Chapter 23 Chapter 23
“Considering that two families have basically hunted me, I do believe it's wise to do a test to be sure. As for what was happening between Tony and me, it is for us to work out, not for either family to step in and force it. So if you're looking for a marriage agreement, it's not going to happen unless we decide so. But know this: I won’t give up my own life to be some heiress. If that's who I was meant to be, I’m no longer her, not in the way that some of you want. I’m sorry, I don’t know if I could live in a cage. People always saw me as cold, but after being left like I was, it's made me unsure who to let in.”
A profound silence fell over the table as Iris's words hung in the air. The Lawsons and Kennedys exchanged glances, taken aback by her directness. She hadn't raised her voice, but her quiet determination carried more weight than any shouting could have.
Richard Lawson was the first to recover, a sad smile touching his weathered face. "Miss Maxwell, Iris, you're absolutely right. We've been so focused on finding our daughter that we haven't properly considered what this means for you." He straightened in his chair, his business persona falling away to reveal the father beneath. "If you are Roxanne, we don't expect you to abandon the life and family you've built. We would simply hope to be... an addition, not a replacement."
Across the table, Helga Kennedy's perfectly manicured nails tapped once against the polished wood, the only outward sign of her recalculating. This girl was not what she had expected, not some pliable, overwhelmed student they could manipulate. She was formidable in her own right.
"No one is suggesting you live in a cage, dear," Helga said, her voice honey-smooth. "Quite the opposite. The resources of either family would only expand your opportunities."
Tony watched Iris carefully, admiring her composure even as he worried for her. He knew his mother's tactics, how she could make even the most restrictive arrangements sound like freedom. His father, meanwhile, was studying Iris with newfound respect.
"The DNA test would certainly resolve the most pressing questions," Julius Kennedy offered, nodding toward the case Bryce had brought. "Perhaps that's the logical first step."
Theodore and Victor Lawson remained standing, their protective stances unchanged despite the civility of the conversation. Years of searching had made them wary of interference, especially from the Kennedys.
Bryce, however, leaned forward eagerly. "It's completely non-invasive," he assured Iris. "Just a cheek swab. And I've modified the standard protocols to accelerate the results without compromising accuracy."
Iris looked at the case, then at the faces surrounding her, the hopeful Lawsons, the calculating Kennedys, and Tony, whose expression held nothing but concern for her. She reached for her portfolio case, drawing strength from the tangible reminder of her ambitions and identity.
"Alright," she said finally. "Let's do the test. But regardless of the results, I want everyone to understand that I make my own decisions about my future."
Richard Lawson nodded, emotion briefly overwhelming his usual reserve. "Of course."
Bryce quickly opened the case, revealing a sleek, compact testing device that looked more like expensive technology than medical equipment. "I'll need a sample from you and from Father," he explained, his excitement barely contained as he removed two sealed swabs.
As they prepared for the test, students around them began to whisper, recognising Richard Lawson from business journals and so on.
"I'll just need a quick swab from the inside of your cheek," Bryce explained, handing a sterile swab to Iris. His hands trembled slightly with anticipation.
Iris nodded, accepting the swab with a steadiness that belied her inner turmoil. As she followed Bryce's instructions, taking a sample from the inside of her cheek, the gravity of the moment settled over the assembled group. Twenty years of mystery might be resolved in less than an hour.
Richard Lawson completed his own sample with practised movements; he had provided DNA countless times over two decades of searching. Each test had ended in disappointment, yet hope flickered anew as Bryce carefully loaded both samples into his device.
"The analysis will take approximately forty-five minutes," Bryce explained, his professional demeanour briefly overtaking his emotional investment. "The machine compares thirteen genetic markers to establish paternity with 99.9% accuracy."
Helga Kennedy watched the proceedings with calculating eyes. If this girl truly was Roxanne Lawson, the implications for Kennedy Holdings were significant. A potential marriage between Tony and the Lawson heiress would secure their shipping contract indefinitely. Her gaze shifted to her son, noting the protective way he hovered near Iris despite maintaining a respectful distance.
"Perhaps we could all use some refreshments while we wait," Julius Kennedy suggested smoothly, ever the diplomat. "The café downstairs serves excellent coffee."
"I'd prefer to stay here," Iris replied, her tone polite but firm. The thought of making small talk with these powerful strangers while waiting for results that might redefine her entire identity was unbearable.
Theodore nodded in understanding. "Of course. Bryce can monitor the test while the rest of us give you some space."
Victor remained sceptical. "And leave her alone with the Kennedys? I don't think so."
The tension in the room thickened, decades of business rivalry and suspicion bubbling to the surface despite the veneer of civility.
Tony stepped forward, unable to remain silent any longer. "This isn't about family rivalries. It's about Iris finding answers she deserves."
Helga's eyes narrowed at her son's defiance, but before she could respond, Richard Lawson raised a hand.
"Enough," he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of twenty years of grief and searching. "Miss Maxwell, Iris, what would make you most comfortable while we wait?"
Iris appreciated his consideration, recognising the genuine concern beneath his composed exterior. "I'd like some air," she admitted. "Just a few minutes alone to process everything."
"Of course," Richard nodded, though the thought of letting her walk away, even temporarily, visibly pained him. "Perhaps you could stay within sight? The terrace overlooks the quad."
Iris recognised his fear that she might disappear as suddenly as she had entered his life. "I'll be on the terrace," she agreed. "I should call my adoptive family and let them know I mean it's been the running joke on my birthday for years, so much so I rarely leave my room when other family stop by, not by my adoptive parents but more my Aunts and Uncles, even a few of my cousins and their partners, once they hear my story.” She said, rolling her eyes at the thought.