Hilliard nodded, preferring directness.


    “I do notpletely trust the paternity test done by Braden, which is why I have brought this with me.


    ”


    He revealed a handkerchief from his chest pocket, within whichy Atticus’ hair.


    Surprised, Lucinda met his gaze and stated, “But it’ste at night.


    Even with your connections, it would be toote to perform the test at a hospital now.


    ”


    Hilliard shook his head.


    “I don’t trust anyone else.


    This time, I want to conduct the test myself here.


    All I need from you is a silver dye agent and polyacrmide gel electrophoresis.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ”


    “Very well.


    The Payne family’s medical team should have those.


    I’1L have Sonny bring them here,” Lucinda assured him.


    Hilliard nodded, his gaze falling to the ground.


    After a brief pause, he asked hesitantly, “Lucinda, about what happened that day… Did you hold it against me?”


    Recalling that day, Lucinda’s anger suddenly resurfaced.


    She had felt utterly helpless, betrayed by her brothers’ck of trust.


    Admitting that she had been unaffected would be a lie.


    It wasn’t like her.


    Her eyes cast a cold re at Hilliard as she approached him and yfully struck his shoulder.


    “Of course I was angry with you.


    At that moment, I even believed I would never speak to you again, treating you as a stranger for the rest of my life.


    ”


    Hilliard’s gaze dropped, his guilt evident.


    Lucinda continued, “But I am not angry anymore.


    Consider the hit just now as our reconciliation.


    I forgive you.


    ”


    Relief washed over Hilliard, and he seized her wrist, gently guiding her fist to strike his chest.


    “That didn’t hurt at all.


    It was like a scratch from a kitten.


    It’s not enough to vent your anger.


    Give me a few more hits.


    ”


    Amused by his request, Lucinda retrieved her hand and chuckled.


    “I am no longer angry with you, truly.


    ”


    Hilliard breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, a serious expression soon reced his relieved demeanor.


    “Lucinda, I have been looking after our father, and I’ve noticed something peculiar in his room.


    Moreover, there’s someone at home acting strangely as well.


    ”


    Lucinda’s seriousness resurfaced upon witnessing theplexity in Hilliard’s eyes.