?Chapter 1338:


    Meanwhile, the youngest, Gerry, was practically bouncing off the walls, pacing the room like a caged animal and running a hand through his hair every few seconds.


    Watching his sons unravel like this, Hurley could only release a weary sigh.


    They weren’t the only ones counting down the hours in suspense. Though miles apart, both sides were enduring the same agonizing wait.


    Gerry finally broke the silence. “Bain, why don’t you call Mom and ask if they’ve gotten the test report yet?”


    Jordy quickly added, “No, message Ophelia instead. She always replies the fastest.”


    Bain shot them both a look. “While you two were busy debating who to ask, I already messaged Ophelia.”


    Hurley immediately leaned forward, tension rising in his chest. “Has Ophelia replied? What did she say? Is she Bonnie?”


    A flicker of fear crossed his face as he rubbed his palms together, bracing himself for whatever answer mighte.


    If this turned out to be another false lead, he didn’t know how much longer he could keep searching for his daughter—or whether he would ever find her at all.


    The thought of dying before reuniting with her was his greatest dread, the one thing that truly haunted him. All he wanted now was to find his precious daughter while he still had time left.


    “Ophelia said they’re on their way and will be here soon. We just have to wait a little longer,” Bain replied.


    The four of them fell silent, each holding their breath, hearts pounding in unison as they waited for the truth that could change everything.


    The Vaughn family arrived at the Forensic Identification Center. The paternity test report was already in Florrie’s hands, though she hadn’t opened it yet.


    Everyone stood tense, the air thick with anticipation. Florrie took a deep breath, but even then, she couldn’t bring herself to tear open the envelope holding the truth.


    She feared whaty inside—it might bring yet another crushing disappointment.


    ???????????? ????ρ???????? ?????n??ν????????????


    The group exchanged uneasy nces, each person drawing in deep, steadying breaths as if preparing for a blow.


    Merlin had been about to volunteer to open the envelope himself, but before he could speak, Ophelia shoved him lightly aside.


    He frowned, his brows knitting together, the sharpness in his expression making him look even more intimidating.


    Ophelia rolled her eyes, grabbed him by the arm, and dragged him a few steps back. “Merlin,” she whispered sharply, “how many times do I have to tell you? Don’t make that face at Bonnie—you’ll scare her half to death.”


    She wondered, not for the first time, which woman could ever fall for someone with such a fierce look.


    .


    .


    .