Chapter 215: DNA Sample

Though anger simmered beneath his composed exterior, Aiden held himself back. He didn’t want to escalate matters, not while Caryn was undergoing treatment.

Justin wiped the blood from the corner of Aiden’s mouth, then handed the stained handkerchief to Noah.

He smirked at Aiden as he said, "If you hadn’t been so careful about not leaving any trace for my people to collect your DNA sample, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt."

Aiden scoffed. "You could have just asked for it. After telling you we’re brothers, I have no reason to hide it."

"That would’ve been boring," Justin quipped. "And this is just the start. You’ll pay more for touching my woman when you took her away to register that marriage."

Aiden remained unfazed. "Sure. I’ll wait to see what my younger brother can do."

"You won’t like it."

"If you’re done," Aiden said, turning to leave, "I need to get back to her side." He paused and added, "I wonder... after confirming we’re truly siblings, how restless you’ll become to uncover who you truly are. Trust me, I’ll enjoy watching it."

Justin’s expression didn’t falter. "I’m afraid you won’t get that satisfaction."

Aiden smirked faintly. "Very well. That will make it even more interesting. Once you discover the truth about yourself, I’ll be waiting to see your reaction." He stopped to look back one last time. "But as your elder brother, I genuinely wish you never find out." With that, he walked away.

Justin stood there, watching him leave.

"Mr. Harper, I’ll send this for a DNA test," Noah’s words brought Justin back to his senses.

Justin hummed and left to return to Natalie.

Meanwhile, with the nurse’s help, Natalie had freshened up and changed into clean clothes. The nurse reminded her, "Ms. Natalie, you’re not allowed to walk today. Please stay in bed and rest. Last night, you almost gave us all a scare."

Natalie could only hum in response. The nurse set up another IV drip and added, "Your breakfast will be here shortly. After that, I’ll give you your medication."

Natalie nodded softly, and the nurse left.

When Justin entered the room, he found Natalie lying in bed. She turned to look at him. "What’s the update about her? When can I see her?" she asked.

"Not anytime soon," Justin replied, sitting at the edge of the bed. "She’s being prepared for a stem cell transplant. It’s not just about her recovery, though—it’s about yours too. Today, you need to rest. You’re not allowed to leave this room. Once you’re better, you can see her."

A nurse brought in Natalie’s breakfast, and Justin helped her sit up. As she began eating, she said, "I’m not even sure what I would say to her or ask."

"When you face her, you’ll know," Justin reassured her. "Just ask whatever comes to mind, and don’t overthink it. You don’t need to worry."

Natalie finished her breakfast, and the nurse handed her the prescribed medicines. Just then, Leo entered the room. "Ms. Natalie, there’s a call for you."

Justin glanced at Leo, his expression questioning, but Leo stood firm. "It’s only for Ms. Natalie."

"Who is it?" Natalie asked, frowning slightly.

"You’ll know once you answer," Leo replied, walking over to hand her a cellphone.

Natalie looked at the phone, then decided to put it on speaker so Justin could hear too. "Who is this?" Natalie asked.

Justin had an idea who it could be but chose to remain silent and listen.

"You’ll know who I am soon enough," came the voice of a man, its tone eerily similar to Justin’s. "But for now, let’s talk about something more important."

"What is it?" Natalie asked, her tone cautious.

"I know you want to see your mother and question her, but this isn’t the right time," the man said. "Wait until she recovers. Only then will you be able to meet her. She’s not in the right physical or mental condition right now. Seeing you could worsen her state and cause you to lose her forever. If you want answers, you’ll need to be patient."

"What’s the guarantee you won’t run off with her once she’s better?" Natalie countered.

The man chuckled softly. "What’s the use in doing that? She doesn’t have many years left. It’s better for her to meet her daughter while she still can. But not now."

Natalie’s patience frayed. "Why did she leave me? Why was she—"

"That’s something you’ll have to ask her yourself," the man interrupted. "The man next to you—he’s powerful. Even if I tried to flee with her, he would find us. So don’t worry, and be patient."

Natalie said nothing, her silence taken as approval. The man ended the call without another word.

Leo quietly picked up the cellphone and exited the room.

Natalie turned to Justin. "Who is this man?"

"The one taking care of your mother," Justin replied simply.

Natalie mulled over his response before speaking again. "Wait... a few days ago, you told me you were going after the man behind my marriage issue. Then suddenly, I’m donating bone marrow to someone to get answers from these people. How did it go from finding my real husband to finding my mother? Does my mother have something to do with all of this?"

"It doesn’t seem like it," Justin said calmly. "In fact, this man seems adamant about not letting you see her."

Natalie frowned, her eyes narrowing. "Is he the reason behind my marriage? Who is he?"

Justin’s gaze steadied. "Give me a few hours. I need to confirm something, and then I’ll tell you everything."

"You’re not hiding anything from me, are you?" she pressed.

"More like, I’m waiting to confirm the facts," Justin assured her. "Just a few hours. Can I have that much time?"

"Alright," she said reluctantly. "But I want to know everything."

"Of course. Rest for now," Justin said, his tone firm but gentle.