Chapter 46: DNA

"Mr. Knoxville, the blood on the cloth matches yours," the doctor announced, his voice measured.

Knoxville's eyes widened as he took a long, deep breath, processing the revelation.

"I knew I was right," he whispered, his voice trembling. "She actually had my child."

His mind reeled, memories flooding back.

The doctor's expression turned curious. "Did you have a child, Doctor Knoxville?" he asked.

Knoxville's gaze snapped up. "Steve, I've told you to stop referring to me as 'Doctor'," he corrected. "I stopped practicing as a surgeon a long time ago."

The doctor's smile faltered. "Sorry, old habit,"Dr Steve said. "And, by the way, we used to be colleagues. You didn't bother inviting me to your wedding."

Knoxville stood, his movements deliberate. "That's because I didn't have one," he replied, his tone even.

Steve's eyes widened. "You're still married to your work, I see," he quipped.

"I think you should mind your business," Knoxville said, his voice firm, as he stood up, ready to walk out of Dr. Steve's office. "You're good being a doctor. It doesn't work for me."

Dr. Steve's expression turned stern, his eyes piercing. "You ran away, Knoxville. You're a great surgeon, and the one everyone looks up to. But after one surgery failed, you totally opted out. And then you want to switch to studying business? You're so unbelievable."

Knoxville's gaze dropped, memories flooding his mind. The weight of responsibility, the pressure to save lives, the haunting guilt of that fateful day.

"I think I'm quite good with business," Knoxville replied, his voice measured. "All the lives of my patients were in my hands. That's why I couldn't be a doctor."

Dr. Steve's tone softened, empathy creeping into his voice. "Knoxville, you can't let one mistake define you. You have a gift. Don't waste it."

Knoxville's eyes snapped back to Dr. Steve's, a hint of defiance lingering. "You don't understand. The weight of those lives, the burden of responsibility... I couldn't bear it. Business is cleaner, simpler. No lives are at stake."

Dr. Steve sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I understand your pain, Knoxville. But running from it won't heal you. Facing your fears, learning from your mistakes – that's the path to redemption."

Knoxville's jaw clenched, his heart heavy with the memories he'd tried to bury. The patient's smile, the family's trust, the devastating outcome.

"I've made my choice, Dr. Steve," Knoxville said, his voice firm, as he turned to leave. "I won't go back."

As Knoxville walked out of the office, Dr. Steve's words echoed in his mind: "he's so unbelievable."

Knoxville settled into the car, the guard closing the door behind him. As the vehicle pulled away, Knoxville's phone rang, shrill in the silence.

He checked the caller ID: Henry.

"Hey," Knoxville answered, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"You left work without me. And you're not even at home," Henry said, his tone laced with concern.

Knoxville smirked, gazing out the window. "Is it a must I tell you everything about me?"

"Of course," Henry replied, his voice firm. "I'm your PA and also your best friend. You should tell me everywhere you're going."

Knoxville chuckled. "You're getting possessive, Henry."

"Someone has to keep an eye on you," Henry shot back.

"Don't leave my house until I get there," Knoxville said, his voice firm and commanding.

"Where are you now?" Henry asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

"I'll soon be there, stop asking questions," Knoxville replied, his patience wearing thin. He hung up, ending the conversation.

Twenty minutes later, Knoxville arrived home, his sleek black car gliding up the driveway of his grand mansion. The soft glow of the house's exterior lights cast an inviting ambiance, but Knoxville's mood remained dark.

He stepped out of the car and strode toward the entrance, the heavy wooden door swinging open to reveal his opulent foyer. Knoxville's gaze swept the area, his eyes settling on Henry in the living room.

Henry sat on the plush couch, munching on snacks while watching the news on the large screen TV. The crunching sound of chips and the murmur of the news anchor filled the room.

Knoxville's eyes narrowed. "Hey, how dare you?" he shouted, his voice echoing off the high ceilings.

Henry's eyes snapped toward Knoxville, surprise etched on his face. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his hand freezing mid-air, a chip hovering near his mouth.

Knoxville's gaze fell on the snacks scattered across the coffee table. "You're eating in my living room?" he thundered.

Henry shrugged, nonchalant. "I was hungry."

Knoxville's expression darkened. "You know the rules. Eat in the kitchen."

Henry sighed, setting aside the snacks. "Sorry, Knox. What's really bothering you?"

Knoxville's jaw clenched. "You have no right to question me."

Henry stood, his voice firm. "As your friend and PA, I have every right."

The tension between them crackled like electricity, the air thick with unspoken words.

Suddenly, the TV caught Knoxville's attention. Breaking news: "Mysterious symbol linked to deadly substance."

Knoxville's eyes locked onto the screen, his mind racing.

"What type is this, Turn it off," Knoxville ordered, his voice low and menacing.

Henry obeyed, the room plunging into silence.

"So, where did you go?" Henry asked, his curiosity evident.

Knoxville's eyes snapped up, a hint of irritation in his voice. "You should add 'Sir'."

Henry's expression softened. "Working hours are over, Knox. I don't want to be professional right now; I want to talk to you like a friend, not your PA."

Knoxville's gaze lingered on Henry's face before he tossed the files in his hand at him.

"What's this?" Henry asked, catching the files.

Knoxville's voice was laced with frustration. "It's right there with you. Can you stop asking questions?"

Henry's eyes scanned the documents, his brow furrowing. "DNA test... your DNA matches with that of Electra's daughter?"

"I told you, my suspicions were right," Knoxville said, his voice laced with a mix of emotions - shock, anger, and vindication.

Henry's eyes narrowed. "Did you meet someone to do it for you, or you did it yourself?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Knoxville's face darkened, fury igniting within him. "Are you mad?" he exploded. "How can I do that myself when I don't even have my medical license anymore? Don't you know it's against every medical rule and ethic?"

Henry's expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of co

ncern.

Knoxville's voice rose. "I went to the one person I can trust, the same person who gave me hope again."