CHAPTER 8: Unbreakable Bonds
Julian’s personal assistant ran down the aisle, gasping for air, holding a sealed yellow envelope stamped with the official seal of the State Genetic Institute.
""Your... Your Honor!"" the assistant breathed, handing the document directly to the court clerk. ""The certified results.""
The courtroom went dead silent. Richard’s calm expression cracked for a split second, his eyes tracking the envelope as it was passed up to Judge Vance.
The judge put on her reading glasses, broke the red seal, and carefully opened the paper. She scanned the document line by line, her stern face showing no emotion.
Lily buried her face in Julian’s coat, hiding from the tense stares of the adults in the room. Julian held her tight, his chest aching with anxiety.
Finally, Judge Vance adjusted her glasses and looked down at the court.
""The genetic test results conducted by the accredited state laboratory confirm a 99.9% probability of half-sibling relation between Julian Chen and Lily Vance,"" Judge Vance stated clearly. ""Furthermore, the maternal markers match the late Clara Vance.""
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A collective murmur erupted in the courtroom. Richard slammed his pen onto the table, his face darkening.
""Therefore,"" Judge Vance continued, striking her gavel with a decisive sound, ""this court denies the motion for state custody and officially grants full legal guardianship of Lily Vance to her brother, Julian Chen.""
