Chapter 403 A Stark Contrast
Ethan's words made it clear to Landon what was coming.
With a resigned glance at Liam, Landon sighed. "Liam, you can get up now."
Liam nodded and stood with Yara's assistance.
"Ethan, let's talk in the living room," Landon suggested.
Once they were all seated on the sofas, Ethan asked, "Landon, if Ashley truly isn't your sister, what will you do?"
After a moment's thought, Landon replied, "I already consider her my sister. Whether we share blood or not is irrelevant now."
Satisfied with this answer, Ethan nodded. "There are two simple ways to handle this situation—either conduct another DNA test with Ashley, or publicly announce her acceptance into the White family. Choose one."
Landon frowned. "We've already done three DNA tests that were discredited. I see no point in doing another."
"But something still feels off about this whole situation," Liam interjected hesitantly.
Landon shot him a disapproving glare.
Just then, footsteps approached from outside.
"There's definitely no need for more DNA testing!" Mia announced as she entered.
Everyone stood in surprise as Mia appeared, followed by Ashley supporting John.
Ethan's face lit up with joy after not seeing Ashley for two days. "Darling, you're back!" he exclaimed, rushing to greet her.
Ashley gave him a sweet smile and nodded.
"Dad, Mom, please come in and sit down," Ethan welcomed them.
Once everyone was seated, Landon asked, "Mom, what do you mean?"
Mia gazed at Ashley with tender affection. "Even without a DNA report, I can say with absolute certainty that Hayes is my child."
The White brothers exchanged glances.
"Why are you so certain?" Landon asked skeptically.
Mia smiled. "Do you remember how I mentioned my long-lost daughter had birthmarks on her collarbone and behind her ear?"
Both brothers nodded. "Yes, we remember."
"Well, the birthmark behind her ear holds a secret," Mia revealed.
"What kind of secret?"
Mia stepped forward and gently touched the birthmark behind Ashley's ear. "Everyone in our family line has this birthmark. When I gave birth to you two boys, neither of you inherited it. But this birthmark was passed down from me to Hayes."
With unwavering confidence, Mia continued, "So even without DNA tests, I know Ashley is my daughter by our family trait. This birthmark's color and shape are unique to our family line!"
"Thank you for trusting me, Mom," Ashley said with a warm smile.
Life had its mysteries—how a birthmark could be passed from mother to child, only to disappear from the mother's body!
"Hayes," Mia said tenderly, "when your babies are born, one of them will surely inherit this birthmark too. I'm excited to see which one will carry it."
The White brothers exchanged glances before Landon said, "I see. That explains it."
Then Landon suddenly asked, "Ashley, why did you return so suddenly?"
"William visited the town and heard about what happened in Aurora today. Knowing the urgency, he let me leave a day early, so we came back," Ashley explained. "I saw everything online as soon as we landed."
Ethan squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, darling. I'll handle everything."
Ashley squeezed back. "I'm fine."
In truth, after seeing the news, she was more concerned about Ethan. She had suspected for some time that Ethan might not be James's son, and now with these rumors spreading widely, she was worried for him.
Landon declared, "So Ashley is indeed our sister. There's no need for further testing. As for the online rumors, our PR department will issue an official response."
Mia and John nodded in agreement.
John, now appearing much more lucid, stated firmly, "Ashley is my daughter. There can be no mistake about that."
"Landon, Liam," Mia added, "trust our judgment. We would never misidentify our own child."
Ashley smiled and joked, "If you're still uncertain, we could always do another DNA test."
"That won't be necessary," John insisted. "We are family, period."
The five of them formed a circle, hands tightly clasped together, creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging.
Watching this touching family scene, Ethan couldn't help but contrast it with James's earlier reaction. The stark difference pained him deeply.
While grateful for the White family's trust in Ashley, he felt deeply disappointed by James's lack of faith in him.
Liam finally spoke up. "So Landon, you're not mad at me anymore, right? If I hadn't been convinced Ashley was our sister, we might have missed out for who knows how long!"
"Don't get too cocky," Landon warned, but everyone laughed, the atmosphere light and harmonious.
Liam turned to Ethan. "Ethan, what about your situation? What will you do?"
Ashley had been wanting to ask the same question, and now looked expectantly at Ethan.
Ethan gave Ashley a gentle smile, noticing her concern. He stroked her hair and said, "James and I have arranged to go to the hospital tomorrow for a DNA test."
Though he appeared calm, only Ashley could understand the deep sorrow hidden in his eyes.
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