Chapter 4

Looking into Dustin's eyes, I said calmly,

"That money took us years of hard work to earn. A million and a half is not a small amount."

"This whole thing has shaken me badly. Give me time to think it over quietly."

Dustin relaxed considerably.

"Sweetheart, I know. I understand how you feel right now."

"Take your time and think it through. While you do, I'll prove with my actions that I'm serious about turning over a new leaf."

Mom and Dad let out a breath too.

"You two work things out and build a good life together. Dustin's a decent man. If you really divorce him, you'll regret it."

"That's right. Dustin's a wonderful son-in-law, and he's sure to change. And the two of you mustn't shortchange the child."

Of course they knew Dustin was a good son-in-law.

After all, Dustin had taken the money I'd worked so hard to earn and used it to give their beloved younger daughter a good life.

Laura shot Dustin a meaningful look.

"Dustin, Kay must have gotten quite a shock today. Keep a close eye on her feelings."

"She's sensitive and tends to overthink things. You should buy her a little gift to cheer her up."

Dustin nodded in agreement.

Before, I'd never thought there was anything between them.

Now it looked exactly like a mother reminding the father at home to take good care of their child.

Sapphire turned her head to remind me too.

"Cel, be angry all you want, but the child is still so young. Something like today can easily leave her with psychological problems."

"You should sit down and talk her through it later. I'm her godmother, after all. I'm really worried about her."

Kay jumped in to speak up for me.

"It's okay, I'm strong!"

"I know it's Daddy's fault. I won't blame Mommy."

"And I won't cause trouble for Daddy and Mommy. I'll be good."

Everyone's attention shifted to her, and they fell over each other praising what a sensible, good child she was.

They even said how lucky I was to have adopted a good, sensible child like Kay.

It was such an irony.

Laura had won the love of every one of them.

And even her daughter could win everyone's love just as easily.

I said nothing. I took the chance to collect hair samples from Kay, Dustin, and Laura for a paternity test.

Before the results came back, Dustin really did change, just like he'd said.

Kay was sweet and well-behaved, terrified of upsetting me.

Laura envied our happy, quiet life.

Seeing our family so harmonious, Mom and Dad were greatly relieved too.

Only I knew none of it was real.

They only wanted to squeeze every last drop of use out of me.

The day the paternity results came in, I called the whole family together for dinner.

Dustin wouldn't let me tire myself out and bustled around the kitchen, with Kay helping beside him.

My mom saw it and said with a smile, "Look at that father and daughter, getting along so well."

My dad nodded along beside her.

Laura hugged my arm. "Sis, you're so lucky, finding a husband like Dustin! And raising such a cute, sweet daughter!"

Sapphire teased, "If only he had a younger brother, then he could marry Laura, and the families would be doubly tied together!"

I let out a cold laugh.

And tossed the two paternity reports onto the table.

"Dustin doesn't even need a brother. He's already doubly tied to my sister! If he had a brother, would the two of them both have kids with her?"

Everyone in the room froze at my words.

Laura's smile vanished in an instant. Puzzled, she asked, "Sis, what's that supposed to mean?"

I looked at her coldly, and smiled faintly. "Exactly what it sounds like."

"You already have a child together, you're already married. What are you putting on this act for?"

Mom and Dad stared at the paternity reports, stunned. They'd never imagined I would find out.

My mom opened her mouth to explain, and a knock at the door cut her off.

I walked over and opened it. Police officers stood outside.

"Excuse me, who filed the report? Is the amount involved in the fraud one point six eight million? Are there any suspicious persons here?"