daughter.”
Beatrice placed one hand against the glass.
“I knew.”
“Then why did you let me marry Julian?”
Beatrice looked at him with disgust.
“Because Julian Thorne is not my biological son.”
Nathan whispered, “Then whose son is he?”
The hidden man stood.
“Mine.”
He stepped into the light.
May you like
Gabriel Reed smiled at Julian.
“Hello, son.”
