Chapter 117 DNA Forensic Identification

Eugene got busted for kidnapping and extortion, and now he was just waiting for his trial. It looked like the whole mess was finally coming to an end.

Meanwhile, Amelia headed over to Antique Charm and found Sophia there. Before Amelia could even say anything, Sophia stepped up with a fake smile and said, "Amelia, I saw a live stream the other day. Someone in Pinecrest City was accusing you of not supporting your dad."

Amelia brushed off the comment and walked past Sophia to greet Royce.

Royce saw her and his face lit up. "Finally, you're here!"

His eyes got misty as he apologized, "I'm so sorry. I had no idea going to Bluewater Village would be so dangerous. You almost lost your life. If I had known, I never would've let you go."

"It's okay," Amelia reassured him.

Royce felt terrible. He had sent Amelia to Bluewater Village hoping she would make some industry connections with Christopher.

He was relieved that despite everything, Amelia didn't hold it against him.

Royce patted Amelia's hand, his voice a mix of gratitude and regret, "I'm just glad you're alright."

Amelia noticed the somber atmosphere in the shop and whispered to an employee, who explained that due to what had happened with her, Royce had been too distracted to focus on restoring the antiques, leading to delays.

Amelia's eyes welled up a bit. Sophia, feeling ignored, stepped forward and said to Royce, "Grandpa, look at Amelia. Even after all that media exposure, she shamelessly comes here to learn restoration. It's disgusting."

She made a face like she was about to puke.

Amelia looked at Sophia's exaggerated expression, knowing that Ryan had already taken care of the issue.

She calmly replied, "Ms. Brown, first of all, I didn't neglect my father; he abandoned me when I was a kid. Secondly, my father was involved in stealing national treasures. He got what he deserved. How is that my fault?"

Amelia kept her tone calm, not wanting to be too harsh in front of Royce.

She feared that if she continued, she would completely humiliate Sophia.

Sophia's face twisted at Amelia's words, and she wanted to snap back, but Royce cut her off, "Enough, Sophia! Don't bring this up again! If Amelia hadn't gone to Bluewater Village, her father wouldn't have been so greedy to kidnap her!"

Seeing Royce's stern expression, Sophia reluctantly held back her act.

She huffed and stormed off.

Royce turned to Amelia with a smile and asked, "How are your injuries? Are you feeling better?"

"Much better, I'm out of the hospital," Amelia replied with a smile.

Knowing what Royce was about to say, Amelia added, "Mr. Greer, don't worry. I'm fine now. I'll get back to restoring the unfinished pieces."

"Good." Royce nodded enthusiastically.

That evening, Amelia returned home and saw the lights on upstairs.

Ryan was lying on the bed, looking exhausted. Amelia walked over and asked, "How's my mom?"

"She's better," Ryan replied gently, then looked at Amelia seriously. "I need to tell you something. You need to listen carefully and stay calm, okay?"His serious expression made Amelia chuckle. After all, she'd already been through a divorce; what could be worse?

"What's up? Just spill it," she said with a smile.

"Your mother isn't Emily, and your father isn't Eugene," Ryan said bluntly.

He didn't want to overwhelm her with too much information at once.

Amelia's hands, which were about to hug Ryan, dropped to her sides. She thought about all the years and couldn't believe she wasn't Emily's biological daughter. "How do you know?" she asked.

"After you left today, your mom told me you were adopted. She couldn't have kids, so that's the story," Ryan explained calmly.

Amelia was still in shock and replied, "My mom treats me so well, and my grandparents love me. Plus, my personality is just like my grandpa's."

"Your grandpa raised you, so it's natural you have similar traits. Your mom couldn't have children, and she treated you as her own. We'll do a DNA test tomorrow to find your biological parents," Ryan suggested.

Amelia's eyes filled with tears. "So I was abandoned, right?"

Ryan didn't expect her to react so strongly.

He lovingly hugged her and said, "There must be a misunderstanding. You are so beautiful, and you must have been a little beauty as a child. How could your biological parents abandon you?"

Amelia was sad one moment, but Ryan's words made her smile the next.

Ryan, who used to be so reserved, had become so eloquent and comforting.

The next day, Amelia and Ryan went to the police station for a DNA test.

The results showed she was not Eugene's biological daughter.

She took a photo of the DNA test results and posted it on Instagram with the caption: [I have no blood relation to Eugene and no obligation to support or help him. A domestic abuser and cheater doesn't deserve anyone's kindness.]

Although the previous media broadcast had been stopped, some people still paid internet trolls to attack Amelia in the comments.

Knowing they were trolls didn't make it any less painful, so Amelia logged off Instagram to avoid the comments.

She left her sample at the police station, hoping to find her biological parents.

With that, they left.

Ryan dropped Amelia off at Antique Charm. After saying goodbye, Amelia walked in and saw Royce looking rejuvenated, even more enthusiastic about his restoration work. This made Amelia happy.

She stepped forward, about to ask why he was so cheerful, but Royce spoke first, "This weekend is my eighty-fifth birthday. You must come to my house to celebrate with me."

Amelia hadn't realized that the wise and spirited Royce was already eighty-five.

And he was inviting her to his home.

Though she knew it was a social obligation, Amelia felt a bit overwhelmed. But thinking of Sophia's attitude made her hesitant.

Yet, Amelia couldn't resist Royce's expectant gaze.

So, she agreed, "Mr. Greer, I'll prepare a special gift for you in a couple of days."