“Yes,” Ethan said. “You left me before I even knew you were pregnant.”
“And you never called,” he fired back.
“I tried.” Her voice rose, anger and hurt spilling together. “You changed your number. You married your company before you married me.”
Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Then prove it. Let’s do a DNA test. For their safety. For clarity.”
Her jaw trembled, but she nodded. “Fine. But when the truth comes out, don’t you ever accuse me again.”
That afternoon, Ethan made the calls.
His friend and attorney, Marcus Reed, arranged for private medical staff to come to the penthouse. Lauren stood by the kitchen window as the nurses gently swabbed the kids’ cheeks.
Ethan avoided her gaze the entire time.
The eldest girl looked up at him. “Are we in trouble, sir?”
Ethan froze, kneeling. “No, sweetheart. You’re not in trouble. You’re special.”
Her shy smile almost broke him.
When the nurses left, Marcus pulled him aside.
“You sure about this, man? You might not like what you find.”
“If they’re mine,” Ethan said, his expression hardening, “I’ll make it right.”
“And if they’re not?”
Ethan didn’t answer.