Chapter 427 Ethan's Biological Father
The video footage, a grainy security recording from over thirty years ago, revealed just enough detail to make out the figures despite its poor quality.
In the footage, a young Doris, visibly intoxicated, entered a hotel lobby. She collided with someone, causing both their keycards to fall to the floor. Unknowingly, they picked up each other's cards before going their separate ways.
The recording then showed Doris approaching a hotel room, swiping the card, and entering. Later footage captured Garrett entering the same room.
As the video ended, both stared at the screen in disbelief.
"Garrett, who sent this USB drive? What are they after?" Doris asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Garrett's expression darkened. "I'll have someone look into it."
He turned to Doris, his eyes searching hers. "So it was you that night at the hotel thirty years ago?"
"I'm just as shocked as you are," she replied, her hands trembling. "I never knew it was you."
They clasped hands, overwhelmed by the revelation. Doris voiced what they were both thinking, "Garrett, could Ethan possibly be your..."
"I believe he is," Garrett interrupted, his voice unsteady. "I never imagined Ethan could be my son." He paused, his expression hardening. "Whoever sent this video is likely one of my political opponents. They've somehow obtained this old footage, and I suspect this is just the beginning of their plan."
"What should we do?" Doris worried. "Your election campaign is at stake. Could they use this against you?"
"Don't worry about the election," he assured her. "I still have an 80% chance of winning. Let's speak with Ethan and get a DNA test done."
When they approached Ethan with the situation, he was stunned but agreed to the DNA test without hesitation.
Three days later, the results confirmed what they had suspected: Ethan was indeed Garrett's biological son.
Garrett's hands shook as he held the report. "Ethan, you really are my son!" he exclaimed, embracing him tightly.
Ethan stood awkwardly, unsure whether to return the hug or step back. The whole situation seemed surreal to him.
"Dad..." he said with a half-smile, the word feeling foreign on his tongue.
Tears welled in Garrett's eyes. "My boy, I'm sorry for all you've endured. From now on, we'll make sure you never suffer again."
"It's alright," Ethan replied quietly. "That's all in the past."
"Ethan," Garrett said, "I need to return to Ferndale for work. Would you consider coming with me?"
"What do you do there?" Ethan asked.
"I'm currently the Deputy Prime Minister of Gold Valley District, running for the throne this year. It's a crucial time for me."
Ethan couldn't help but laugh at the irony. First, he'd discovered he was born into a wealthy family. Now his biological father turned out to be a high-ranking foreign official.
"You've left the business world behind," Garrett continued. "Perhaps you'd consider entering politics with me in Ferndale. I believe you'd excel there."
After some consideration, Ethan nodded. "Alright." The prospect of having purpose again appealed to him after feeling lost for so long.
Garrett beamed. "Excellent! I'll arrange for tickets. Pack your things—we leave today."
"So soon?" Ethan asked, surprised.
"Yes, someone's circulating that USB drive back home, causing quite a scandal. My opponents are trying to damage my reputation. I need to address this immediately."
As Ethan packed his minimal belongings, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was forgetting something important.
Shell Island
The woman slowly opened her eyes, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Water..." she rasped.
"You're finally awake," Atticus said, helping her sit up and bringing a glass of warm water to her lips.
After drinking half the glass, she looked around. "Where am I?"
"You're on my boat," Atticus explained. "You've been unconscious for six weeks. Our island's medical facilities are limited, so I'm taking you to the mainland for treatment."
The woman nodded, her elegant features visible despite the scarring on half her face.
"Do you remember who you are or how you washed ashore?" Atticus asked gently.
She furrowed her brow in concentration, then winced in pain. "I... I can't remember."
Atticus looked concerned. "Don't worry. We'll have doctors examine you soon." He glanced toward the window. "You must be hungry, especially in your condition. Let me get you something to eat."
"Thank you," she said softly.
He returned with some bread and milk. "This is all we have for now. I'll get you a proper meal once we reach the mainland."
As she ate with remarkable grace and poise, Atticus couldn't help but notice her refined mannerisms. He wondered if she might be from a wealthy background.
"I found this necklace on you," he said, producing a heart-shaped pendant. "Does it trigger any memories?"
The woman stared at it intently before clutching her head in pain. "I can't remember..."
"Take your time," he reassured her. "The doctors might be able to help."
She examined the necklace more carefully, feeling strangely drawn to it. Discovering a small latch, she pressed it, opening the pendant.
"It has a hidden compartment," Atticus observed. "Unfortunately, half the photo inside is water-damaged. But I can see it's a picture of you. Could your name be Ashley?"
Ashley looked at the pendant for a long moment. "Perhaps... yes," she finally whispered, the name feeling both familiar and distant.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
