Arya pulled her arm away awkwardly. “It’s nothing. That was a long time ago–1 barely remember it now. After I went to Mexico, things were good, My adoptive parents treated me well,”
“Really? Meave asked, doubt clear in her voice.
“Really!” Arya insisted with a firm nod. “If Ethan hadn’t found me, I probably wouldn’t have come back at all.”
A heavy silence fell before Arya spoke again, her voice suddenly hard. I didn’t come back to stay permanently. I just want to see my birth parents, and then I’ll leave. I won’t disrupt their live
Meave shook her head vigorously. “That’s out of the question! You’re Carter–now that Ethan has found you, you must return to your family where you belong.”
She turned to me, confusion clouding her features. “But why come to me first?” Her expression grew troubled. “Ethan, you know the situation. After I chose to marry Gavin Stark, things… well, the Carter family and I haven’t exactly been on speaking terms for
years.”
I met her gaze directly, “I understand your concern, Aunt Meave. I’m not here to cause trouble. I just want Arya to take a DNA test with you.” I gestured to the folder. “Even with her resemblance to her mother, even with the birthmark–we need concrete proof. Without a DNA test, none of this holds up legally,”
Lowered my voice. “The situation within the Carter family is… complicated right now..It’s better not to get involved unless we’re absolutely certain.”
Meave nodded slowly. “So you want me to do a DNA test with Arya because I’m her aunt, and our DNA would match if she’s truly a Carter. If she’s not, you won’t bring her into the family at all?”
“That’s correct,” I confirmed,
“I don’t object to the test. If Arya truly is a Carter, she should return to her rightful family, no matter how complicated things might
be, Meave said.
I felt a surge of appreciation. “That’s what I believe too. Though I’m not a Carter by blood, I was raised in the family. I owe them my loyalty.”
“You’ve done so much already,” Meave said gratefully. She turned to Arya, taking the girl’s hand. “My dear, you look so much like your mother, it’s almost uncanny.” She paused, seeming about to say more, but stopped herself. “Well, never mind. When would you like to do the DNA test?”
“There’s no rush,” I replied. “I’m staying in New York for a while on business. You’re not well, Aunt Meave–we should wait until you’ve had some time to rest.”
Her eyes brightened. You’re not leaving soon?”
“No,” I assured her.
“That’s wonderful!” She smiled. “I’ll be staying here at Brandon’s place for a while. You should visit often.”
She turned to Arya
andon’s wife, Summer, is a lovely girl. You should get to know her better, Arya.”
Arya pulled her hand away, her expression carefully neutral. “Yes, Aunt Meave,” she replied, the words polite but her tone distant.
I noticed how stiffly Arya sat, clearly uncomfortable despite her attempts to hide it. Meave saw it too–I could see the flash of
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Chapter 234
sorrow in her eyes.
The sound of the front door opening cut through the tension. Gavin stark entered, carrying an elegant pastry box, his expression shifting instantly as his eyes lar led on me. His brow furrowed deeply, his entire demeanor hardening.
His gaze darted to Meave, noting her tearstained face, and his anger seemed to intensify tenfold. With measured steps, he approached us, towering over me where I sat.
“Who are you people?” he demanded, his voice cold as ice.
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