CHAPTER 7: THE RESULTS
At 8:00 AM, Elena’s phone chimed with an encrypted email notification from the genetic lab.
She retreated into the laundry room, locking the door behind her. With trembling fingers, she clicked the link and downloaded the PDF report.
Her eyes scanned straight to the bottom line:
> **PROBABILITY OF MATERNITY: 99.998%** > *Result: The tested individual (Elena Vance) is confirmed to be the biological mother of the child.*
A single, hot tear traced down Elena’s cheek, followed by a quiet sob of vindication. She wasn’t crazy. Her maternal instinct hadn't lied. Leo was her son, her blood, her entire world.
She printed three physical copies of the report using the wireless office printer in the basement utility room. She placed one copy inside her coat, another in an envelope addressed to the State Police, and backed up the digital copy to a secure cloud drive.
As she stepped out of the laundry room, Mrs. Higgins, the head housekeeper, stood waiting with a stern expression.
“Elena, Madame wants you in the drawing room immediately. Pack your belongings first.”
Elena’s stomach plummeted. “Why?”
“She didn't give a reason. But security is parked at the front gate.”
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Victoria had caught on. The walls were closing in, and Elena was running out of time.
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