Chapter 595 Falsification of Paternity Test
Behind them, several staff members were pushing in a large machine for paternity testing.
Patricia's gaze instantly sharpened at the sight. Dorian had dared to bring Maria into this.How had he managed to bring Maria here?Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion when she spotted the butler trailing behind the group. Upon locking eyes with Patricia, the butler's expression crumbled, a desperate look of regret etched onto his face."Mrs. Watson," he began, his voice trembling, "I received a call this morning stating that you wished to see Miss Maria. I was instructed to bring her to the company."Believing the request was merely to bring Maria to the company, he hadn't harbored any suspicions. However, as soon as they arrived at the company, someone had whisked Miss Maria from his grasp and led her straight to the top floor via the elevator. Fearful for Miss Maria's safety, he had hurriedly followed.Entering the room, he was met with a sea of high-ranking executives and shareholders. His heart sank; this was no ordinary meeting. He cast a helpless glance at Patricia, unsure of how to proceed.Patricia's icy stare was fixed on Dorian. "You're despicable," she spat.Dorian merely sneered in response. "I'm just seeking justice for Mr. Langley! If the child is truly his, why fear a blood test?"Patricia's face flushed crimson with rage.Upon seeing Patricia, Maria's face lit up with joy. She stretched out her arms, eager to be held by her mother. "Mommy, hold me, mommy, hold me, mommy, hug me," Maria said.
Patricia walked over, intending to take Maria from the stranger's arms, but he deftly sidestepped her. Patricia's expression darkened. "This is my daughter," she declared coldly. "Do you intend to snatch her away in front of everyone?"Dorian chuckled, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Sullivan, don't worry! We won't harm her. After the blood test, we'll return her to you."Maria seemed to understand his words. She began to squirm anxiously in the stranger's arms, reaching out towards Patricia and repeating her plea. "Mommy, hug me, mommy, hug me." Her lower lip quivered, and tears streamed down her face. She had never cried like this before, not from pain or discomfort.Patricia's fury flared, and she moved to snatch Maria away. But before she could, Mr. Langley rose from his seat and strode over, taking Maria from the stranger's arms.Fearful that he might drop her, Patricia quickly extended her arms to catch Maria. But Mr. Langley held her tight. He settled into a chair, cradling Maria in his arms and gently pinching her chubby, wrinkled cheeks.Maria recognized him and his scent, and her tears immediately ceased. She sweetly called out to Mr. Langley, who beamed with delight. "Maria is a good girl," he praised.Madam Langley, feeling left out, leaned over to join them. Maria greeted her just as sweetly. As she babbled, drool dripped from the corner of her mouth onto Mr. Langley's hand, sending the elderly couple into fits of laughter.With Maria safe in their arms, Patricia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She returned to her seat, her gaze never leaving her daughter.Dorian's smile faltered. "Mr. Langley is so compassionate," he remarked sarcastically. "He even likes other people's children this much."Mr. Langley ignored Dorian's comment, continuing to dote on Maria.
Martha glanced at Patricia and chimed in, "That's right, our Mr. and Madam Langley adore children! Whenever they see someone holding a child on the street, they always take a second look."The implication was clear. Their affection for Maria was simply a reflection of their love for children, not an acknowledgment of her as their great-granddaughter.Undeterred by the insinuation, Mr. and Madam Langley continued to shower Maria with affection and playful antics, to which she responded with equal delight.
With an impatience that edged his voice into a grave tone, Dorian spoke, determined to push the proceedings forward. "We mustn't delay any further. We have the doctor here, along with Mr. and Madam Langley, and even Samuel Langley, the man alleged to be Mr. Langley's biological father. A direct DNA test between the child and the Langleys will swiftly uncover the truth."Having spoken, he signaled to the appraiser, a silent command hanging in the air between them.The appraiser, understanding the unspoken directive, picked up the blood collection equipment and began to approach Maria.The child, like many her age, harbored a natural fear of needles. The sight of the sharp instrument in the appraiser's hand sent her into a fit of loud crying, her small body instinctively moving closer to Mr. Langley for protection."No, it hurts, I'm scared," she whimpered.The appraiser offered a comforting smile, his voice soothing as he tried to reassure her. "It'll only hurt for a moment. I'll be very gentle, and the pain will go away soon."Despite his assurances, Maria continued to shake her head in fear, burying her face in Mr. Langley's armpit as if believing that if she couldn't see the needle, it wouldn't be able to prick her.Ignoring her fear and reluctance, the appraiser reached out and grabbed her hand. The cold touch of his fingers made Maria shudder, her cries growing even louder.Patricia's face contorted with anger. She strode over, yanking the appraiser back as she snapped, "As a professional appraiser, you should know that DNA testing doesn't necessarily require blood collection. Saliva and hair can also be used! My daughter has already said she's scared, so let's use her hair!"As she spoke, she gently plucked a strand of hair from Maria's head and handed it to the appraiser.The appraiser glanced at Dorian, uncertainty etched on his face.Dorian offered no nod of approval, leaving the appraiser with no choice but to reluctantly respond, "I'm sorry, but blood testing is more accurate for identification."
Upon hearing this, Patricia laughed.
"I'm a doctor. Are you discussing your expertise with me? If you lack this basic knowledge, then I am questioning your professional competence! I request a different appraiser."Hearing her demand for a different appraiser, Dorian discreetly nodded his approval. His original intention had been to toy with the child and teach Patricia a lesson. However, he had forgotten that Patricia was a doctor. She could not be easily fooled.The appraiser let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Alright, let's use her hair then! The effect will be the same."A fleeting hint of ridicule flashed in Patricia's eyes but vanished just as quickly. She didn't say anything else and bent down to comfort Maria. "Maria, don't be afraid. We won't give you a shot. Look, turn your head and see, there's no needle anymore."Maria, ever the sensible child, listened to her mother's words and turned her head to see for herself. Upon seeing the appraiser leave, her tears dried up and she began to laugh again, clapping her hands in delight. "Mommy is great, mommy is great."Patricia pressed a tender kiss to Maria's forehead, yearning to exchange words with Mr. Langley who cradled Maria in his arms. But the sight of Mr. Langley, who didn't even spare her a fleeting glance, prompted her to bite back her words in vexation and retreat to her seat.The appraiser then proceeded to collect hair samples from Samuel and Mr. Langley, conducting the procedure with meticulous precision under the watchful eyes of the assembly.Minutes ticked by, each one stretching longer than the last.Dorian and Martha observed the appraiser's meticulous work with a serene and assured demeanor. Alan, however, couldn't help but glance at his watch. Nearly an hour had passed. Why hadn't the boss arrived yet? Could something have happened?
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