Chapter 9: The Truth in the Blood**
The four hours felt like an eternity. Julian sat on the living room rug with Liam and Mia, building a massive wooden puzzle while the sheriff stood quietly by the front door.
Every ticking second of the grandfather clock echoed like a hammer strike. Julian held Mia on his lap, stroking her soft hair, whispering promises that everything was going to be alright.
At precisely 2:15 PM, Mrs. Gable’s government sedan pulled back up the driveway. She walked through the front door holding a sealed digital dossier from the State Department of Health.
Julian stood up, his pulse racing.
Mrs. Gable opened the folder and adjusted her glasses. Her stern expression softened into genuine respect.
"The markers are definitive, Mr. Vance. Paternity is confirmed at 99.98% for both Liam and Mia." She closed the file and looked at the sheriff. "The protective custody petition is dismissed with prejudice. Full parental rights remain immediately with the biological father."
Mia leaped into Julian's arms with a joyful scream, and for the first time, Liam buried his face into Julian’s chest, weeping openly without fear. Julian wrapped his arms around both of them, kissing their foreheads, his tears flowing freely.
"Thank you, Mrs. Gable," Julian said quietly over the children's shoulders.
"Don't thank me, Mr. Vance," she replied softly. "Just be the father they deserve. You've got an uphill legal battle against your family, but the law is on your side now."
May you like
As the social worker left, Julian knew the battle had only just begun. The Sterlings and the Vances had tried to take his children; now, it was time to make sure they could never hurt his family again.
---
