A BLOODY SURROGACY DEAL.

THE PATERNITY RESULT

Chapter 4

Dominic’s POV

My jaw tightened as I ran my eyes over my board of directors, who weren’t helping in any way. I was supposed to feel safe around them but now, I felt like prey.

They had sympathetic looks on their faces but I knew it was all a facade because they’ve been circling the company for months as blackmail from a source I was yet to discover had spread out. Even my father sat coldly at the head of the table as his cold eyes assessed every move I made.

"The board is concerned about the stability of the succession, Dominic," one of the senior directors said, his voice rubbing against my nerves. "Without a clear heir, the merger with Vane Tech is at risk and people are talking about the lack of a Thorne legacy."

I felt the familiar weight crush my shoulders harder and sadly there was nothing I could do about it. Ever since the accident that took my wife, Sarah, my life had become a series of hollow victories and collaborations that always ended in ruins. I had mourned a child I never got to hold and I've had to handle a company that threatened my mental health non-stop. For four years, I had poured every ounce of my soul into this company because it was the only thing I had left.

As I thought of a response to reply to the statement, my phone buzzed. I didn’t usually check messages during meetings, but the alert came from a private line and when I glanced down, my heart stopped. It was a photo from Marcus.

It was a boy, who had chestnut hair and a dimpled smile that was hauntingly familiar, but it was the eyes that shattered my composure. Even if the photo hadn’t been taken correctly, there was no denying the eyes that belonged to the Thorne family.

"We’re done here," I said, standing up so abruptly that my chair scraped loudly against the floor but I didn’t care.

"Dominic? We haven't finished the projection report," my father noted in an angry voice.

The rest of the board began to murmur amongst themselves and even then, I didn’t even blink. I grabbed my things and walked out of the room without a backward glance as my heart hammered hard against my chest.

If that child was truly alive, everything I believed about the last four years was a lie. Clara Vance had faked a miscarriage and had stolen my son.

I didn’t go back to my office, I took the elevator and headed for my car as I texted Marcus, asking him to send me all I needed to know, including their location. He met me halfway and we continued our journey.

It was a four-hour journey that led to a small town situated at the very edge of the city. When we arrived at the address that had been sent to me, I realized it was a restoration shop. I remained in my car as I tried to recollect my thoughts because all through the drive, I had tried not to overthink.

If my son was truly alive, what was I going to do?

With a deep sigh, I finally got out of the car and headed for the entrance. I was stunned to see Clara, who hadn’t aged a bit since four years ago. I was in the middle of interrogating her when a little boy ran in and I was shocked to see my look-alike.

Seeing her scared face and my son’s clueless face, I knew I needed to take control of the situation quickly because my life was on the verge of falling apart.

So, after threatening a stubborn Clara, she finally agreed to a DNA test and when it came out positive, I didn’t know exactly how to react. Seeing my four-year-old son was something I had never thought was going to be possible.

I knew Clara was going to be a hard nut to crack but my son deserved a complete family and I needed him to save my heirloom as well and even though Clara claims my family had wanted her gone, I didn't believe it for a second. She might be a hard nut to crack but I wasn’t going to give up.

"Marry me," I stated, watching her closely.

The laughter that followed was sharp and hysterical like she had gone insane. I watched as she poked my chest and yelled insults at me while I stood there with a distant look in my eyes. I thought we could discuss like adults but when she took Leo and made an attempt to escape, I knew I had to act fast.

The moment I mentioned the foster care transition team, her resolve vanished and the color drained from her face, leaving her looking like she was about to lose her mind.

"You wouldn't," she breathed.

"I will do whatever is necessary," I replied, stepping closer and staring her down. "If you walk out that door, I will make sure you go to jail, and Leo goes to a crowded government center."

I watched her look at Leo, her heart breaking right in front of me. I hated myself for being the cause of it, but the alternative was losing them both again.

"Think of it as a second contract," I whispered. "But this time, you aren't just carrying the heir, you are ruling by my side."

Clara looked up at me, her eyes wet with unshed tears and a hatred so pure I knew she was going to hurt me back. She looked at Leo one last time, then back at me as her shoulders slumped in total defeat.

"Fine," she whispered, the word sounding like a sob. "I'll do it. Just don't touch him. Don't you dare take him away from me."

"He stays with you," I promised, my voice softening a bit. "As long as you stay with me."

When she nodded again in defeat, I couldn’t help the triumphant smile that appeared on my face.

“Good,” I said, turning to face Marcus. “We better get going, we have a lot to do.”