Bearing a weighty look, Hilliard responded not with words but by extending the paternity test report toward her.
Lucindaâs gaze immediately fell upon the red inscription in the documentâs lower right.
âHalf sibling kinship,â it declared.
Although Lucinda was no expert in medical jargon, the meaning was crystal clear to her.
âDoes this mean my DNA and Nalaâs are a match?â she inquired.
Hilliard confirmed with a nod.
âIndeed.
The results from the tests I conducted three times confirm that she is your half-sister.
â
At this moment, Nalaâs true identity as Valerie was undeniable.
Now that irrefutable proof was presented, Valerie could no longer deny her identity.
Lucinda felt no surprise about the test results, only a deep sense of vindication.
âThank you, Hilliard.
â She expressed her gratitude.
Hilliard, though pleased to have helped, posed a question tinged with concern.
âNow that Nalaâs status as our half-sister is confirmed, what plans do you have in mind?â
Lucindaâs features hardened at the mention of âhalf-sisterâ, a term she loathed.
âThis is a family affair.
I intend to disc
ipline her in accordance with our familyâs customs.
She will find no opportunity for redemption this time.
â
Her decision met no resistance from Hilliard, who silently stood by her.
Jennifer, sharing a similar disdain for those born out of wedlock, backed Lucindaâs resolve to reprimand Nala.
As the clock struck three in the afternoon, a smirk danced on Lucindaâs lips.
âNalaâs reckoning is nigh.
Hilliard, Jennifer, care to join me at the old villa for a bit of spectacle?â
The exchange of glances between Hilliard and Jennifer bore an unspoken agreement.
They were eager to witness Lucinda confront the deceitful Nala.
They exited the villa in unison, but as they approached the door, Lucindaâs phone disrupted the silence.
âs BunnyBookery
Kern was on the other end, marking a first in their phone communication.
With a mix of suspicion and unease, Lucinda paused to answer.
âKern, whatâs wrong? Are Colby and Destinee alright?â
Kernâs voice, fraught with worry, conveyed urgency.
âColby and Destinee are safe.
However, Mr.
Norton Payne has taken ill.
He collapsed during afternoon tea and now lies in a coma.
The Payne familyâs medical team is tending to him, but with Mr.
Nathan Payne away from Stastle, any mishap could plunge the family into chaos.
We need you here at once.
â
âIâm on my way,â Lucinda assured, her tone grave.
After ending the call, she turned to Jennifer with a composed demeanor.
âJennifer, please find Violeta.
Ask her to monitor Nala in the basement of the old villa.
I must attend to the Payne family crisis.
Once resolved, Iâll return to address Nalaâs situation.
â
âUnderstood.
Donât worry,â Jennifer replied, assuring her.
Lucinda then directed her attention to Hilliard.
âHilliard, accompany me.
Despite the Payne family having top medical professionals, youâre the one I trust most in medical matters.
â
Hilliard agreed without a momentâs delay.
As their paths diverged, Jennifer set off for the Grahamâs villa, while Lucinda and Hilliard hastened to the Paynesâ house.