Chapter 128
The next morning, Adam cancelled his meetings. We went straight to the DNA testing center in the Seaport District. Since the Sterling family owned a stake in the lab, there were no lines. The swabs were taken quickly.
Adam buttoned his suit jacket, looking down at Amy. "Go home and wait. But I’m telling you now, kid, you are one hundred percent my daughter. If you don’t believe me, believe your mother. She only ever liked me."
I shot him a sharp look. "Don't get cocky."
Amy didn't say a word. She just turned and walked toward the exit.
When we reached the underground garage, I moved faster than Adam. I shouldered past him and slid into the driver’s seat of his car.
Adam paused. He walked around to the passenger side and got in silently.
I drove him to the Sterling Global building and kept the engine running. "I’m taking the car. I’m taking Amy out."
Adam looked at me, then at the building. "Want to come up for a bit?"
"No."
He sighed theatrically and opened his door. "Maya, I’ll be home on time today."
"Okay."
I hit the gas before he even fully turned around. In the rearview mirror, he looked almost lonely standing there.
The car was quiet. I glanced at Amy in the backseat.
"Do you want to go to the library?" I asked.
"No."
"Museum?"
"No."
"Park?"
"Mom," she said, her voice small. "What if the paper says I’m not Daddy’s daughter?"
I looked at her in the mirror. Her face was full of anxiety. "Amy, do you care that much?"
She thought for a moment, then nodded.
"You like him?"
"Yeah," she admitted. "But I love you the most."
I laughed softly. "Amy, I promise you. There is only one result. You are his. If it says otherwise, the machine is broken. Don't worry."
She didn't look convinced.
"Let's go shopping," I said. "Our fridge is empty. We need to buy everything."
"...Okay."
We went to the supermarket. I offered her a ride in the cart, but she shook her head. We walked the aisles, throwing things in. By the time we checked out, we had three full bags. It took both of us to heave them into the trunk.
We ate lunch, and I checked the time. The results were ready.
I drove us back to the center. The staff handed us a sealed envelope. I didn't open it. I handed it straight to Amy.
"You look," I said.
Amy tore it open. She stared at the paper. Slowly, a smile spread across her face. She folded the paper carefully and shoved it deep into her jeans pocket.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"I’m keeping it," she said, patting her pocket. "If anyone says I’m not Daddy’s daughter again, I’m going to slap this paper in their face."
My mouth twitched. I didn't stop her. "Good plan. When we get home, I’ll make copies. Just in case you lose it."
"Thanks, Mom."
I smiled. She was definitely my daughter.
"Where to now?" I asked.
"I have a class," Amy reminded me.
Right. My daughter was busier than me.
We got back to the apartment just in time for her tutor to arrive. While Amy was busy, I went to the study. I printed twenty copies of the DNA result. That should be enough for plenty of face-slapping.
I sat on the sofa and texted Adam.
Me: Got the results.
Adam: Okay.
Me: You aren't going to ask what they act say?
Adam: Do I need to?
I rolled my eyes. The arrogance.
Two seconds later, my phone rang.
"What?" I answered.
"You missed me," Adam said.
"I didn't."
"Liar. I know you did."
"I'm hanging up. Go work."
"Wait," he said quickly. "I'm tired. Give me a kiss through the phone. I need motivation."
"Get lost," I said, and hung up. My face felt hot.
I sent a text to Chloe.
Me: Come over for dinner. I'm cooking.
We hadn't hosted anyone since moving in. I had bought too much food anyway.
Chloe: On my way. Send address.
I sent the location and went to the kitchen. Cooking calmed me down. Within an hour, I had seven dishes prepped.
The front door opened. Adam walked in, took one look at Chloe sitting at the island, and nodded. Then he saw the food.
"You cooked all this?" He looked shocked.
"I got carried away," I said. "Sterling, hand me a plate."
He grabbed one. "Here."
"Sterling, take this to the table."
"Okay."
Chloe watched us, smirking. "You two are weirdly in sync."
The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!" Amy ran to the door.
Adam saw the two men standing in the entryway and his face dropped. " Why are you here?"
Parker Palmer stood there, looking awkward. Ethan Blackwood gave a nervous wave.
"We heard you moved," Ethan said. "Thought we'd visit."
I looked at Adam. He looked annoyed. "Who upset you?" I asked.
"Ethan and Parker are here," he grumbled. "It's too crowded. Too loud."
"It's lively," I said. "I like it."
We all sat down to eat.
Adam sat next to me. Amy sat on my other side. Ethan shoved Parker into the seat next to Chloe, then sat as far away as possible.
Parker sat down. He glanced at Chloe. Chloe didn't look up. She was scrolling on her phone.
The tension was thick. Everyone could feel it.
"Ms. Bennett," Ethan said loudly. "This food is amazing!"
"Thanks," I said. "Come by anytime."
"Really? We can?"
Adam shot Ethan a cold glare. Ethan shrank back. "Heh. Maybe not."
Adam ladled some soup into a bowl and placed it in front of me. "Drink some soup. It's warm."
"Thanks." I took a sip.
Parker picked up the ladle. He filled a bowl and placed it gently in front of Chloe.
Chloe didn't move. She stared at the bowl for a second. Then, she picked it up and moved it to the side, far away from her plate.
Parker froze.
The table went silent.
Parker let out a dry laugh. He didn't say anything.
After dinner, the guests left. I was loading the dishwasher.
"Adam," I whispered. "What happened with Parker and Chloe?"
Adam glanced at the empty living room. "Broken up?"
"But Chloe said they were never together."
Adam paused. He looked at me, a knowing look in his eyes.
"So," he said softly. "You're learning from her?"