Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 452: Today’s Statement

Chapter 452: Today’s Statement

It was another quiet morning, but Rain couldn’t help the way her expression tightened as she sat on the living room couch beside Sanya and Aunt Melanie. The news played on the TV, showing live coverage outside Meta Doctors Hospital.

Reporters crowded the hospital gates, cameras rolling, mics held high, desperate for updates on the one woman whose name hadn’t left the headlines for weeks, Carla Cartier.

The news anchor’s voice came on.

"Breaking news this morning: Carla Cartier, international model, actress, and former goodwill ambassador, has regained consciousness. Hospital sources confirm that Carla, who has been comatose for weeks after her arrest and injury, is now awake and able to speak, though still recovering physically."

A video clip of the hospital entrance played. Security remained tight, and authorized staff were seen going in and out under heavy guard.

"Carla Cartier, once the darling of international fashion and media, is currently facing multiple criminal charges. However, that hasn’t stopped a wave of public support from her loyal fanbase and former colleagues," the anchor continued.

The screen cut to a crowd of fans and former co-workers holding signs and giving statements to the press.

"We believe Carla is innocent," a young woman said tearfully. "She’s been a role model for so many people around the world. She wouldn’t do the things they’re accusing her of. There’s more to this."

"Everyone’s quick to judge because of the charges, but that’s not the woman we know," another fan chimed in. "She’s always stood for truth and empowerment. We’ll keep supporting her until the real story comes out."

Some banners read "Justice for Carla Cartier!" and "Let Carla Speak Her Truth."

"Speak her truth, my ass!" Sanya muttered with annoyance, snatching the remote from Rain’s hand. "You shouldn’t be watching this garbage. Just wait for your grandfather to make his statement later. I don’t want my future niece in your belly to look like Carla!"

Aunt Melanie chuckled from the side. "You know, there’s an old saying that babies tend to look like the person their mother was most annoyed with during pregnancy," she said teasingly.

Sanya gasped and dramatically pointed at the TV. "We should turn that off right now! We are not risking your baby looking like Carla!" She turned to Rain and exaggeratedly pointed a finger. "Don’t even think about Carla, okay?"

Then, softening a bit, she forked a piece of melon and handed it to Rain. "Here. Eat more fruits. I’ll find us a nice movie to watch instead while we wait for the President’s announcement."

Rain nodded quietly and began picking at her bowl of mixed cut fruits while sitting beside Aunt Melanie. Sanya flipped through the channels, looking for something lighthearted to distract them all.

Today was a big day.

Her real grandfather, President Saul Watson, was scheduled to give a public statement. William and Alexander were already with him at the Presidential House, preparing for the broadcast.

Rain had yet to meet her grandfather in person. Since the shocking truth about her and Carla’s real identities came to light, everything had spiraled into chaos. President Saul hadn’t been in good health and was advised to rest and recover.

Rain wanted to visit him, but the Presidential House remained tightly guarded, and Alexander had told her it wasn’t the right time yet. Everyone needed space to process the revelations.

Still, both Alexander and William had reassured her that after today’s statement, the President wanted to see her. They’d be going home with him after the broadcast.

Rain’s fingers instinctively rubbed her baby bump as a strange flutter of emotion stirred inside her, nervousness, hope, and a lingering fear of what the President would say to the nation... and to her.

*****

The atmosphere at the Presidential House was tense as reporters gathered for the long-awaited press conference. Security was tight, the media was swarming, and cameras were fixed on the podium as President Saul Clayton stepped up to address the nation. His face was stern but composed as he greeted the public.

"Good morning," President Saul began. "Today, I am here to speak on a matter of great personal and national importance, concerning Carla."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd of reporters.

"After a thorough investigation, supported by conclusive evidence and DNA testing, I must clarify that Carla is not biologically related to me or the Watson and Cartier family."

A wave of gasps echoed across the room. Cameras flashed in rapid succession.

The President gestured to his right, and his spokesperson, Mrs. Tanya del Rosario, stepped forward to address the room further.

"Allow me to explain. Years ago, at Clayton University Hospital, two women delivered babies on the same night. One was Lydia Clayton, the adopted sister of Tim Clayton, and the other was Summer Cartier. Summer had to deliver unexpectedly at the nearest facility, which happened to be at Clayton University Hospital. Summer gave birth to twins. Tragically, one of the twins did not survive. Tim Clayton took advantage of the chaos and heartbreak."

She paused to let the gravity sink in.

"Tim swapped Summer’s surviving twin with Lydia’s newborn, Carla. The baby Lydia had delivered, Carla, was registered under Summer’s name while Summer’s real baby, Rain, was registered under Tim Clayton. Rain grew up believing she was Tim Clayton’s daughter, when in truth, she is the biological daughter of Arlan Cartier and Summer Cartier."

She stepped back and allowed the President’s legal adviser, Attorney Ramon Santiago, to take over.

"As to why Tim Clayton did this," the lawyer began, his voice calm but firm, "we have uncovered a long-standing grudge Tim held against Arlan Cartier. Lydia was deeply in love with Arlan, her former boyfriend. However, due to familial pressure, Arlan entered into an arranged marriage with Summer. Lydia, devastated, later took her own life. Tim, obsessed with Lydia and harboring jealousy toward Arlan, blamed him entirely for her suicide."

Attorney Santiago continued, "By orchestrating this cruel deception, Tim not only took revenge on Arlan but also gained control over Rain, whom he used as leverage in his later plans."

A reporter stood up. "Are there DNA tests to support these claims?"