Chapter 456 Verification

Chapter 456 Verification

Leroy looked at Michael, confused. "Is she okay? Why's she asking such weird questions?"

Michael, expressionless, replied, "She's fine. Just answer her."

Leroy sighed, feeling defeated. "It's simple. Calista likes you. And yeah, I admire you too, but just as a friend."

"That's it?" Isabella frowned.

"What else could it be?" Leroy snapped. "I don't go after other people's wives."

Isabella felt awkward, not expecting that reaction.

"Sorry, I meant..."

"Last night at the party, we saw Freya. She told Isabella that you're nice to her because you know she's your sister," Michael said, stepping in as Isabella struggled.

Isabella suddenly remembered the recording and quickly played it for Leroy.

"I had no idea about this," Leroy said, his face serious.

"How reliable is Freya? I find it hard to believe. My dad always loved my stepmom. He married my mom out of necessity. If you doubt it, let's get a DNA test. We'll know if we're related."

"Yeah, we need to do the test," Michael agreed. "But we also want to talk to Milan. Freya wouldn't lie about this. Even if Milan isn't Isabella's biological father, he must know something about what happened."

"I'll help you meet him," Leroy promised. They went to the hospital for the DNA test and got home late that night.

The next morning, Isabella and Michael waited downstairs at Leroy's place. Around ten, Leroy took them to the Runyon Mansion. As they walked, he explained, "Most of the family is at work now, so we won't run into many people."

Michael nodded. He wanted to see Milan and ask questions without causing a scene with the rest of the Runyon family.

But they didn't expect everyone to be gone. Aria's mom, Patricia, was home.

Seeing Leroy bring Michael again, Patricia's face darkened. "Leroy, why'd you bring him here again?"

Patricia had always admired Michael, thinking he was handsome and ambitious, but only as Aria's boyfriend. Michael didn't choose Aria and even used her, deceiving the whole Runyon family. This left Patricia feeling regretful and angry, especially since it hurt her daughter.

"Aunt Patricia, I'm sorry. I brought them here to ask my dad something," Leroy apologized and explained.

Patricia, still fuming, said, "It's your business if you want to ask your father something. But you should think about our feelings. Seeing him reminds me of how he deceived Aria, and it hurts. You know how much weight Aria has lost because of this. What if she sees him? She'll be even more upset."

"I know Aria isn't home today, which is why I brought him. Please, let us see my father. We'll leave as soon as we're done," Leroy pleaded.

Patricia sighed. She was too polite to kick them out. Since they were already there, she didn't want to embarrass Leroy. She reluctantly let them upstairs, coldly reminding them, "Be quick. Ask your questions and leave."

With that, she turned and went back to her room.

"Thank you, Aunt Patricia," Leroy said to her retreating figure, then led Michael and Isabella upstairs.

"Sorry, my aunt is still upset about what happened with Aria," Leroy apologized once they were upstairs.

Michael, knowing he was in the wrong, quickly said, "I'm the one who should apologize. It's her good manners that she didn't hit me."

Leroy said nothing more and knocked on the door before entering.

The nurse, Letty, sent by Herschel from the nursing home, stood up and greeted Leroy, then looked warily at Michael. Knowing how Milan got his injuries, Letty was cautious.

"Letty, please leave. I need to talk to my father," Leroy ordered.

Letty hesitated, looking at Milan. Herschel had tasked her with taking good care of Milan, and she wasn't sure if she should leave, especially with Michael there.

Milan, hearing the commotion, slowly opened his eyes. He heard Leroy and looked at Michael, then said in a hoarse voice, "Letty, you can go. I'll be fine."

"Yes, sir," Letty replied and left.

Milan looked at Michael and slowly asked, "Why are you here? Worried I might be sick?"

Michael replied, "I'm not that petty. I'm here for something else."

In the short time since they last saw him, Milan had lost a lot of weight. He looked pale and gaunt, clearly very ill.

"Oh? What is it?" Milan struggled to sit up, and Leroy quickly helped him.

Isabella walked up to Milan and slowly asked, "Do you know who I am?"

Milan looked at her and nodded, "Yes, I do."

Isabella frowned, not wanting to hear that answer. Michael and Leroy were also shocked by his response.

Especially Leroy, who felt not just shock but deep disappointment. He questioned, "You really know her? Why? Didn't you say the only person you ever loved was my stepmother?"

"What are you talking about?" Milan looked at Leroy, confused, and slowly explained, "I know her because I've seen her photo. I know she's Michael's wife. What's the problem?"

"Is it really just because she's Michael's wife?" Leroy quickly asked.

"What else could it be?" Milan replied.

Leroy had Isabella take out her phone and play the recording.