Chapter 3
We pulled up to the Parker estate. The mansion was brightly lit.
In the living room, Maxwell sat in his leather recliner.
He was rolling a heavy gold ring between his fingers. His face was unreadable.
He didn't even look up when we walked in.
"Dad! You have to do something!" She dropped to the floor beside his chair, sobbing hysterically. "Chloe has lost her mind.
"She's out there spreading lies, saying I'm not your real daughter. She's ruining the Parker name!"
Maxwell finally stopped spinning the ring.
He looked up. His gaze was incredibly sharp.
"Chloe," he said. His voice was low and raspy. "Are you absolutely sure about what you said tonight?"
I walked over and stood in front of him. I met his stare without flinching. "Maxwell, I merely offered a logical suggestion.
"It is a suggestion that could permanently solve the constant drama in this house."
Maxwell scoffed. "Gambling with the Parker family's reputation? You have a lot of nerve."
I smiled. "Aren't you even a little curious?
"You have been brilliant and ruthless your entire life. Logan might not have your fierce edge, but he is smart and reliable.
"So why is Grace so incredibly foolish, vicious, and completely oblivious?
"Doesn't that seem odd to you?"
"Excuse me?" Maxwell slammed his hand against the armrest and stood up.
He radiated pure intimidation.
If this were the old me, I would have backed down. But today, I stood my ground.
Grace kept wailing. "Dad! Don't listen to her. She's jealous because you love me!"
Maxwell glared at me. A long moment passed.
Slowly, the fury in his eyes began to fade. It was replaced by a deep, lingering suspicion.
My words had hit their mark.
He wasn't an idiot. He had been a shrewd businessman his whole life.
He had probably noticed the signs over the years, but he just never wanted to think about them.
Today, I ripped the blindfold off. He had no choice but to face reality.
"Fine." He slowly sat back down. "I will give you this chance. And I will get myself an answer."
He picked up his phone and dialed. "Dylan, contact the private lab downtown. I need an expedited paternity test.
"I want the team here tonight, and I want the results first thing tomorrow morning."
He hung up.
The living room fell dead silent.
Grace stopped crying. She slumped on the floor, looking completely terrified.