Chapter 81 A Paternity Test
“William!”
Denton’s voice carried a sharp edge as he entered the office unannounced, the door banging against the wall with a resounding thud. The sudden intrusion jolted William, his hand slipping and dragging ink across a nearly completed signature.
William’s gaze snapped up, irritation flashing in his eyes. “This has better be important, or else…”
“It’s about Renee’s son. Is that urgent enough for you?” Denton countered, his tone implying the gravity of the news he bore.
The pen strained under William’s grip before he flung it aside, its clatter echoing as he gestured for Denton to speak.
“I’ve done some digging through a contact in Oclya. They tracked down the hospital where Renee gave birth. The boy was indeed born at full term,” Denton explained, his words measured.
William’s frown deepened. “And what of it?”
Denton paused for effect, his eyes locked on William’s. “It’s just math, dude. Given the full–term birth, Renee was already a month pregnant when she arrived in Oclya. Ryder couldn’t possibly be the father.”
A surge of mixed emotions washed over William. His hands balled into fists, hope flickering in his eyes. He had harbored suspicions, yet Renee’s unwavering demeanor that day had nearly convinced him of her honesty. He and Renee had always been meticulous–his use of protection, her use of pills. The chances of her being pregnant had seemed almost non–existent.
Could Ray be involved?
The mere possibility was enough to make William want to tear Ray apart.
Felix was too damn cute to be the child of that worthless piece of shit.
“Are you absolutely certain… the boy isn’t yours?” Denton eyed William with a mix of
skepticism and disbelief. “Maybe a paternity test would settle it?”
With a dismissive wave, William responded, “I’ll let you take care of that.”
“Me, again?” Denton groaned, exasperation coloring his tone.
Casually leaning back, William teased, “I heard you’ve been drooling over that new sports car.”
Denton’s eyes lit up, a spark of eagerness breaking through. “Wait, are you serious? Are you going to get it for me?”
Raised under the strict regimes of their respective families, the Mitchell and the Goodwin households, Denton and William shared a unique bond forged in the confined spaces of training rooms while their peers frolicked freely outside. Any form of luxury was once out of the question.
With his business empire under his control, William had finally broken free from the chains of Eric’s relentless rules. Getting a car was as easy as picking out a new pair of shoes.
Denton on the other side, refrained from indulging in extravagantly priced purchases, wary of inciting his father’s ire. Yet, if the sports car was a gift from his best friend, it would be an entirely different story.
“Alright, that’s a done deal. Leave the rest to me–just don’t forget to get my car ordered,” Denton remarked, flashing a quick smile.
Later that evening, as William made his way home from work, he noticed the welcoming glow of the lights inside his house. A brief pause gripped him—a momentary hesitation born of surprise–before the familiar warmth spurred him to quicken his steps toward the front door.
Memories of Renee–the one who always left a light on to guide him home–flooded his thoughts, igniting a surge of excitement and anticipation that hastened his pace even
more.
With a sense of urgency, he punched in the password and pushed the door open, his eyes darting around, seeking her presence. Drawn by sounds emanating from the kitchen, he moved almost instinctively toward them, unaware of the tender expression
that softened his features.
Yet, as he navigated across the house, all traces of softness disappeared, replaced by a stark chill when a stranger stepped into view.
His body tensed, his welcoming demeanor crumbling into a guarded stance, his eyes narrowing into a frosty glare.
This woman was not Renee.
“William, you’re finally back. Dinner will be ready in just a moment,” the woman announced cheerily, oblivious to the storm brewing within him.
“Who are you?” William demanded, his voice icy.
