Chapter 293
David lowered his eyes, shame flickering briefly across his face.
“Maybe you’re right,” he admitted quietly. “I’m sorry for doubting your miracle pill p>
Lyra’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Glad we’re clear. Your last announcement caused my sales to plummet. That needs fixing p>
Forcing a strained smile, David sighed deeply. “I’ll publicly endorse it again, I promise. But you need to help me get rid of this disease first p>
Alex leaned forward.
“Easy enough. Just take the miracle pill once a month, and within three months,
your body will eradicate all traces of HIV. Trust the process p>
“Then we’re finished here,” Alex said, rising smoothly from his chair.
“Wait!” David’s voice broke urgently, punctuated by a rattling cough. “There’s something else. Just a moment, please p>
“No rush,” Alex replied, exchanging an intrigued glance with Lyra.
David signaled to one of his guards, and shortly after, a young man about
seventeen stepped nervously into the room.
“This is Luther Morgan, my only surviving son,” David announced, his voice edged with a rare vulnerability.
“Tell me, does he look ill to you p>
Alex frowned slightly, eyes narrowing. “Why the concern p>
David shifted uncomfortably, desperation lining his face.
“I’ve had three wives, each bearing me sons. None lived past twenty. Luther here
is my last hope—my heir. I fear some hidden sickness might steal him from me, too p>
Luther shot his father an exasperated look.
“Dad, I’m perfectly fine. I’m going to live a long, healthy life, trust me. Can I please go now? I promised to meet my best friend p>
David softened, waving his hand dismissively. “Alright, go on p>
As Luther hurried out, David’s eyes lingered wistfully on the doorway.
The silence that fell afterward felt thick, charged with unspoken anxieties.
“Tell me honestly,” David pressed, leaning heavily forward. “Will he survive long enough to give me grandchildren p>
Alex studied the space Luther had occupied moments earlier. “He appears strong, healthy-good build, stable aura. You must have been giving him the miracle pill and herbs regularly. He’ll be fine p>
David’s face glowed briefly, pride overshadowing his concerns. “Yes, he’s bright and talented. Always winning at everything. I gave him all the best p>
Alex gave a slight nod, his expression turning serious. “He definitely has Rose’s features… but if you really want to be sure, I’d suggest a full paternity test p>
The warmth vanished from David’s face, replaced by a cold, sharp stare. “Paternity test? He’s my son-I already had that done p>
Alex coughed softly, maintaining steady eye contact. “Tested by a doctor who conveniently declared your entire family free of HIV p>
“His family has served mine for generations!” David snapped defensively. “I trust their judgment implicitly p>
Alex raised his hands placatingly. “It’s merely advice from my experience. The choice remains yours p>
David’s voice dropped dangerously low. “Explain yourself p>
Alex met his gaze unflinchingly. “He may not be your biological son p>
David slammed his massive hand violently onto the table, his anger erupting uncontrollably.
The force flipped the table, scattering shattered glass and splintered wood across
the marble floor. “What the hell are you insinuating p>
One of the guards lunged protectively toward David, eyes fierce and wary.
Calmly, Alex stood, placing a reassuring hand on Lyra’s arm. “Our business here is done. I believe we’re no longer welcome p>
The young guard stepped forward threateningly. “Sir, your orders p>
David gripped the guard’s shoulder firmly, drawing deep breaths. “No. They’ve done nothing wrong.” He steadied himself, visibly trembling. “Brian, help me to the sofa p>
“Yes, sir,” Brian responded quickly, guiding David gently across the room.
Settling heavily into the cushions, David’s tone softened, fraught with suppressed emotion.
“Forgive my outburst-it’s difficult to hear. Stay, please. I’ll call a trusted hospital to perform the paternity test immediately. I need both of you to witness the results p>
Alex lifted his hands calmly. “Understood. Take your time p>
While they settled onto the couch, Alex and Lyra observed David carefully. In those few moments, he seemed to age a decade, burdened by the unbearable possibility that Luther, the boy he’d built his pride around, might not even be his son.
Brian quietly approached, concern lining his face. “Would you like some warm water, sir p>
David nodded weakly. “Yes, thank you p>
As Brian retreated, Alex leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “That guy, Brian-do you trust him p>
“Brian? He’s an orphan, started working here when he was just a kid,” David replied, exhaustion weighing each word.
“He’s earned my trust. Saved my life twice-caught bullets meant for me. A good man. Why do you ask p>
Alex hesitated briefly before pressing further. “Since we’re testing Luther anyway, why not throw Brian into the mix p>
David stiffened, visibly shaken. “What exactly are you implying? Are you suggesting Brian could be another of Rose’s indiscretions p>
Alex shrugged gently, his gaze steady. “Maybe it’s nothing. Call it intuition, if you want p>
“Fine, fine,” David snapped, surrendering with weary resignation. “Do whatever you need. If there’s anyone else you have doubts about, test them too.” “Then let’s test your private doctor’s genetic as well,” Alex suggested calmly. David barely reacted, whispering instructions to his butler, his voice hollow.
Life had twisted violently upside down in mere hours, leaving him numb and bewildered. His initial horror of discovering Rose’s betrayal and contracting HIV now felt trivial compared to this new, brutal shock.
His son might not be his. That realization cut deeper than the sting of betrayal.
A son-his legacy-was something even his vast fortune couldn’t buy.
“Alex, are you absolutely certain?” David’s voice quivered, desperately clinging to a fragile hope.
Alex spoke softly but firmly. “Mr. Morgan, I wish I weren’t. But we have to confront this head-on p>
A wave of sympathy overtook Alex as he watched David.
Here was a man drowning in wealth but utterly impoverished by deceit and betrayal. His wife’s infidelity and his son’s questionable parentage-a cruel double blow that would break even the strongest souls.
David’s face sank into profound sorrow.
He could reconcile himself with betrayal, even illness, but raising another man’s
child was something beyond forgiveness. Only a paternity test would reveal the bitter truth.
Driven by his influence and wealth, David demanded rapid tests-carried out simultaneously at five different hospitals to eliminate any doubt.
Within the hour, the butler delivered the results, an oppressive silence enveloping
the room.
David tore each envelope open, hands trembling, eyes growing wider with every
new report.
By the fifth, his face had drained completely of color, and all hope crumbled away beneath a crushing truth.