Chapter 354
Nichol headed off to the lab with the samples. Only then did Lance turn to Camilla, taking her hand and trying to reassure her. “Camilla, you don’t have to worry anymore. No one’s ever going to bring this up again. Jasper is my son, no matter what anyone says p>
He had been adamant the whole way here, shutting down any chance Camilla had to argue. Now, finally, Camilla spoke up. “Lance, you don’t have to go this far. I’m honestly used to it by now. A few things they say about me… it’s nothing I can’t handle p>
A fake paternity test might shut people up to her face, but it wouldn’t do anything for the whispers behind her back. If anything, people could easily turn this around and talk about how pathetic Lance must be for going along with it, almost as if he was embarrassing himself on purpose.
Camilla really didn’t think Lance should have to take on this mess for her.
Lance squeezed her hand. “Camilla, I know what you’re worried about. But I made my choice when I decided to be with you. Your problems are my problems. We’re in this together. As for Jasper, he was always going to be my son eventually. I’m just making it official a bit sooner, that’s all p>
Camilla shook her head. It just wasn’t the same thing. Even if she and Lance got married, and Lance became Jasper’s stepfather, no one would question it; it would feel natural. That was way better than faking this paternity test.
Seeing how torn she still looked, Lance’s tone softened. “You barely ate anything at the party. The test results aren’t out yet anyway. Let me take you to get some food p>
He was clearly trying to distract her, taking her out to eat and then walking with her through a few clothing stores. By the time they returned to the hospital, hours had gone by. The hallway looked a little different, too. Someone new was waiting who definitely wasn’t supposed to be there.
Sarah had changed out of her fancy dress and into a long, cream-colored coat. Her hair was falling in a loose braid, and she sat quietly on one of the benches with her hands folded on her knees, all gentle and composed.
When she heard footsteps, she looked up quickly and her eyes went straight to Camilla. “Hey, Camilla. Lance. You’re back p>
Lance’s voice was cold. “Sarah, what are you doing here p>
Knowing how obsessed his parents were with Sarah, Lance figured they’d be swarming around her right now, doing anything they could to make up for how her birthday party got ruined. There’s no way they’d let Sarah come all the way here on her own, not after what happened.
Sarah gave him a look and said, “I’m here to see Camilla. I never thought someone like that would crash my party and say those things—it must have hurt Camilla, and I feel really bad about it. So I wanted to come and apologize. Camilla, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not being careful enough. Please don’t be mad at me, okay p>
She looked up at Camilla with big apologetic eyes, acting like it was all her own mistake. Lance immediately stepped in front of Camilla, putting himself between them, his expression growing smug. “You’re a great actress, Sarah. You ever think about going pro? With Tessa backing you, I bet you’d win an international award in no time. The world could use a front-row seat to your performance p>
Sarah blinked at him, her voice small and confused. “Lance, what are you even talking about? Did you misunderstand me again p>
Lance just let out a cold laugh.
Sarah glanced quickly in the direction of the lab before going on. “Maybe I’ve done something to make you upset, but I really was worried about Camilla today. Camilla, I p>
She was cut off by the sound of the lab door opening.
Nichol walked out holding a report. The result was obvious—it matched exactly what Lance said it would. According to the paper, he and Jasper really were father and son.
Lance took the report straight from Nichol, turning to Sarah. “I don’t care if you’re here to get information or for something else. Now you’ve seen it with your own eyes, so go tell Tessa whatever you want. It’s all right here. Jasper is my son, and Tessa can stop listening to rumors p>
Nichol frowned as the report was taken from him, like he wanted to say something but held himself back.
Sarah forced a smile. “You’re right, Lance. With the test results out, I doubt Tessa will say anything else p>
Lance’s voice was brisk. “Then why are you still here p>
Sarah bit her lip, gave Camilla one last sorry look, and left without hurrying.
Once she was gone, Lance pressed a check into Nichol’s hand. “Thanks for today. This is for your help p>
Nichol shook his head. “You don’t need to thank me, Lance. It’s just what I’m supposed to do. Congratulations on getting your son back p>