Chapter 22 – You Still Have Me
“Hmph.”
Emily sneered coldly, her sharp eyes landing on the small boy.
“Who knows if that test was faked?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Some people will do anything for money. Do you really think you can buy your way into the Carter family?”
Liam’s little face paled.
“I—I didn’t!” he protested, his voice trembling. His eyes reddened, glistening with unshed tears.
His tiny hands balled into fists, his lower lip quivering.
Olivia’s chest ached at the sight.
Liam had never been treated like this before. Even in hardship, she had shielded him from the cruelty of others. And now, despite knowing the truth, Emily still chose to belittle him?
It was disgusting.
Her eyes turned icy.
“So this is what would happen if Liam were recognized as Nathan’s son?”
Emily would never accept him. The Carter family would never protect him.
Olivia’s voice was sharp as a blade.
“Mrs. Carter, you’re overthinking things. The Carter family might be the wealthiest in the country, and I’m sure many people would want to be a part of it. But not everyone shares that dream.”
She laughed coldly.
“Frankly, if Mr. Carter hadn’t insisted on this test, I wouldn’t have bothered coming here. But don’t worry—once we check the results, I’ll be leaving with my child.”
Emily’s face twisted in anger.
But Olivia didn’t give her a chance to retort.
She crouched down, gently cupping Liam’s face.
“Don’t be upset, sweetheart,” she whispered. “It’s alright if he’s not your dad. You still have me. And I love you—that’s what matters.”
Liam sniffled, nodding slowly. But his tiny hands gripped her sleeve.
It was good to have a caring mother.
But…
Wouldn’t it be better if he had a dad too?
—
Nathan clenched his fists.
What did she mean by that?
His chest tightened as he watched the scene before him.
Did Olivia really think he wanted to push them away?
His voice was low, controlled.
“I trust you, Liam,” he said, his gaze softening. “I just want to ensure everything is foolproof. Don’t worry, okay? I believe you’re my son.”
Liam blinked up at him.
But before he could respond, Nathan turned to Dr. Ricker.
“Give me the envelope.”
The doctor visibly tensed.
A thin sheen of sweat coated his forehead.
His fingers tightened around the sealed document—almost reluctantly.
Dr. Ricker’s heart pounded.
If Nathan Carter discovered the results had been tampered with…
He would be finished.
Yet—
Emily Carter had ordered him to change the results.
He was caught between a lion and a viper.
Nathan’s sharp gaze narrowed.
Without waiting, he snatched the envelope forcefully from the doctor’s grip.
Then—he turned to Olivia.
“Would you like to look first?”
Olivia met his eyes.
A knowing, almost amused glint flickered in hers.
She already knew.
There was no need to check.
She smiled coolly.
“No need. You can look,” she said indifferently. “I already know the results. Why waste time on unnecessary drama?”
Nathan studied her intently.
A storm of emotions swirled in his dark eyes.
But before he could respond—
Emily snatched the envelope from his grasp.
“I’ll look!” she declared impatiently.
Olivia raised a brow.
Her gaze was sharp. Piercing.
A mocking smirk tugged at her lips.
Emily froze.
For the first time—
She felt exposed.
Gone was the meek, obedient Olivia of years past.
This woman—
This Olivia—
She carried an air of quiet confidence, an aura of dominance that Emily hadn’t expected.
For a moment, guilt flashed across Emily’s face.
But she quickly shoved it down.
No.
Why should she feel guilty over a criminal?
Olivia deserved nothing but misery.
She should be suffering, not standing before her with that arrogant expression!
Emily’s hands moved faster—
The envelope was ripped open within seconds.
Her eyes skimmed the document.
And when she saw the altered results—
A slow, satisfied smirk curled on her lips.
She turned to Nathan, her voice casual, almost mocking.
“Here,” she said smoothly, handing him the paper.
“Take a look.”
