Chapter 203 DNA Test Results

    Lucas froze when she asked the question. He struggled toe up with a response, worried she might see through him. It took him a moment to pull himself together before he finally said, “I just think Larry’s the calcting type. Didn’t want you getting caught up in his nonsense.”

    Sloane nodded in agreement. “Yeah, he was clearly annoyed earlier but still kept smiling like nothing was wrong. That alone says a lot–he knows how to hide what he’s feeling. Calm on the outside, but hard to read. Definitely someone to be careful around.”

    She said it thoughtfully, her voiceced with caution.

    Lucas lit up inside, relieved she agreed with him. He pressed the point while he could. “Exactly. Larry might seem polite and well–mannered, but underneath, he’s sharp and ruthless. I don’t trust his intentions with you at all. Who knows what he’s really after? You really should keep your distance.”

    Sloane nced over at Lucas, her expression unreadable. She didn’t think Larry had some hidden agenda toward her specifically–his repeated attempts to approach her probably had more to do with the fact that she was engaged to Lucas.

    Lucas noticed her silence and immediately grew uneasy.

    “What?” he asked, his voice tentative. “Did I say something wrong?”

    “Nothing.” Sloane shook her head lightly and stood up. “Didn’t you say we were going for a walk? Let’s igo/i.”

    “Oh, right.” Lucas breathed a quiet sigh of relief when she dropped the subject and quickly got up to follow her.

    The two of them walked side by side down the hallway, slowly making their way out of the hospital.

    Sloane’s condition had improved significantly, and she was set to be discharged that day.

    The Rivers family had arranged for Joanna to pick her up. Sloane had her own reasons for going back–she still needed answers about her past.

    When Mathilda saw her arrive, she greeted her with concern. “Sloane, how are you feeling? Anything still bothering you?”

    Sloane smiled softly. “I’m doing much better, Grandma. The doctor said I’ve recovered well–otherwise they wouldn’t have let me leave the hospital.”

    Mathilda nodded, her eyes lingering on Sloane’s face for a moment. “Good. You’ve been through enough. Now that you’re home, just focus on resting. I had the kitchen put together something light and healthy for you–make sure you eat.”

    “Thank you, Grandma.”

    Sloane epted it without a fuss. If they wanted to be generous, that was fine— she’d take it. But if they thought it gave them control over her, they were dead

    wrong.

    She was desperate to know the truth about her past—to understand what had really happened all those years ago finally. But she also knew that going straight to Helen would get her nowhere. That woman wouldn’t tell her anything.

    Back in her room, she immediately called Lena. “Well? Did the DNA resultse in?”

    “They’re in. I can bring them to you now if you’d like,” Lena replied respectfully over the phone.

    “No need,” Sloane said, already on her feet. “I’lle pick them up myself.”

    She hung up, quickly changed clothes, and headed out the door.

    From the upstairs balcony, Joanna watched her walk away in a rush.

    Suddenly, a sharp yank on her ear made her flinch.

    “I’m talking to you! Are you even listening?” her mother shrieked.

    O

    Chapter 203 DNA Test Results

    Joanna winced at the pain, but she didn’t fight back. She knew better. Pushing back only made things worse.

    “I heard you,” she mumbled.

    Her mother finally let go, hands on her hips, ring. “Heard me? Then why are you standing here zoning out? I told you to start making connections with those wealthy heirs. And what have you done? Nothing! Look at that Sloane girl. The Marshalls barely even acknowledge her, and she still managed tond Lucas as a fiancé!” She jabbed a finger toward her. “And you? You’re the actual daughter of the Rivers family. If you can’t marry into one of the Four Elite Families, don’t expect me to treat you like my daughter.”