Chapter 15: DNA Test

"Send her away," Madam Burton commanded, her voice as icy as a winter storm. "I can put up with a shrewd daughter-in-law, even one who's only after the Burton family fortune. As long as she knows her wealth depends on treating Conor right, I can live with it." Elodie gave a nod of agreement. "But as for Stacey," Madam Burton's gaze turned steely, "If word got out about Conor's foolish and unattractive wife, wouldn't we become a joke?" "You're right, Madam," Elodie agreed. "But do you think the Hampton family will agree to this?" "What does their opinion matter?" Madam Burton snapped back. "Once Stacey married Conor, she became a Burton. We can handle our own business. As I've said before, we'll ensure she lives comfortably. We won't return her to the Hamptons, but she certainly can't be Mrs. Burton." Elodie remained quiet. She understood that Madam Burton was only trying to protect the Burton family. Still, she couldn't help feeling sorry for Stacey, who'd been treated like a commodity by her father. The Hamptons probably didn't care how the Burtons treated her. Her fate was no longer their concern. With Stacey and Ethan in tow, Conor was at the wheel, heading to the DNA test center. Anthony Scott, a friend of Conor's, ran the center. Conor had already given him a heads-up about their visit. As Conor's Maybach rolled up, Anthony Scott approached, needing more about Conor's motives. When he spotted Ethan, he was taken aback. "Young Master Burton, who's this?" Anthony asked, flabbergasted. "My son," Conor responded nonchalantly. His son? "So, you've located the woman from six years ago? She ran off with the child?" Anthony questioned, taken by surprise. Conor kept his poker face. Stacey was the last to step out of the car. Anthony, noticing Stacey's long legs, thought she had a pretty good figure. But when she turned to face him, he was shocked. No way! Was this the woman from that night six years ago? It suddenly made sense why the lights had been switched off. Given her looks... "Young Master Burton, this... "Anthony glanced at Conor, at a loss for words. "She's not involved," Conor stated, his tone frosty. "Just test the child and me." "Alright," Anthony nodded, accepting the situation. Anthony made the mistake of assuming Stacey was Ethan's biological mother. They all entered the testing facility. Unlike most children, Ethan didn't cringe when the nurse took his blood. Anthony laughed, "Young Master Burton, the kid has your disposition." Conor smirked, "He's my son, after all. It's only natural he takes after me." Ethan snorted, "You haven't even raised me for a day, and you're so eager to stake your claim." Conor furrowed his brows at the blunt comeback. "Young Master Burton, if you're so sure he's your son, why the DNA test?" Anthony Scott was curious. Given that Conor continually referred to Ethan as "my son," he was clearly fond of the boy. This whip-smart Conor-clone was undoubtedly his child. "Because I won't allow anyone to question his identity," Conor stated frostily. Stacey stood to the side, quietly listening. She had initially thought Conor was worried Ethan might be a fraud. But it seemed her assumptions were off. She, too, was eager to know whether Ethan was indeed Conor's son. Over the years, she avoided Zephyria, scared Ethan's identity might be exposed. Now that Ethan had willingly presented himself to Conor, there was no more avoiding. It was time to confront the truth. Stacey silently vowed to protect Ethan at all costs. After all, she was his mother. Once the blood was taken, Conor asked Anthony, "When can we get the results?" "In three days," Anthony replied. "Once the results are in, bring them straight to my house. Don't tell anyone," Conor ordered, his tone icy. "You have my word," Anthony assured him. "Our clients come to us for our discretion. You can trust us." Conor nodded, stood, and said to Stacey and Ethan, "Let's go." Stacey kneeled to help Ethan fix his sleeve. Conor watched her, surprised by her motherly instincts. After standing up, she took Ethan's hand and walked over to Conor. Conor waited expectantly. Stacey, confused, wondered why he was standing there. "Mummy, Daddy needs help with his sleeve, too," Ethan pointed out. Stacey was taken aback, "Is he disabled? Can't he do it himself?" "What, you can look after him but not me?" Conor asked, his eyes narrowing. Stacey felt a pang of discomfort. It was as if Conor's words today were laced with hidden meanings. Stacey wasn't sure if Conor had seen through her act. Regardless, she kept up her pretense of being naive. She abruptly yanked down Conor's sleeve. "Done," she said flatly. Her rough treatment brushed against the needle prick on his arm from the blood draw. Conor winced. Was she as naive as she seemed, or was it all an act? She was so tender with Ethan yet so rough with him. "Let's go," Conor ushered them out. Anthony watched them depart. He found Stacey interesting - she didn't seem to be trying to win Conor's favor. Seeing Conor had just had his blood drawn, most women would have shown some worry or sympathy. But Stacey seemed to treat Conor as if he were invisible. Moreover, her recent actions suggested a hint of underlying resentment. Mulling over this, Anthony decided to stir the pot in their group chat. Anthony Scott: "Mrs. Burton sure has some attitude. Doesn't seem to be trying to please the young master at all." Lennox Robinson: "If she's as dim as they say, she wouldn't know how to please others." Anthony Scott: "How can you talk about Mrs. Burton like that? Be careful. The young master hears and isn't happy." Lennox Robinson: "Anthony, come on! I'm just stating the facts." Anthony Scott: "I think you're the one who is seeking trouble. Mrs. Burton has already given birth to a son for the young master. Isn't that pleasing enough?" Lennox Robinson: "What? What are you talking about?" Anthony Scott: "The young master came with Mrs. Burton and her son for a DNA test. I was the one who received them." Lennox Robinson: "OMG!!!!!!" Anthony Scott: "You're the young master's assistant, and you don't know this? You're less in the loop than I am." Lennox Robinson: "Anthony, she is a total airhead with the IQ of a five-year-old. But what's this about a son?" Anthony frowned, confused. He and Lennox were not on the same wavelength. That's when Conor chimed in on the group chat: "Anthony, Stacey is not very sharp. Lennox, I was about to look for you. I have a son now. Help me find out about his mother's whereabouts." Lennox Robinson: "What the hell!" Anthony Scott: "Holy cow!!"