Chapter 166: Secrets Unravel
Griffon, fearing that Orion might expose the truth, quickly tried to divert the conversation. “I know about the DNA test,” he said, his voice smooth. “Your mother was furious at the time. She accused that despicable woman of deceiving her, and then she became superstitious, insisting on keeping Caspian after that priest’s prophecy.”
Griffon’s words dripped with feigned concern. “Orion really loves you. She agreed to be Caspian’s stepmother, but now, after all this has come to light, she shows no gratitude. Instead, she’s blamed for everything.”
His ability to twist the facts was truly impressive, turning black into white without a second thought.
Alaric’s voice remained steady, but his eyes were filled with sharp accusation. “If Caspian wasn’t my son, and this matter had caused so much injustice to Orion, I would naturally be grateful. But I did a DNA test a few days ago with Caspian, and the results prove that he is indeed my son.”
Griffon’s face shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. “In that case, congratulations,” he replied, almost too casually.
“Griffon, don’t you have anything to say?” Alaric pressed, his tone growing more intense. “This is clearly your doing, yet you pretend it has nothing to do with you.”
Griffon feigned confusion, raising an eyebrow. “Alaric, I don’t understand what you’re implying. What exactly do you want me to say? What is it that you expect to hear from me? Because honestly, I have nothing to say to you.”
Alaric stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “It’s simple. Two DNA tests were conducted, yet the results are different. This can only mean one thing—someone tampered with the results. If that doctor, Aminta, did it, there would be no reason for him to interfere. It was completely unnecessary.”
Griffon’s face darkened. “Are you implying that I orchestrated this?” His voice rose in feigned indignation.
Alaric didn’t flinch. “You know better than I do.”
Griffon leaned back, his demeanor cold. “Everything must be backed by evidence. Accusing me of instructing someone to tamper with DNA results without proof is defamation. I could easily sue you for that.”
Alaric didn’t hesitate. “If my actions are defamation, then what about yours?” He took another step forward, his eyes locking onto Griffon’s. “If you want to keep something hidden, remember—nothing in this world stays hidden forever. I’ll make sure to investigate the DNA tampering thoroughly.”
Griffon’s smile was tight, his words barely contained. “It has nothing to do with me. Investigate all you want, but know that I won’t let this defamation slide.”
Alaric stood firm, his voice quiet but resolute. “The Knight and Nash families have been close for generations. Even if things have soured, I never wanted this to escalate to court. But it seems that’s where we’re headed now.”
Griffon’s eyes flared with defiance. “Fine. We’ll see you in court. I don’t believe a man like you can easily convict others with nothing but your words.”
The irony of Griffon’s challenge wasn’t lost on Alaric, but he simply nodded.
“Alright, we’ll see you in court,” Alaric said, his tone cutting through the tension.
Griffon’s face twisted in irritation. “Since it’s come to this, there’s no need for any more theatrics. Mr. Alaric Junior, please leave. The Nash family no longer welcomes you. Galatea’s final treatment of Ravenna will be her last. After this, I’ll be changing doctors. We can’t afford your services.”
“Alright, thank you in advance,” Alaric said with a mock bow, then turned and left without a second glance.
Inside the Nash Family Home
Galatea had just finished administering chemotherapy to Ravenna. She conducted a thorough examination, asked about her health, and explained the necessary precautions, dietary guidelines, and self-care tips. Ravenna had noticeably improved since Galatea started treating her, and she was grateful.
“I’ve been feeling so much better since you started treating me,” Ravenna said, her smile genuine. “Thank you so much, Galatea.”
“It’s nothing, really,” Galatea replied softly. “Just take care of yourself.”
Ravenna leaned back with a relaxed sigh. “By the way, have you and Alaric set a date yet?”
“Date?” Galatea asked, surprised.
“Of course, the wedding date,” Ravenna said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Galatea blushed a little, caught off guard. “Not yet.”
Ravenna grinned. “Well, if you’re in a committed relationship, why wait? Set a date already! I’ll be here, taking care of myself, and when the wedding comes, I’ll be there for sure.”
“I’ll let you know as soon as we set it,” Galatea promised with a smile.
Ravenna nodded with satisfaction. “Alright then. You go ahead and get some rest too.”
Galatea smiled warmly. “You rest too, Ravenna. I have to go now.”
As Galatea left the room, something felt off. She could sense the tension in the house, and when she descended the stairs, she saw Griffon sitting on the sofa, clearly agitated. Alaric was nowhere to be found.
Griffon’s piercing gaze fixed on her as she entered the room. “Dr. Galatea, you’ve done us quite a favor these past few days, but the Nash family can no longer accommodate the needs of the Knight family. I’ll be switching to a different physician for Ravenna’s care from now on. You can consider yourself relieved of any further obligations.”
Galatea blinked, taken aback by the coldness of his words. What did he mean by that?
It was clear now that Griffon had viewed her as an outsider all along. Despite her tireless work for the Nash family, there was no real appreciation—just disdain masked as politeness.
“I understand,” Galatea said, her voice calm but firm. “I’ve made sure Ravenna is fully aware of all the necessary precautions. Should any issues arise, I expect you to clearly communicate them to the new physician. I’m leaving now.”
Outside, Alaric was waiting for her in the car. As she got in, he took one look at her face and immediately knew something had happened.
“Let me guess,” Alaric said, his voice soft. “You weren’t appreciated, and you were given a hard time instead.”
Galatea exhaled sharply, the frustration clear in her voice. “Yes, I’m really upset. After all the effort I put in, that’s how they treat me.”
Alaric reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “Not everyone is kind, Galatea. But don’t worry, let’s go get something nice to eat. That’ll lift your spirits.”
“You want to eat out again?” Galatea frowned, her mind still focused on Alaric’s health. “We should be starting your treatment.”
“Today’s almost over. Let’s start fresh tomorrow. What would you like to eat tonight?”
Galatea exhaled in exasperation, “Alaric, this is about your health! Can’t you be more considerate? Tomorrow, it’s always tomorrow!”
“I promise,” Alaric grinned. “Just tomorrow.”
Galatea shook her head, but a smile tugged at her lips. “If you come up with another excuse tomorrow, I’ll take you straight to the hospital.”
“I got it, Galatea.”
With that, they left the Nash house behind, trying to shake off the unpleasantness. But inside the Nash family, the unease lingered.
Meanwhile, Back at the Nash Residence
Orion, pacing nervously, glanced at his father. “What should we do, Dad? Alaric says he’s going to investigate the DNA issue from back then.”
“I’ve told you, there’s nothing to worry about,” Griffon replied, trying to keep his calm.
“But what if he finds something? Robert is abroad, and if Alaric finds him—” Orion trailed off, anxiety creeping into his voice.
Griffon’s eyes narrowed at his son. “You’re showing your hand by getting so nervous. Calm down. Trust me. Alaric won’t find Robert.”
Orion, still uneasy, tried to reason with his father. “But what about Galatea? She survived the delivery, survived the car accident, and despite all your efforts, she’s still alive. How is that possible?”
Griffon’s voice turned sharp. “I’ve told you there’s nothing to worry about!”
Just then, a noise from the stairs interrupted their conversation. They looked up to see Ravenna sitting on the floor, looking terrified. She had heard everything.