Chapter 204

The little girl before him, who looked like an angel straight out of a Renaissance painting, was his daughter, a child he never knew he had, a child he shared with Lena.

Rowell’s eyes glistened with a hint of tears, and his voice raspy. “Are you Lena’s child?”

Natalia lifted her gaze to the imposing older man, and a mix of desolation and guilt washed over her.

She felt no affection for this man who had wronged Lena. He was responsible for her mother’s death!

It didn’t matter whether he was an Earl or even the King of England; she wanted nothing to do with him.

Natalia’s silence caught Rowell off guard. His brow furrowed. His daughter was strong–willed, possibly even resentful towards him. He saw Callum approach and nodded his acknowledgment. “I apologize for dragging you into this mess, my friend.”

Before Callum could respond, Natalia retorted, “A mess? Does the noble Count condone violence? Or perhaps you think the woman who died here has dirtied your grounds and tarnished your reputation?”

Her swift retort left Rowell momentarily stunned. The courage and audacity she showed in confronting him were unexpected. Was she not supposed to respect him and call him ‘Father‘?

“You!” Rowell sharply rebuked Natalia, “You are Lena’s child. Your manner of speaking is disrespectful!”

“Disrespectful?” Natalia scoffed. “I have no home. I was abandoned in an orphanage. How should I know about manners?”

Rowell’s demeanor shifted. It was clear she held resentment towards him. Yet her sharp wit was intriguing in its own way. Regardless, for Lena’s sake, Rowell decided not to take offense. He calmly looked at Natalia, and the guilt he felt over Lena’s death was evaporating. “I’ll arrange a paternity test.

If you are indeed my child, you will join the McKinney family.”

He would teach this audacious‘ girl a thing or two about respect then!

“No need. I am of humble origins. I do not deserve the prestigious McKinney name.” Natalia rebuffed him without hesitation, an icy detachment in her eyes.

Rowell’s face contorted in discomfort. He had not anticipated Natalia’s rejection. Being an Earl’s daughter was a status many women could only dream of. Lena had even given her life to reclaim this heritage for her. Now, this unexpected daughter showed not only indifference but disdain towards his name.

He scrutinized Natalia from head to toe, asking begrudgingly, “So, you don’t want to take on the McKinney name?”

“Father, she can’t possibly be your daughter,” Alice interjected. “Lena must have concocted this story to smear your reputation. Who knows who fathered this bastard? Now, she wants to ruin you!”

Alice would not let Natalia claim her father. The McKinney family’s honor was hers alone. No one would take it from her!

As she fanned the flames, she shot Natalia venomous glances.

“You be quiet!” Rowell, without warning, struck Alice across the face, causing her to stagger backward.

In this manor, Rowell’s authority was absolute. Not even his wife would dare to disrespect him, let alone Alice. Alice turned her wrathful gaze towards Natalia. It was all Natalia’s fault! If not for her, how could Cal have abandoned her? How could her doting father slap her?

“Natalia, I will make you pay!”

Natalia, unbothered by Alice’s false accusations, remained calm and collected. She initially had no interest in any connection with the McKinney family. However, to clear Lena’s name and do justice to the woman who had never been called ‘Mother, Natalia had to take the paternity test.

“I’ll take the test to clear my mother’s name,” Natalia stated calmly. Her eyes were on Rowell and filled with detachment. “But I have a question. How will my mother be laid to rest?”

Rowell’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll arrange for her to be buried in the best cemetery.”

“I’ll take the paternity test,” Natalia reiterated. “But I want to handle my mother’s ashes myself.”

Rowell pondered for a moment, then agreed. “Alright, we’ll cremate her and give the ashes to you. Is that acceptable?”

“Very well, let’s make that arrangement. Now, let’s get the paternity test done,” Natalia said and walked away, not wanting to spend another second with Rowell.

After Lena was cremated and Natalia received her ashes, they headed to the most reputable testing facility in England. The results came quickly. Natalia’s genetic markers were a 99.9% match with Rowell’s, confirming their blood relation.

Holding the test results, Natalia coldly turned to Count Rowell. “Have I now proven my mother’s innocence?”

Rowell nodded, “Yes, you are indeed my daughter. From today on, you will be known as McKinney…

“Thank you kindly, Earl Rowell, for your generous offer. However, as I’ve said before, I have no intention of bearing the noble name of ‘McKinney.‘ My name is Natalia Clarkson.” Natalia articulated each word deliberately before turning to Callum, who stood steadfastly by her side. “Cal, let’s go.”

“Hold it right there!” Rowell trembled with rage, pointing an accusing finger at Natalia. “Have you no regard for me in your eyes?”

“Father?” Natalia’s eyes were brimming with mockery. “All these years later, are you certain you’ve fulfilled your duties as a father? Do you think you’re worthy of that title? You’re well aware of the circumstances of my birth! If not for you, how could my mother have possibly died?”

Her eyes glinted with a chilling resolve, sending a shiver of fear down Rowell’s spine.