Chapter 1753: Chapter 1766

Just then, Rodney spoke up once more.

“True, Moss did kidnap your mother before, but Emilia was already expecting you before that.

” Rodney reflected on the past and let out a sigh.

“I’ve always been prudent.

It wouldn’t be wise for a calculating businessman like me to raise someone else’s child unwittingly.

”

“So, did you have a paternity test done on me?” Ariana inquired, putting the pieces together.

“Yes, at your birth, I discreetly arranged a paternity test between you and Amiri, which confirmed you are his daughter.

” Rodney nodded.

“As for Moss claiming you as his own, he’s either trying to deceive you about your true heritage, or he was duped by Emilia’s efforts to push him away, which he accepted due to his affection for her.

”

Ariana had braced herself for the gravity of the discussion before stepping into the room, yet the truth still left her speechless.

The sheer scale and intricacies of the truth were enough to overwhelm her.

Rodney, recognizing the impact of the news on Ariana, empathized with her.

Knowing that these disclosures were abrupt, he refrained from forcing her to immediately recognize him as her grandfather.

Inside the room, each person was lost in their own reflections.

Breaking the silence, Rodney brought up Melon, redirecting Ariana’s scattered thoughts to her son, who had been kidnapped.

Aware of Ariana’s mounting fear about Melon’s safety, Rodney offered reassurance.

“Don’t worry.

I know Moss well.

He wouldn’t hurt Melon before he achieved his objectives.

The Chadwick family will work together with the Fredrick family to find Melon.

”

Comforted by this united effort, Ariana felt a sense of relief.

She looked at Rodney with gratitude and said, “Thank you.

”

Rather than believing Moss, Ariana was more inclined to trust Rodney’s words, accepting that Amiri and Emilia were her biological parents.

Even though she had always considered Rodney as a family, the confirmation that he actually was her grandfather left her uncertain about how to feel…

With Rodney and Ariana both silent, Catalina stepped in to lighten the mood.

“No need for thanks, Ariana.

We’re family now,” Catalina said.

She gripped Ariana’s hand tightly and continued, “No wonder I thought you seemed familiar the first time we met.

You’re my brother’s daughter.

”

At the mention of Amiri, a rush of emotions played across Ariana’s face.

“Your brother?” Ariana echoed the term Catalina had used, her voice a whisper.

“He’s my father?”

“Yes, Amiri is your father,” Catalina said, her eyes moistening with tears.

“I’m your aunt.

Can you call me ‘Auntie’? Would that be okay?”

Ariana looked at Catalina, noticing the slight tremble in her hand.

“I…” Ariana began, hesitating.

Catalina’s face fell slightly, but she quickly masked it with a smile.

“It’s okay.

I know it’s a lot to process.

You can call me that whenever you feel ready,” she said gently.