Chapter 149 A Trail of Pure Blood

Chapter 149 A Trail of Pure Blood
Evan stood in the quiet hospital corridor, his sharp gaze fixed on the medical documents Rico had just handed him. Under the bright neon lights, his fingers traced the notes describing a specific birthmark carried by the male line of the Nathaniel family for three generations.

“Rico, look at this,” Evan said, pointing to a small medical sketch. “A crescent-shaped birthmark on the left shoulder. My grandfather had it. My father had it. And I have it too.”

Rico leaned closer, studying the details. “And baby Leo, Young Master? Have you checked him yet?”

Evan did not answer. He immediately stepped back into the VIP room. The door opened slowly, revealing Alice sleeping peacefully, her face calm and pale. Beside her, inside the glass bassinet, Leo was fast asleep, his tiny hands clenched into fists.

Evan approached the bassinet. With an extremely careful motion, he gently pulled aside part of the swaddling cloth around his son’s small body. When the baby’s left shoulder was exposed, Evan froze. There, on the still-reddish skin, was a small brown birthmark shaped like a perfect crescent.

Evan let out a long breath, a faint smile appearing on his face. He carefully covered Leo again.

“Well, Young Master?” Rico asked from the doorway.

“He is a true Nathaniel. There is not the slightest doubt,” Evan replied in a low, steady voice. “All those old speculations or worthless documents mean nothing. He is the only legitimate heir.”

Three Days Later.

Today was the day Alice and Leo would return home. Evan spared no effort in preparing their welcome. A line of luxury cars was already waiting in the hospital lobby. The media was strictly forbidden, Evan wanted this moment to belong solely to his family.

Alice emerged in a wheelchair, holding Leo, who was wrapped in a light blue wool blanket. Evan walked beside her, holding an umbrella as the weather was slightly windy.

“It feels strange, doesn’t it,” Alice said softly, looking at Leo sleeping peacefully. “Leaving this place not as a stressed patient, but as a mother.”

“That’s because your world has changed, Alice,” Evan replied. He helped her stand and guided her into an SUV that had been specially modified for maximum comfort.

When they arrived at the Nathaniel estate, they were greeted by a line of servants bowing respectfully. Lavina was already standing at the grand entrance, her face glowing with joy.

“Welcome home, little Leo,” Lavina exclaimed happily. She quickly took Leo from Alice’s arms. “Oh, look at him. He looks so much like you did as a baby, Evan. But he has Alice’s chin.”

Zavian appeared from the direction of the study, dressed in casual clothes, something Alice still rarely saw. “Bring him to the living room. I’ve prepared something.”

In the living room, a large table was covered with official documents bearing gold emblems.

“What are these, Father?” Alice asked as she sat on the plush sofa.

“This is the transfer of custodial rights for Leo’s education assets and trust funds,” Zavian said, handing a pen to Evan. “I’ve placed twenty percent of Nathaniel Group shares under his name starting today. He may still be a baby, but financially, he is already one of the wealthiest individuals in this country.”

Alice looked at Evan hesitantly. “Isn’t this too soon?”

“For a Nathaniel, there is no such thing as too soon when it comes to securing the future,” Evan replied. He signed the documents without hesitation. “This is his right as the heir.”

The first weeks at home passed with unexpected warmth. Evan, once a relentless workaholic, was now often found sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery, trying to soothe Leo when he woke in the middle of the night.

One night, Alice woke to find the nursery light still on. She peeked through the slightly open door and saw a sight that made her heart melt. Evan was holding Leo, pacing back and forth while whispering softly.

“You have to be strong, Leo. You have to protect your mother when Father is not around. But don’t worry, Father has already cleared the path for you. You won’t have to fight the way I once did,” Evan whispered to the baby, who was already asleep against his shoulder.

Alice stepped into the room quietly. “He’s asleep, Evan. Give him to me.”

“Let me hold him a little longer,” Evan replied. He turned to Alice with an incredibly gentle look. “I never imagined being a father could feel this calming.”

“That’s because nothing is threatening us anymore,” Alice said, holding Evan’s arm. “This house is now filled with the sound of a baby crying, not security radios.”

The next day, they decided to hold a small thanksgiving gathering. Only the immediate family and Rico were present. They had lunch in the back garden, beneath a large, shady oak tree.

“Evan, I’ve spoken with Elino’s legal team,” Alice said during lunch. “I want to donate most of the profits from the northern land to build an educational foundation in my parents’ name.”

Evan nodded in agreement. “Do it. That’s your asset, Alice. Whatever makes you happy, I will support.”

“I want Leo to know that his family is not only about power, but also about giving,” Alice added.

Zavian, who was holding Leo in his arms, looked up. “That’s a very good thought, Alice. The Nathaniel family needs a more humane image in the next generation. You are the best influence this family could have.”

Lavina laughed. “Look at you, Zavian. You haven’t let go of that baby since this morning.”

“He’s very calm with me, Mother,” Zavian replied defensively, though his awkward expression betrayed how deeply he adored his grandson.

That afternoon, after the guests had left and Leo was asleep in his nursery under Lily’s watch, Evan invited Alice to sit on the balcony of their bedroom. They watched the sunset cast a golden glow over the entire Nathaniel estate.

“Alice, do you remember when we first got married? You hated me so much,” Evan said, sipping his tea.

“I didn’t hate you, Evan. I was just afraid of you. You looked like a man who could kill without blinking,” Alice laughed, recalling the past.

“Maybe that was true back then,” Evan said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “But you changed me. You and Leo are the reason I remain human.”

“And you are my reason for daring to face the world again,” Alice replied.

The moment was perfectly peaceful. The evening breeze carried the scent of jasmine from the garden below. There was no longer any fear of Edwin, Vinnie, or anyone else. They had truly reached their final harbor.

Yet, in the middle of that calm, Evan remembered something. He reached into his pocket and took out a small box.

“One more thing. I haven’t officially given you this yet,” Evan said as he opened it. Inside was a ring with a blue sapphire surrounded by small diamonds. “This has nothing to do with the Nathaniel or Smith families. This is from me, for my wife.”

“Evan, I already have too much jewelry,” Alice smiled, but she let him slip the ring onto her ring finger.

“This is different. Sapphire symbolizes serenity. Like our life now,” Evan said.

Alice looked at the ring, then at her husband’s face. She felt that her life was finally complete. But just as she was about to kiss Evan, the phone on the balcony table vibrated.

Evan glanced at the screen. It was a call from the head contractor overseeing the construction of their beachside house.

“Hello? Yes, is it finished?” Evan asked.

His expression shifted slightly to surprise as he listened to the explanation on the other end. He looked at Alice with a gaze that was hard to read.

“What is it, Evan? Is there a problem with the beach house?” Alice asked.

Evan ended the call and stood up, grabbing his jacket.

“The developer said that when they tore down the old basement wall to expand the garage, they found a hidden room that wasn’t on the original blueprints. And on the door to that room, your name is written in gold paint,” Evan said.