Chapter 411 Ashley's First Time Holding a Baby
As the police escorted Hawk away, whispers and stares followed them through the crowd.
Back in the office, Ethan gave George's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Now that Hawk will face justice, perhaps you can finally let go of your hatred."
"Ethan," George asked, his voice uncertain, "what he said about my dad having an illegitimate child... could it be true?"
Ethan sighed. "You should look into it."
George bit his lip, his face ashen. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I'll call you later," and hurried out, heading straight for the address Hawk had mentioned.
Ethan watched him go with a shake of his head. Hawk's machinations, while seemingly born of a broken heart, revealed deeper ambitions. During James's five-year tenure at the Yates Group, Hawk had deliberately poached numerous contracts—clear evidence of his ruthless determination.
Massaging his temple, Ethan reflected on the realization that his own kidnapping had been mere collateral damage in Hawk's vendetta.
This reminded him of something that had been pushed aside by recent events: hearing Mia call Ashley "Hayes" during their time in the countryside. He'd suspected Ashley might be the little girl who had helped him all those years ago.
Checking the time and seeing it was past noon, Ethan called Ashley.
"Where are you, darling?" he asked when she answered.
"Having lunch with Pauline," Ashley replied. "We're heading to Sienna's afterward to see my godson. Is everything okay?"
"There's something I want to discuss with you in person, but it can wait," Ethan said.
"Alright." There was a pause, and Ashley's voice lowered as if she'd moved somewhere private. "Did you and Dad do the DNA test?"
"Yes. The doctor said results should be back within three days."
"Don't stress too much," Ashley said gently. "Whatever the outcome, I'm here for you. Always."
Her concern made Ethan smile. "You're wonderful. I need to get back to work now, but I'll pick you up at the Weiss mansion tonight."
"Perfect."
After ending the call, Pauline found Ashley tucked away in a corner. "There you are! Ready to head to Sienna's?"
"Absolutely," Ashley said, linking arms with her friend.
At the Weiss mansion, Sienna waited eagerly by the entrance. When she spotted their car, she waved excitedly. "Ashley! Pauline!"
The three women embraced warmly.
"It's been too long," Sienna exclaimed. "I've missed you both!"
"We've missed you too!"
Jessa Greer, Nathan's mother, appeared in the doorway. "Sienna! You just had a baby—you shouldn't be outside!"
"She's right," Ashley agreed. "Let's get you back inside."
Once settled in the living room, Ashley nodded politely to Jessa. "Hello."
Jessa, clearly familiar with Ashley, returned the greeting. "Make yourselves comfortable."
"Where's my godson?" Pauline asked eagerly.
"In the nursery. I'll take you to him."
Jessa led them into a warmly decorated room where an elegant crib held a chubby-cheeked infant sucking on his fingers. When he noticed them, he broke into a delighted gurgle.
"He's absolutely adorable!" Pauline gushed.
At nearly a month old, the baby's features had filled out considerably from his wrinkled newborn days.
"What's his name?" Ashley asked.
Sienna's face softened. "Nathan named him Kieran Weiss."
"Kieran?" Ashley repeated. As if responding to his name, the baby smiled at her.
"Look! He's smiling at me!" Ashley exclaimed. "May I hold him?"
"Of course," Sienna said, carefully lifting Kieran and placing him in Ashley's arms.
Ashley froze, holding the baby with obvious inexperience, terrified of hurting him. She marveled at how soft he felt, with his sweet milk scent, like holding a precious treasure.
Sienna covered her smile at Ashley's rigid posture.
"Your baby-holding technique is hilarious," Pauline teased. "Didn't you take any prenatal classes? You need to support him like this." She demonstrated the proper position. "Adjust before he gets uncomfortable!"
Still stiff with anxiety, Ashley whimpered, "I'm afraid I'll drop him if I move!"
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