CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE – PATERNITY COURT

"Order," Judge Martinez called, tapping her gavel. "Mr. Hawthorne, do you have anything to add?" Isabella's lawyer looked flustered. "Your Honor, we... we request a retest. There must be some mistake." Judge Martinez shook her head. "The test was conducted by an independent, court-approved lab. Unless you have evidence of tampering, which I assume you don't, these results stand." Isabella suddenly stood, her face contorted with rage. "This is impossible! He's lying, they must have cheated somehow!" "Ms. Vega, control yourself," the judge warned. But Isabella was beyond reason. She pointed at Marco, her voice shrill. "You think this is over? I'll make you pay for this humiliation, Marco Cesaro! You and your little tramp!" "That's enough!" Judge Martinez's gavel came down hard. "Ms. Vega, you are in contempt of court. Bailiff, remove her." As the bailiff approached, Isabella turned to flee. In her haste, she stumbled, nearly falling. Marco, acting on instinct, reached out to stead