Chapter 820 I'm Here to See My Siste
"So far, only you. I arranged for another doctor to conduct the test anonymously. He's aware of the results but not the source of the DNA, and I know the source but not the results."
To avoid raising any suspicion, Rosy chose not to look at the test results. When working for influential people, the most important rule is to be prudent and keep oneself safe; knowing less often meant more security.
"Alright, thanks," Samuel said as he placed the test results back into the paper bag. He took a couple of steps, then paused, turned around, and added, "I heard you took care of Natalie before. Thank you for that!"
With those words, he entered the elevator and left the hospital.
It took Rosy a moment to realize that the 'Natalie' Samuel mentioned was indeed Natalie. But what does it have to do with the Hastings family that she took care of Natalie? The relationship between the Hastings family and Natalie was notoriously strained. How could someone from the Hastings family cooperate with Oliver on a DNA test?
…
Oliver received a call from Rosy, who informed him that the test results had been handed over to Samuel.
When Oliver asked Samuel for it, the latter said, "I want to see my sister."
They were all presidents, but Oliver rarely encountered someone as shameless as Samuel.
"I can have Rosy go to the testing department and inquire," Oliver said, unperturbed by Samuel’s demeanor. Initially, he had Rosy conduct the test precisely to minimize the risk of being threatened by Samuel.
Samuel felt at a loss for words.
"I heard you weren't very nice to Lucas, your fake brother-in-law, before. Now, you're not being very nice to me, your legitimate brother-in-law. When my sister divorces you, I advise her to divorce you instead of trying to solve the conflict."
Samuel's persistence paid off, and he received an invitation to the Rosewood Estate. It was already late summer, and Paykston was still experiencing a hot and humid climate. Fortunately, the Rosewood Estate, nestled among mountains and waters, offered a serene and cooler retreat.
Upon arriving, Samuel noticed a graceful figure seated in a chair in the small garden outside the main building, deeply engrossed in a book.
The distance was too far to see the title, but it was evident from the cover that the book was not published domestically.
"She used to like to read alone in the corner when she was a child. I used to tell my grandmother that she might have autism and needed to be checked," Samuel said with a sigh as he reminisced.
Oliver remembered those days. Natalie, the eldest, was only six years old at the time. He thought that it was no wonder that his wife was so intelligent. It seemed her sharp mind was a natural gift, and she had been diligent and studious from a young age.
"And then?" Oliver prompted.
Samuel chuckled ruefully, remembering the outcome of his diagnosis suggestion. He had been scolded for that 'autism' remark, but he chose not to share that part. He said, "She really didn't seem like a normal child. At the age of five, she would accompany our grandmother to church and listen to the prayers intently. I used to fall asleep just listening, but her eyes were wide open!"
He continued, "Back then, little girls usually played with dolls, right? She preferred Lego! And she could speak four languages from four different countries by the age of five! It was quite unusual!"
Unfortunately, after the accident, the once brilliant 'Susan' was no longer a prodigy. She found the Bible dull and froze at the sight of dolls in the mall. It seemed she had lost her genius aura and become an ordinary person. At the time, the family thought she had just been frightened and her personality had changed. In reality, someone had taken her place.
"Samuel, can you describe her properly?" Oliver asked unhappily.
'What do you mean by not 'a normal child'?'
Samuel retorted, "Oh, then you don't want to listen anymore? Fine, I won't say anymore."
Samuel's expression was smug.
Oliver had been listening intently to the stories about Natalie's childhood. How could he not want to hear more about the wife he barely knew?
Samuel sensed Oliver's interest and continued to say, "If you're still interested, invite me over again, and I'll share a bit more each time."
Oliver's expression seemed to say, 'You can leave now'. He thought it would be more straightforward to use his authority to inquire directly at the appraisal department.
"I have your wife's childhood photos, from when she was born until she was about five or six years old," Samuel mentioned after noticing Oliver's disinterest. However, he also saw Oliver's expression change after he said those words. He continued, "My sister was so beautiful as a child, chubby and very cute. All the little boys in our street adored her, and the boys who brought her snacks every day could fill your house."
Those young boys could only line up to admire his sister's beauty, and as for the snacks, only the ones he bought were acceptable.
Oliver felt a pang of envy. Maybe, just for the photos, he could tolerate his crazy brother-in-law.
"By the way, these are appraisal results…" Samuel said, bringing the original appraisal book and tossing it to Oliver.
Oliver narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
'Same father and mother?'
He wondered whether he should simply hand this result to Lucas and let him handle it, or if he should have a moment of conscience and spare Lucas the worry for now.
While Oliver pondered over the results, Samuel approached Natalie casually.
The book in Natalie's hand delved into medieval Western European culture. From a professional perspective, understanding such cultural depth could enhance one's interpretation of themes during show productions and photo shoots, enabling a more authentic presentation.
Natalie was still engrossed in the contents when a shadow fell across her page. She heard someone ask, "Natalie, why do you look so unhappy?"
Looking up, Natalie saw Samuel standing nonchalantly in front of her. She looked at him, puzzled, and asked, "Samuel, why are you acting so familiar with me?"
Samuel asked, feigning ignorance. "Is that so?"
"What's wrong with you?" Natalie’s gaze shifted to Oliver, who was approaching.
Surprisingly, Oliver, who was usually unfriendly, showed no signs of wanting to dismiss Samuel.
"When did you two become so close?" she asked, eyeing Oliver and Samuel with suspicion.
"Who's close to him?"
"You're overthinking it."
They responded simultaneously, each of their voices laden with mutual disdain.
Natalie, too lazy to engage further, already had a vague guess in mind.
Oliver signaled to the maid who was nearby, instructing her to look after Natalie. He then took the appraisal documents back to the study, a place where such sensitive materials were best kept secure.
Oliver had reasons to be cautious around Lucas, as Lucas was not Natalie's biological brother. Natalie, however, harbored a deep affection for Lucas, which complicated matters. Samuel, on the other hand, was her biological brother. While Samuel might seem unreliable, his leadership had steered the Hastings family to new heights.
"Nat…" Samuel attempted.
"Don't call me that," Natalie responded tersely.
Undeterred, Samuel searched for another angle, saying, "I'm older than you. Why can't I call you that? In fact, I'm also older than your husband!"
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