Chaos exploded across the courtroom as reporters shouted and attorneys stood in disbelief. Gregory tried to edge toward a side exit, but two bailiffs instinctively blocked his path.
“Order,” Judge Harper commanded, pounding the gavel repeatedly until the noise subsided. “Bring that envelope to me.”
Abigail walked carefully to the bench and handed over the document. The judge examined the laboratory report in silence, her eyes scanning each line while tension gripped the room like a tightening fist.
When she finally looked up, her expression had hardened into controlled fury. “This report from Atlantic Genetic Services confirms with ninety nine point nine percent probability that Gregory Sterling is the biological father of the fetus.”
Franklin felt as if the floor had vanished beneath him, and the betrayal cut deeper than any financial loss could. He turned slowly toward his brother, who now stood sweating and cornered, unable to speak.
“How did you find this,” Franklin asked Abigail softly, struggling to steady his voice.
She met his gaze with surprising compassion. “After my mom died, I hid in the staff quarters at Mr. Gregory’s house because I had nowhere to go, and I heard them laughing about you and calling you foolish for paying for everything.”
Her voice trembled, yet she continued bravely. “Three months ago they threw me out, and one night I sneaked back to get something that belonged to my mom, and I saw this paper on his desk, and I knew what they were doing to you was wrong.”
Judge Harper did not hesitate after hearing this testimony. She ordered immediate arrests for fraud and perjury, and officers moved swiftly to handcuff a hysterical Olivia and a defeated Gregory.
As the courtroom slowly emptied and the scandal unfolded outside, Franklin remained standing in stunned silence. He then looked down at Abigail, who seemed small and fragile despite her enormous courage.
“Do you have anywhere to stay,” he asked gently as he knelt to her level without caring that his expensive suit brushed the dusty floor. “Do you have family.”
She shook her head and lowered her eyes. “No sir, I just move from place to place, but I am fine because I know how to survive.”