Chapter 249
After leaving the ward, Ronald went to see the director.
“Mr. Wilson, you want me to run a DNA test between your wife and Miss Wilson?” The hospital director’s eyes widened in shock, thinking. “Carmen is your adopted daughter; why on earth do you need the test?”
“That’s right, go ahead and do it,” Ronald said, his eyes darkened. He needed to find out once and for all if Carmen was Alice’s illegitimate child with some scumbag. When Aubree returned to the Wilson family, a DNA test was conducted to confirm that she was Ronald’s biological daughter. Aside from that, he couldn’t understand why Alice had abandoned her own daughter to bring Carmen into the family.
“I’ll be waiting right here for the results,” Ronald said. “Once it’s ready, deliver it directly to me. You'll personally conduct the test; no one else is supposed to access the information.”
The hospital director sighed and thought to himself, Clearly, something serious has happened, but I’m not in the position to ask.
Meanwhile, in the ward, Carmen’s face appeared deathly pale. Although her injuries had mostly healed, she now looked even more ghastly than when she was first rushed to the hospital.
Carmen looked at Alice, who sat slumped dejectedly by the bedside, her voice quivering uncontrollably when she said, “Mom, I–I don’t want to go through with this arranged marriage."
There was a world of difference between voluntary and forced marriage alliances. Some heirs to family businesses, for the sake of the company’s growth, would choose to marry someone from a matching background. It was a union of strength and influence.
But for those who were no longer useful to the family, their only worth was a pretty face, and they would be brought along to attend various functions. As long as both families approved, that became their sole value.
Carmen had never imagined this would happen to her. Aren’t those rich young men dragged to marriage alliances matchmaking having all kinds of bad habits? Some of them don’t even make their sexual orientation clear, she thought. If I have to go for this, I’m doomed.
“I know. Carmen, don’t be afraid,” Alice said, gently stroking Carmen’s hair. Her eyes darkened with resentment when she thought, Ever since Aubree was born, all she did was try to hurt me! Back then, it was, and it still is now. I shouldn’t have brought that wretched girl into this world!
“Carmen, listen to me,” Alice coaxed gently. “Don’t you have feelings for Alvin? In your father’s eyes, ordinary wealthy young men can’t compare to Alvin as a match. Convince your father; tell him you’re willing to pursue Alvin and seek a marriage alliance with the Turner family."
As Carmen was listening to Alice, a glimmer of hope gradually lit up in her eyes. That’s right. As long as I can prove my worth, I can still turn this situation around. I still have Mom on my side, she thought.
Carmen clung tightly to Alice. After what had happened, she was at least sure of one thing. Even if everyone else in this family abandoned her, Alice would still stand by her side and always choose to help her.
“Mom, what Aubree said…” Carmen probed cautiously.
Alice’s expression changed. “It has nothing to do with you; stay out of it. I’ll handle your father myself,” she said. Carmen held back her remaining words and nodded.
News of Aubree’s hospital visit soon reached the other members of the Wilson family. Duxton and Trevor caught wind of it but didn’t give it much thought. With Mom there, there’s no way Aubree could bully Carmen, they thought.
Bryan knew a bit more than the others. When he heard that Ronald was planning to do a DNA test at the hospital, he rushed over immediately. He arrived just as the results came out.
“Dad, you…” Bryan’s voice trailed off when he saw Ronald sitting in the chair with his head down, no longer the confident, commanding CEO who once strategized with ease. Surrounded by a sense of defeat, Ronald’s whole demeanor drained and spiritless.
Ronald Wilson looked up, his gaze slightly unfocused when he called out, “Bryan…”
“Dad, what exactly happened! I heard Aubree came to the hospital. What did you all talk about!” Bryan asked.
The hospital director emerged with the report and handed it to Ronald. Seeing Bryan, he discreetly withdrew, allowing the father and son their privacy.
“Have a seat,” Ronald said, looking utterly drained, not physically, but mentally. Bryan took the seat next to him as told.