passageway

Chapter 9: The DNA Results

Even though Mateo had zero doubts in his heart, the corporate lawyers and the family trust demanded procedural verification. Marcus arrived at the penthouse later that evening, carrying a sealed envelope from the state genetic testing laboratory.

"The results, Mr. Vance," Marcus said, handing over the document.

Mateo tore open the seal without hesitation. He scanned past the complex medical jargon down to the bottom line: *Probability of Paternity: 99.998%.*

Mateo looked at Marcus. "Have the legal team draft the adoption and legitimation papers. Emma Vance will have full, equal inheritance rights to all family trusts, effective immediately."

"Understood, sir," Marcus replied. "There is one more matter. The press has caught wind of the transfer at Northwestern Memorial. Local news outlets are already running headlines about a 'secret Vance heiress.' Paparazzi are gathering outside the hospital."

Mateo’s eyes narrowed into steel. "Issue a formal press release tonight. Acknowledge Emma as my legitimate daughter and announce that any media outlet attempting to photograph either of the children or trespass on the hospital grounds will face immediate litigation and total financial ruin. I want a security perimeter established around the clinic and the school."

"Consider it done," Marcus nodded.

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Mateo walked over to the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, looking out over the glittering grid of Chicago. He had spent his entire life fighting predators in boardrooms, but now he had something far more precious to defend: a family that was finally whole.

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