I needed to be absolutely certain.
In the empty hospital corridor, the doctor carefully handed me five paternity test reports.
"Ms. Matthews, all five tests returned the same result. I'd stake my entire career on it — you and this child are one hundred percent biological mother and daughter."
I nodded and transferred a million dollars to the doctor on the spot.
Holding back tears, I walked step by step toward the timid little girl hiding behind a bench.
I crouched down to meet her at eye level. "Don't be scared. Mama's here to take you home."
One week later, I cleared an entire floor of my hotel and transformed it into a lavish birthday gala.
Toby walked in with Clara dressed in a princess gown, and Mildred was right beside them.
She was wearing a matching mother-daughter princess dress — identical to Clara's — drawing whispers from the guests.
That was the set I'd had custom-made from a designer overseas a month ago. A matching pair, one for me and one for Clara.
Mine had disappeared shortly after it arrived.
Toby had brushed it off impatiently at the time. It's just a dress. Lost is lost.
Turned out it had found its way onto Mildred.
When she spotted me, Mildred covered her mouth and laughed softly. "Ms. Matthews, Clara insisted on wearing a matching outfit with me to her birthday party. She said you'd look too fat and ugly in it. I didn't want to break the poor girl's heart. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not. Today is all about Clara's happiness."
Toby noticed how agreeable I was being. A flicker of contempt crossed his face. "Honey, you should've been this sensible a long time ago. I'm impressed. Is the share transfer contract ready?"
"Of course." I had my assistant bring the contract and handed it over. "Clara's still young. As her father, you can sign on her behalf and hold it in trust until she comes of age."
Toby couldn't have asked for more. He snatched up a pen and signed without hesitation.
I glanced at the document, then passed it to my assistant. "Get the lawyers on this immediately. The agreement takes effect now."
The moment those words left my mouth, Mildred couldn't contain herself and burst out laughing.
I raised an eyebrow. "Ms. James, what's so funny?"
She pressed her hand to her lips, barely keeping the mockery and derision from spilling over. She might as well have stamped the word idiot across my forehead.
"Oh, nothing. I just realized that some people think they're so clever, when really they're dumber than livestock. Standing at the edge of a cliff, grinning like a fool. That level of stupidity? They deserve whatever's coming. Don't you agree?"
I nodded and smiled along. "You're absolutely right. That kind of stupid? They deserve exactly what they get."
Toby let out a derisive snort, not even bothering to pretend anymore. He strode onto the stage and grabbed the microphone.
"Everyone, today is my daughter's birthday, but I have something deeply painful to announce."
I stood below the stage, watching at my leisure as he squeezed out two pathetic tears.
He let the guests' curiosity build, let the murmurs swell, let them press him with one question after another.
Only then did he deliver his bombshell, voice heavy with feigned anguish.
"My wife, Louisa Matthews, has a severe and disgusting compulsion. She's addicted to cheating. As her husband, I can't take it anymore. Today, in front of every guest and every camera in this room, I am divorcing this revolting woman. For the devastating emotional and physical damage she's caused me, she will walk away with nothing. I ask all of you to be my witnesses."
The room erupted.
He clenched his jaw, forcing down the smile that kept tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I can't bring myself to say any more. Please — just watch the screen behind me. The footage of her affairs speaks for itself."
The massive screen behind him blazed to life.
But in the very next second, the smile froze on Toby's face. Every drop of color drained from his skin.
