Chapter 568 Publicly Release The Paternity Test Report
Chapter 568 Publicly Release The Paternity Test Report
The day after the wedding, news came from the psychiatric hospital: Aria had taken her own life.
There were no sharp objects in her room. Aria had found a sharp stone in the garden during her morning walk and used it to cut her wrists when she got back to her room.
By the time the doctors found her, it was too late.
She left behind a letter detailing all her past traumas, including Gavin's assault, her imprisonment, and her disfigurement.
Seeing Nancy's distress, Edward quickly tried to comfort her, "This was her choice. You don't need to feel guilty about it."
"But I can't help but wonder if our wedding crushed her last bit of hope. She still had fantasies about being with you, and our wedding made her completely despair... And Susan, she must be devastated..."
Nancy stood up, "I need to go see Susan."
Edward grabbed her hand, "I'll go with you. I can push back my morning meeting."
Nancy shook her head and adjusted his tie, "No need, you focus on your work. I'll go by myself."
...
When Nancy arrived at the Forbes Villa, she saw George sitting on the couch reading some documents. He looked up, surprised to see her, "Nancy? Why are you back so soon after the wedding? Edward won't mind, will he?"
"He's not that petty, George. Is Susan home? I want to see her."
George's expression darkened, and he sighed, "She went to the park with Mom and Freya. She cried a lot after hearing about Aria, so Mom took her out to cheer her up."
Nancy sighed too, "Does Susan know about Aria's letter? Does she blame us? Aria's death is somewhat related to our wedding."
"Don't be silly," George chuckled, ruffling her hair, "Susan would never blame you. She told me this morning that she felt bad for you guys having to deal with this right after your wedding. That's just how she is—no matter how much she's hurting, she won't take it out on others."
Nancy's eyes welled up. Susan, who should be the most upset, was thinking about her. This kindness warmed and pained her heart.
She sniffled and said softly, "Susan is so good. I was worried she might mind..."
"Don't worry, we'll help her through this," George patted her hand, "Aria's choice was her own decision from the start. It has nothing to do with you. Don't take the blame."
Nancy nodded. Just then, Elsie burst in, grabbing her wrist and dragging her upstairs, "Nancy, come with me! It's urgent!"
Nancy was startled, "Slow down, you're pregnant!"
But Elsie didn't listen, pulling her into her bedroom. She took out her phone and showed Nancy a blog post, "Look at this! The comments are all badmouthing you!"
Nancy took the phone, puzzled. The blog post title was glaring: "Behind the Glamorous Wedding in Harmony City: Ms. Taylor's Schemes to Marry Mr. Smith by Becoming a Piano Teacher at Starglow Art School!"
The comments were full of malice:
"I thought it was true love, but she was just scheming to climb up. She'll be kicked out of the Smith family soon!"
"Poor Juliana, her mom passed away, and now she has a scheming stepmom. She'll suffer."
"I bet a month! She'll be gone in a month, unable to handle her stepdaughter or please the Smith family elders!"
"I heard she was just a regular piano teacher before. Who knows if her identity as a Forbes is real?"
Nancy scanned the comments briefly and handed the phone back to Elsie.
"Aren't you mad?" Elsie asked, surprised.
Nancy's tone was calm, "Let them talk. It's all lies, no need to get worked up."
"Even if it's lies, you can't let them trash you!" Elsie stomped her foot, frustrated. "You might not care about your reputation, but what about Juliana? They're saying she's motherless and you're a wicked stepmom. Can you tolerate that?"
Elsie's words hit Nancy like a ton of bricks. She could ignore what people said about her, but no one could insult her daughter! She hadn't revealed their relationship before, thinking it was private, but now it had to be made public.
Nancy's eyes became determined, "You're right. I can't let them bully Juliana. I'll post a blog right now, telling everyone I'm Juliana's biological mother."
"Do you have the paternity test report?" Elsie asked, "Without evidence, they'll think you're lying!"
Nancy opened her photo album and found the saved paternity test report. She smiled, "I've been prepared, just waiting for the right time."
She sat at Elsie's vanity and quickly typed out her post:
"First, thank you for your interest in my wedding with Edward. But please stop the baseless speculation and slander.
When I started working at Starglow Art School as a piano teacher, I hadn't met Edward, so there's no scheming involved.
Also, stop saying Juliana is motherless. I, Nancy Taylor, am her biological mother. Attached is the paternity test report (see image), which is authentic and can be verified with the testing agency.
My marriage with Edward is based on love and is approved by both families. So there's no need to worry about me being kicked out of the Smith family. Edward and I will take good care of our family and protect Juliana.
Lastly, the internet is not a lawless place. Please respect others and the truth. I reserve the right to pursue legal action against malicious comments about me and Juliana."
After sending the post, Nancy placed her phone on the table. Elsie refreshed the page excitedly.
"Look! People are starting to apologize! Some are saying they were misled by rumors and will defend you!"
Nancy picked up her phone and saw the top comment: "Ms. Taylor is Juliana's biological mother! Those who called her a wicked stepmom, are you ashamed?"
Followed by a string of supportive comments: "Sorry, Ms. Taylor, I believed the rumors and shouldn't have spoken out."
"Juliana is so lucky to have her mom! Those who insulted Ms. Taylor, apologize!"
"The paternity test report is out. Anyone still doubting? Be careful of being sued!"
Seeing the shift in the comments, Nancy felt relieved. She didn't care about others' opinions, but she didn't want her daughter to suffer from baseless rumors.
Just then, she received a message from Edward.
[Saw your blog post. Well done. If anyone dares to slander you and Juliana again, keep the evidence. The Smith Group's legal team is not just for show.]