I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 236: DNA Test

Chapter 236: DNA Test

The opulent boardroom, with its polished mahogany table and panoramic city views, hummed with a tense energy. Brooke and Lottie, their faces flushed with anticipation, sat opposite a phalanx of stern-faced lawyers and the imposing figures of Ophelia and Edward. The air crackled with unspoken accusations and simmering resentments.

Their hired lawyer, Mr. Finch, a man with a sharp suit and an even sharper mind, had laid out their case with practiced precision. He had presented the evidence, the birth certificates, the fragmented family history, all pointing to Brooke’s claim as the rightful heir of Maeve Welhaven. The Welhaven family lawyers, their expressions carefully neutral, listened intently, their pens scratching across legal pads, their eyes assessing every detail.

The initial presentation had been a whirlwind of figures and legal jargon, a dizzying array of assets and inheritances. Brooke and Lottie, their eyes wide with avarice, listened with rapt attention as the sheer magnitude of the Welhaven fortune was revealed. Their mouths watered as they imagined the lavish lifestyle that awaited them, the endless possibilities that lay within their grasp.

"And as the sole heir of Maeve Welhaven," Mr. Finch concluded, his voice ringing with confidence, "Ms. Brooke Chadwick is entitled to the full inheritance, as outlined in the late Samuel Welhaven’s will."

A hush fell over the room, the silence broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioning. The Welhaven family lawyers exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Ophelia, her face a mask of carefully controlled composure, remained silent, her eyes fixed on Brooke.

Edward, however, shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze darting around the room, his unease palpable. He had always been uncomfortable in these high-stakes situations, preferring to operate in the shadows, away from the scrutiny of the legal system.

The silence stretched, the tension building with each passing second. Finally, one of the Welhaven family lawyers, a woman with a steely gaze and a no-nonsense demeanor, spoke.

"While we acknowledge the evidence presented," she said, her voice clear and precise, "we must also consider the... complexities of this situation."

Brooke and Lottie exchanged a quick glance, their excitement momentarily tempered by a flicker of apprehension. They had expected some resistance, but they were confident that their claim was airtight.

"Complexities?" Mr. Finch echoed, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. "What complexities could you be referring to?"

"The issue of parentage," the lawyer replied, her gaze unwavering. "While the documents presented suggest a familial connection, we require definitive proof that Ms. Chadwick is indeed the biological daughter of Maeve Welhaven."

A collective gasp rippled through the room. Brooke’s face flushed crimson, her eyes flashing with anger. Lottie’s expression hardened, her smile replaced by a look of thinly veiled hostility.

"Are you questioning Brooke’s legitimacy?" Lottie demanded, her voice laced with indignation. "How dare you!"

Before the Welhaven family lawyer could respond, Ophelia spoke, her voice smooth and measured. "It is not a matter of questioning anyone’s legitimacy," she said, her eyes fixed on Brooke. "It’s a matter of due diligence. We need to ensure that the inheritance is distributed to the rightful heir."

Brooke’s anger intensified. She could not believe that Ophelia, of all people, was questioning her claim. She was not even Sam Welhaven’s daughter, she was only his step daughter, Maeve was his only child. Since they had gotten to the office, Ophelia’s cold demeanor, her subtle condescension had irritated her. And now, she was trying to undermine her inheritance.

"And who are you to ask such a thing?" Lottie interjected, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who are you in all of this?"

Ophelia’s lips curled into a faint smile. "You seem to forget but I am Maeve’s sister," she said, her voice calm. "And as such, I have a vested interest in ensuring that her legacy is protected by what could be fraudulent claims."

Brooke scoffed, her eyes filled with contempt. "Protected?" she echoed. "Or stolen?"

Ophelia’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of cold disdain. "I have no interest in stealing anything," she said, her voice sharp. "I simply want to ensure that justice is served."

"Justice?" Lottie scoffed. "You would not know justice if it slapped you in the face. Maeve has already stated what she wants."

Mr. Finch, sensing the escalating tension, stepped forward, his voice calm and professional. "Ladies," he said, his voice laced with a hint of warning, "I understand that emotions are running high. But let us focus on the facts. We have presented ample evidence to support Ms. Chadwick’s claim. If you require further proof, we are prepared to provide it."

The Welhaven family lawyer nodded, her expression thoughtful. "We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Finch," she said. "We will review the evidence and inform you of our decision in due course."

Brooke and Lottie exchanged a look of frustration. They had expected a smoother process, a swift and decisive victory. But it seemed that Ophelia was determined to make things difficult.

"This is unacceptable!" Lottie said sharply, as she rose to her feet and glowered at everyone seated at the table. "Brooke has been deprived of her birth rights for so long, and now that she can finally have what she deserves it is being stalled."

Ophelia’s smile returned, wider and more menacing than before. "Unfortunately for you," she said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. "There is a process to important things such as these. I understand that you have no idea since you have never had the privilege of dealing with a prestigious family such as ours."

Mr Finch looked nervously from his clients to Ophelia before clearing his throat. "This is a simple issue that does not need to be dragged out, we can resolve it quickly and smoothly." He pleaded.

Ophelia leaned back in her chair and cocked her head, while looking as if she was contemplating.

"I agree, we can resolve it quickly." She said eventually.

Brooke and Lottie quietly sighed in relief, confident that they would pass whatever tests Ophelia’s for them.

"She," Ophelia said, pointing at Brooke. "Will have to take a DNA test at a facility of our choosing and under close supervision of our lawyers."