Chapter 543 - 139 Bonds Beyond Blood

Chapter 543: Chapter 139 Bonds Beyond Blood

Lila’s POV

Lost in a whirlwind of doubt and warring emotions, only one certainty remained—my love for the two men beside me ran deeper than any blood tie. It was authentic, unshakeable, and far more meaningful than any laboratory analysis could ever prove.

"I cannot stop being your daughter!" I pressed myself against my father’s chest like he was my lifeline, feeling his powerful arms encircle me as tears cascaded down my cheeks.

I surrendered completely to this moment, sensing Beckett’s presence as he joined our embrace. No words were needed when our tears conveyed everything—their anxieties matched mine perfectly. The possibility that our bond might fracture simply because we might not share DNA seemed ludicrous when faced with such deep devotion.

The connection that united us wasn’t encoded in genetics but carved into my soul. Every shared experience, every lesson learned, every precious moment had shaped my identity far more than chromosomes ever could.

When what seemed like hours had passed, my father slowly drew back, cupping my face in his calloused hands. He brushed away my tears with gentle thumbs, giving me that same protective smile that had comforted me since childhood.

"Daughter! You will forever be my daughter—flesh of my heart and spirit! Nothing can alter that truth. You are Lila Sullivan, my cherished daughter." He kissed my forehead softly, cementing his vow.

"And don’t imagine for one moment you’ll stop being my sister," Beckett interjected with surprising lightness. "You’ll always be my little princess."

I found myself laughing despite my tears at the pet name he’d dropped when I’d declared myself too mature for such endearments.

"I love you both beyond measure. You are my family." I squared my shoulders, gathering my resolve. "But I must learn the truth. I must discover if that woman truly gave birth to me."

"We’re awaiting the DNA analysis," Katarina interrupted, capturing my attention.

My father’s demeanor brightened marginally as he regarded her. "So that explains your encounter with Claire yesterday."

"What encounter?" I questioned, puzzled.

"Oh, this is absolutely priceless," Beckett chuckled, offering me his phone. "Just hit play."

The footage revealed Katarina practically attacking Claire, concluding with her victoriously clutching handfuls of hair. I felt torn between shock and admiration.

"I apologize that she targeted you afterwards, but we required her hair samples," Katarina said with regret.

"She didn’t strike because of that incident. Claire always targets me, as you’re well aware. But I’ve ended it today. I warned her never to approach me again, and next time, I’ll have Daniel place her under arrest."

"About time!" Daniel released a dramatic sigh, settling deeper into his chair.

"How did you obtain my sample?" I asked, facing him directly.

"From your brush, tiny one. Hardly complex detective work," he responded with mild amusement.

They described running multiple DNA analyses, refusing to trust preliminary findings. It would require several more days for verification, and we’d have to remain patient. Daniel mentioned they still needed to locate the nurse called Aria.

"There’s another matter, sweetheart," my father said seriously. "My divorce proceedings are scheduled for this week. That woman has lost her sanity. I’m concerned she’ll target you, particularly when she realizes I’ve transferred virtually everything out of my name."

"The family enterprises..." I exhaled, looking toward Beckett. "More than ever, I need to sign everything over to you. None of this rightfully belongs to me. If you refuse, I’ll retain legal counsel."

"Lila, don’t be ridiculous!" Beckett objected. "You’re not transferring anything to me. It’s your birthright—our grandparents bequeathed it to you," he stressed ’our’ deliberately.

"But they wouldn’t have if they’d known—" I started, but my father interrupted.

"If you truly believe that, you’ve forgotten the depth of their devotion to you."

His statement struck me deeply. "No, I haven’t forgotten. Their love still flows through me daily. It’s remarkable how my feelings for them remain unchanged—only their physical presence is absent, along with the longing to feel their embrace." I seldom discussed this, but my most treasured memories were at my grandparents’ estate, where I’d felt completely welcomed and adored.

"Because love surpasses physical proof—it always resonates stronger. Just as you continue loving your deceased grandparents, I love you as my daughter without requiring tests or genetic confirmation," my father declared, kissing my forehead once more.

"I love all of you, each and every one," I said, surveying these four individuals who had become my anchor. My gaze rested on my detective’s tender expression, his eyes radiating such devotion that I felt precious beyond measure. "But there’s additional information I should know, isn’t there?"

"Yes," Beckett confirmed. "But most critically, you need to understand that we two are the sole Silvers. I’m your only brother, and you’re my only sister. Justin isn’t Dad’s son."

"What?" I stared at him, astounded.

"According to the journal, Justin is another man’s child. Which clarifies much—he’s as corrupt as his biological father," Beckett mused.

"Who is Justin’s real father?" I asked, turning to my father, whose expression twisted with revulsion.

"Little one, you know everything crucial for now," Daniel intervened. "It’s growing late, and everyone’s drained and famished. Why don’t we have dinner and rest? Tomorrow we can reveal everything else and resume this discussion."

Observing my father’s exhausted appearance, I agreed. "You’re absolutely right. Let’s postpone the remainder until tomorrow." I gently smoothed my father’s hair, receiving a loving smile in response.

"Perfect timing. I ordered food, and it just arrived." Daniel stood to retrieve our meal from the building’s concierge. I hadn’t even noticed him placing the order.

"I’ll prepare the table," I volunteered, with Katarina following to assist. The mystery surrounding Justin’s parentage could wait; my father needed relief from these emotional revelations.