I woke up early, making sure to get dressed with care, applying just the right amount of makeup. I wanted to look flawless when I saw Brianna’s smug face fall.
Gregory had, of course, invited all the relatives to the forensic center—probably hoping for an audience to witness my downfall. How typical of him.
He thought everyone would laugh at me, but what he didn’t know was that the joke was on him.
Before the test results even came in, I smirked at Gregory and asked, “So, this is the forensic center you picked, right? You’re not going to suddenly start complaining about the results, are you?”
He puffed out his chest, acting all confident. “Of course not. I, Gregory Johnson, always keep my word.”
I could barely hold back a laugh. He was so sure of himself.
The examiner hadn’t even returned yet, but Brianna was already putting on her show. She wrapped herself around Gregory’s arm, resting her head on his shoulder like a damsel in distress.
“Gregory, once the results come out, our family of three will finally be reunited,” she cooed, her eyes gleaming as she shot me a look that practically dared me to respond.
I ignored her, turning to look at Chloe instead.
Sure enough, Chloe’s face was as cold as ever. She wasn’t having any of Brianna’s act.
Brianna, realizing her attempt at charm wasn’t working, looked a little uncomfortable but quickly recovered. She turned to Chloe, trying to be all sweet and nurturing.
“From now on, I’m your mom. If you want anything, just let me know,” she said, pulling a small, beautifully wrapped box from her purse. “This is a necklace I got for you—a little gift to celebrate our reunion. Do you like it?”
Chloe didn’t even glance at it. “I don’t need it.”
Brianna’s smile froze, as if she’d just been slapped in the face.
Gregory tried to step in, playing peacekeeper. “Chloe, your mom just wants to make you feel welcome…”
“I don’t need her goodwill,” Chloe cut him off, her voice icy.
“I already have a mom. Kaia Hansen is my only mother.”
A wave of pride washed over me. My daughter always had my back.
Just then, the examiner returned, holding the test results. Brianna, Gregory, and George all leaned in, their eyes glued to the papers in the examiner’s hands, like vultures ready to pick at a carcass.
I almost couldn’t stop myself from laughing.
The examiner opened the first envelope, and Brianna gasped, her breath catching in her throat. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into Gregory’s arm as if she were about to pass out from the excitement.
Gregory was practically vibrating with anticipation, his face red as a tomato. He muttered under his breath, “Chloe, our family can finally be whole again.”
I could see how he was looking at me—like I was already a beaten dog, completely out of the picture.
Brianna was a mess of nervous energy, practically shaking with excitement. “Chloe, mommy’s finally proved she’s your real mom.”
And of course, George couldn’t wait any longer. He swaggered up to Chloe, an obnoxious grin on his face, as if he already knew what the results would say.
“Sis, when we get back to Johnson Group, you need to make me the general manager,” he said, practically demanding it. “I’m your real brother. Only I’ll truly help you.”
He had that entitled look, like he thought Chloe would just hand him whatever he wanted.
I stood there, barely able to hold back my smirk. They still didn’t get it. They still didn’t know who the real fool was.
