Chapter 187

Hearing her resolute words, William felt a chill in his heart.

"Is there really no way back for us? Christina, I want to be a good father."

"William, after everything I've been through, how can you say that? I'm telling you, you will never be my child's father," Christina replied with a cold laugh.

William pressed on, "Then who do you want to be the father? Walter? Or the guy who just dropped you off?"

"Enough, stop saying these things," Christina snapped, her voice filled with irritation. "What I plan to do is none of your business!"

William's face darkened. He hadn't expected Christina to be so determined. He took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions.

"Christina, do you really think you can get rid of me so easily? Our marriage isn't something you can just end whenever you want," William said, his voice carrying a hint of threat.

A flicker of helplessness crossed Christina's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. "I've already hired a lawyer to handle the divorce. If you don't agree, we can settle this in court."

William was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his composure.

"Fine, if that's what you want, then I'll see you in court," William said before turning and leaving Christina's room.

Christina watched his retreating figure, feeling an overwhelming sense of exhaustion.

At the Rockefeller estate, Arabella had thoughtfully placed the spoon Christina used into a bag.

Seeing Kingsley return, she handed him the bag.

"Go get a DNA test."

Kingsley nodded. "Alright, no problem."

As Kingsley was about to leave, Arabella stopped him.

"Wait."

Kingsley turned back, puzzled. "What's wrong, Grandma? Didn't we agree to find out her identity this way without disturbing her?"

A look of fatigue and worry crossed her eyes.

"We've tried so many times over the years, tested so many people, but we've always come up empty. I'm afraid..."

Kingsley understood that Arabella feared another disappointment. This was something they had to do, but she was scared to face it.

"Grandma, no matter what, we need to know the truth," Kingsley said gently.

Arabella sighed deeply. "Maybe we should just let it go. If I don't know the result, I won't be disappointed. I can love her as my granddaughter, but if it turns out she's not, I don't think I can handle it."

She was old now, and years of searching had left her exhausted.

"Besides, from what Christina has told me about her family, it doesn't seem like she was raised by adoptive parents. Let's just leave it."

She had made up her mind.

"No more tests. I'll just treat her as my granddaughter."

Kingsley looked at his grandmother's aged but resolute face, feeling a surge of complex emotions.

He knew that her years of searching had carried too much hope and disappointment, and now, choosing to give up might be her way of protecting herself from further pain.

But he also knew this was a crucial opportunity, possibly their only chance to find the truth. He took a deep breath, deciding to try persuading her one more time.

"Grandma, I know this decision is tough, but if we don't try, we'll never know. Maybe Christina really is family. We can't just give up on this chance," Kingsley said firmly.

Arabella shook her head, her eyes filled with deep helplessness. "Kingsley, I get it, but I'm really scared. Scared of being disappointed again, scared I can't handle it. I'd rather love her as my granddaughter than go through that pain again."

Kingsley felt torn. He understood his grandmother's feelings but didn't want to give up.

He was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly. "Grandma, I understand your concerns, but we can't let the truth stay hidden."

Arabella listened to her grandson's words, feeling conflicted. She saw the determination in Kingsley's eyes, knowing he was right, but her heart ached as if pricked by needles.

"Grandma, we can take it slow. There's no rush," Kingsley continued to persuade.

Arabella was silent for a long time, her inner struggle and pain evident. Finally, she waved her hand. "Fine, you decide."

Kingsley helped her upstairs to rest.

Because Christina was pregnant, the lawsuit was dragging on. She had been struggling for over a month with no progress.

Kaitlyn, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen.

Christina had asked her a few times, and Kaitlyn said she was dating. But this time, she was purposefully choosing men from good families, avoiding any suspicious characters.

Stanley had said some things that made sense. Just because one person didn't like her, she shouldn't devalue herself.

Kaitlyn gradually came to terms with it. Her grandfather was influential, and she didn't need to be fixated on Stanley. Maybe using her status for a strategic marriage wasn't a bad idea.

"Grandpa, this guy isn't handsome enough. Didn't I tell you? I want a handsome man. How else am I supposed to spend the rest of my life?" Kaitlyn complained on the phone after a date.

"Handsome and successful men are rare. You didn't like any of my students," Kelvin replied helplessly.

"Don't even start. Except for..." Kaitlyn trailed off.

Yes, only Stanley fit the bill. Young, accomplished, tall, handsome, and talented.

But he didn't like her, and now he was in Eldoria. Who knows what the sun over there would do to him? Maybe he'd come back looking terrible, and she wouldn't like him anymore!

Maybe.

Kelvin picked up on her underlying meaning. "By the way, Stanley is coming back next Monday."

"What does that have to do with me? I couldn't care less," Kaitlyn huffed.

"Alright, if you don't care, I won't say anything," Kelvin teased.

Kaitlyn, sensing there might be something important, couldn't help but be curious. "Grandpa, just tell me. I'll listen, since he's my senior."

"He got a bacterial infection over there. The medical conditions weren't good, so he's coming back," Kelvin sighed.

"Is his life in danger?" Kaitlyn asked anxiously.

Kelvin shook his head. "He should be fine."