Chapter 586 Old Photos
Due to the heightened scrutiny surrounding the matter, the DNA test results were expedited. Two days later, the three test results were released consecutively.
Lilian, with great pomp, orchestrated a press conference, extending invitations to nearly every reporter she could reach. The subject had sparked discussions since early morning, with countless gossip-hungry netizens eagerly preparing snacks, anticipating the biggest gossip of the year.
At ten o'clock, the staff members brought the three test results to the venue, one after the other. Lilian awaited Darwin's arrival with bated breath. However, to everyone's surprise, after an extended wait, only Anthony made an appearance.
"Where's Darwin?" Jason, disregarding the fact that they were still on air, couldn't help but frown and inquire, "Shouldn't Darwin be present for such a significant event?"
"Apologies, today is Darwin's family day. His schedule was arranged in advance. I am his attorney and can handle this matter on his behalf," Anthony responded, glancing at Lilian. "Lilian, everyone is awaiting the results. You may commence the announcement."
"Family day?" The crowd below was in an uproar. It was the day slated for the revelation of the paternity test results, yet Darwin was nowhere to be seen, opting instead to spend the day with his wife and children. Lilian's complexion paled visibly, her composure shaken.
"Then let's proceed with the announcement!" Lilian's voice trembled as she spoke.
Her mind was filled with fury as she thought to herself, 'Darwin, I gave you a chance! But you ignored me, blocked my number, and refused to meet and communicate with me! Now, it's time for you to face the consequences!'
Lilian had deliberated on the matter. If Darwin still harbored feelings for her and was willing to forsake Fiona to assume responsibility for the child she carried, she wouldn't have blown the matter out of proportion. All she had ever desired from the beginning was to wed Darwin!
His infatuation with Fiona, that despicable woman, was unforeseen by all. Therefore, her ruthlessness should not be solely blamed!
The first test result announced was from Darwin's side. "No biological relationship."
"What?" Lilian stared at the staff members in disbelief. "Are you kidding? There must be an error!"
"Lilian, this is the result from our center, and it is unequivocally accurate!"
"Have you been bribed by Darwin?" Jason sneered, gesturing to the second result they had procured independently. "Continue!"
They proceeded to announce the second test result. "No biological relationship."
Both Lilian and Jason were dumbfounded.
"Has Darwin bribed you as well? How can there be no biological relationship?"
Lilian stepped forward and seized the test result. Although she couldn't decipher the diagrams, the absence of a biological relationship in the results was evident.
"And there's one more! Announce it now! Quickly!" Jason urged; his panic palpable.
"No, they've all been bribed by Darwin. These test results are all fake! I need to redo the test, I have to!" Lilian seemed to have anticipated that the third result would be the same and immediately stopped Jason.
"Yes! They've all been bribed! We need to redo the test!" Jason was flustered.
"Lilian, Jason, I implore you not to defame us. We have not accepted any bribes. The test results are legally sound and compliant; we are subject to audit at any time!" The representatives from the third testing center voiced their displeasure.
"Since the tests have been conducted, it would be prudent to announce the results," Anthony said as he adjusted his glasses.
The representatives from the third testing center proceeded formally, "Our test results also indicate that there is no biological relationship."
Lilian felt as though lightning had struck her.
"It's impossible!" She exclaimed at the top of her lungs.
The embryos implanted in Lilian's womb were unmistakably conceived using Darwin's sperm. It was undeniable that they shared a genetic bond. Darwin must have tampered with something.
Anthony promptly chimed in, saying, "All right, as per Lilian's request, I, as the representative, have already cooperated with the paternity test last night. Now, as you've all seen the results, Darwin's legal team will officially commence litigation against Lilian and Mr. Jason for disseminating rumors and tarnishing my client's reputation on the internet, resulting in direct damage to his reputation and indirect economic losses."
With that, Anthony, ever the gentleman, nodded slightly at the live camera. "During the litigation process, our law firm will provide full disclosure."
After concluding his statement, Anthony departed.
Jason hurriedly turned off the live broadcast, paying Lilian no heed as he departed amidst a swarm of media personnel.
Lilian collapsed to the ground, muttering to herself, "It's impossible, absolutely impossible."
At that moment, internet onlookers were left reeling by the outcome.
"What on earth? I was expecting a scandal involving an illegitimate child and to witness Fiona's reaction to being deceived! Is this the outcome?"
"Is Lilian out of her mind? Spreading such ludicrous rumors?"
"Hilarious. No wonder Fiona remained composed; she likely knew long ago that the child was not Darwin's, correct?"
"Now, the question arises, did Darwin truly claim Fiona was the only one? As someone with a fear of emotional impurity, I am genuinely intrigued!"
"My husband has been friends with Darwin since childhood. According to him, when Darwin pursued Lilian, he was genuinely innocent and shy, too embarrassed to even hold her hand. However, Lilian betrayed Darwin and married another man while he was seriously injured. Consequently, Darwin grew distant. Then he found Fiona, the one who stood by him during his lowest moments. After the plane crash, Darwin was focused on making money, reducing contact with my husband. Nonetheless, my husband and his friends are adamant: if Darwin asserted that Fiona was the sole object of his affection, it must be true."
Upon reading the comment, several netizens mocked it. Nevertheless, someone ventured to check the Twitter page of the commenter and returned with astonishing news.
"Hey folks, let's refrain from mocking others for deceit. I checked her profile, and it appears her husband is the heir to a hotel group and owns a prominent bar in Bay City. It's entirely plausible that he is Darwin's childhood friend!"
The young woman who made the comment on Twitter faced significant backlash. Likely upset, she swiftly shared a few photos on Twitter.
Upon seeing the photos, one of the netizens commented, "Why fabricate such tales? They were indeed childhood friends!"
The photos comprised of three images.
The first photo depicted Darwin alongside five other individuals, including the commenter's husband. Everyone appeared youthful, particularly Darwin, who, despite his typically aloof demeanor, exuded a surprising charm.
The second photo featured the same group, albeit slightly older. Standing beside Darwin was Lilian.
The third photo, the most revealing, captured a candid moment at a party. Fiona, dressed plainly, leaned against a window, gazing at the night skyline with evident contentment. The night breeze tousled her hair as she savored the moment.
Standing closer to the camera, Darwin held a cigarette between slender fingers, his face slightly flushed from alcohol. His disheveled appearance contrasted with his intense gaze fixed upon Fiona, brimming with possessiveness.