Chapter 203 The Assessment Report
The two brought out the prepared desserts, and everyone moved into the living room. The evening was filled with games, food, and music. Madison decided to allow two kids stay up late because the next day was a weekend.
The celebration lasted until 11 p.m., when everyone began to pack up. The majority of the males had been drinking, but fortunately, the ladies were sober and drove. Mitchell and Daniel rode in one car, Liam and Ophelia in another, and Willow, Patrick, and Victor in a third. Dorian, who said he needed to speak with Madison, was the last to linger.
Willow, Daniel, and Ophelia had already cleaned the kitchen and dining area and emptied the garbage when they departed.
Dorian, lying on the sofa, appeared to have had a few too many drinks. Outside, Matthew was washing the floor, and Madison was preparing the kids for bed. By the time they finished, it was almost midnight.
Only then did Madison realize Dorian was still present. Matthew scrubbed the floors and walked to the shower, paying little attention to the inebriated guest.
Madison gently woke Dorian up. Dorian opened his eyes slowly, seeming perplexed at first, as if he had just realized where he was.
"I fell asleep," Dorian remarked, sitting straight with a perplexed face, totally unlike his typical self, exuding childish innocence.
Madison whispered softly, "Didn't you say you had something important to tell me?"
Dorian had become more composed by this point. He glanced up intently at Madison and asked gravely, "Did I ever tell you about my sibling? "The one who was taken and abandoned at birth?"
Madison tilted her head, paused for a second, then nodded with a slight grin on her lips. "Yes, you joked in Lunaria that I may be your sibling. Did you find out anything about them?
Dorian said seriously, "What if I wasn't joking?"
Madison froze, astonished, saying, "What do you mean?"
Dorian retrieved a folded, weathered leather paper bag from his pocket and extended it toward Madison.
Instead of immediately accepting it, Madison asked, "What's this?"
Silently, Dorian pressed a kraft paper bag into her hands. Madison accepted it, puzzled by the bold words "Authentication Report" on the cover. Opening it, she found a "Paternity Test Report" inside. As she read through it, she was stunned to find that the report indicated a 99.99% likelihood of a parent-child relationship between the two provided samples. Bewildered, she asked, "Whose samples were tested?"
Dorian gazed into Madison's eyes, convinced of their familial connection. He had always believed in the undeniable call of blood, and he had felt an instant warmth and familiarity with Madison since they first met. He also noticed her resemblance to his mother. Despite knowing Madison had been raised by her Grandpa Sterling, he had already decided to acknowledge her as his sister. The test was merely to help her recognize their bond.
"One sample is yours; I apologize for taking your hair without asking," Dorian explained.
"And the other?" Madison inquired, studying the report.
"The other... is my father's," Dorian disclosed after a brief pause.
Still confused, Madison asked, "But why would a paternity test with your father show us as having a parent-child relationship?"
Dorian chuckled at her innocent and adorable reaction. "What do you think?" he teased, amused by her genuine confusion.
Perplexed, Madison couldn't make sense of it. The report slipped from her hands, fluttering down to the floor as she tried to comprehend the situation.
Who could explain what was happening? Madison couldn't fathom how she could be related to Dorian. He hailed from Suncrest Heights, while she spent her entire life in Horizon City. Their worlds seemed miles apart. Despite knowing she was found and raised by Grandpa Sterling, she couldn't comprehend such a far-fetched truth.
Standing there, unresponsive, Madison appeared to be in shock or utter disbelief. Concern etched on his face, Dorian waved his hand in front of her face, attempting to gauge her reaction. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
After Matthew finished his shower, he emerged and immediately noticed papers scattered on the floor. Madison stood motionless in the living room while Dorian danced around in front of her like a monkey, his actions bordering on the comical.
Bent down, Matthew picked up the items, his brow furrowed as he examined them. He then approached Madison, offering her his silent support by taking her hand.
Turning to Matthew, Madison whispered softly, "Matthew, I have a brother." Matthew couldn't discern if her tone conveyed overwhelming joy or sorrow.
Glancing at Dorian, Matthew observed the innocent expression on his face, as if he hadn't anticipated Madison's reaction.
Cautioning Madison, Matthew said, "It's alright, you don't have to acknowledge him if you don't want to." He assured her that she wasn't obligated to accept a newfound sibling into her life. With his protection, she had the freedom to make her own choices.
Dorian nearly leapt at Matthew upon hearing his words, infuriated by the suggestion. How could it be a matter of acknowledgment? He was her true brother, whom he had tirelessly searched for. He felt compelled to bring her back home. Furthermore, he harbored unresolved grievances toward Matthew for eloping with Madison and having children with her. Frustrated, Dorian lamented the delay caused by insisting they should communicate with Madison first. If not for that, they would have immediately boarded a flight to reunite with her.
Suppressing his anger for Madison's sake, Dorian refrained from confronting Matthew.
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