After dropping Zaylee at HMS, Alaric didn’t drive away. Instead, he turned the wheel toward the hospital. His chest was tight, the brooch heavy in his pocket. He needed answers from Zayden—whether he liked it or not.
But before he reached the ward, Lucas appeared in the corridor, a sealed envelope in his hand.
“Master… the report.”
Alaric froze. Part of him wanted to rip it open. Part of him wanted to burn it. But his fingers betrayed him; he tore the seal and unfolded the paper.
DNA Report – Comparative Analysis
Subject A (Alaric Hawke) and Subject B (Zayden Whitmore) share significant maternal DNA markers.
Analysis confirms fraternal twin relationship.
Probability of maternal match: 99.98%.
Paternal DNA markers: different. Subjects have different fathers, same mother.
At the bottom, the final line glared at him:17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsYnnfslA4
Conclusion: Subject A and Subject B are fraternal twins.
Alaric’s hand trembled. He folded the paper, shoved it inside his coat, and entered the ward.
Inside, Zayden was roaring at his men.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYo4ujg5pp
“Find the brooch! Do you hear me? I don’t care how long it takes—bring it to me!”
Alaric stepped forward and dangled it.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcg5xz0ILD
“Looking for this?”
Zayden turned sharply. “Give it here.”
Alaric moved back a step.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYboHVCvyup
“Not until you answer me. Everyone—out.”
The room cleared, leaving only the two of them. Alaric’s voice cut through the silence.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYwgnywex3
“Tell me—are you Whitmore’s son or not?”
Zayden’s jaw tightened.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkTLGKaj1L
“That’s none of your business. Now hand it over.”
“No,” Alaric snapped. “It is my business. Answer me.”
Zayden stared at him, then exhaled.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWSqC4u7WW
“Yes. I’m his son.”
Alaric pulled out the DNA report and tossed it onto Zayden’s chest.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKsjfniDTR
“Then explain this.”
Zayden glanced at the paper. His eyes widened.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9vh1eoQmR
“Fraternal twins… different fathers… same mother? What the hell?”
Alaric reached into his coat, brought out his brooch, and placed it beside Zayden’s. They were identical.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdmHH6qJqS
“Don’t tell me you got the same box.”
Zayden narrowed his eyes.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojeTmOLGoH
“You too?”
Alaric rubbed his temples.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa42QhtWYO6
“You know what’s killing me? I finally got close to Zaylee… and now this? She’s my sister.”
Zayden let out a short laugh.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNot6NWOI2
“That’s what you’re worried about, brat?”
“What else should I worry about?”
Zayden leaned back.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkbh3dmhCQ
“Relax. I’m not her real brother.”
Alaric blinked.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnZZpNyyR6
“What?”
“No blood ties with her. None. She doesn’t know. And she never will—unless you open your stupid mouth.”
Alaric’s heart soared, though he tried to hide it.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrJYtTl07S
“So… I’m not—?”
“No. But don’t you dare tell her about us being twins. Ever.”
“As if I want to,” Alaric muttered.
Zayden chuckled, then asked, “When did you get your box?”
“Yesterday. Why? Why after twenty-five years would they suddenly reveal this?”
“I don’t know,” Alaric admitted. “Trick or trap. But Lucas is investigating. We’ll know soon.”
For the first time, the two men sat and spoke—not as rivals, but as something else. Brothers.
That evening, Alaric picked up Zaylee. He took her to a quiet restaurant, far from prying eyes. The candlelight reflected in her eyes, soft and warm. She smiled at him, shy yet radiant. He couldn’t stop smiling back.
They ate slowly, teasing each other about the food. When she laughed, he caught himself watching her lips, then looked away quickly, pretending to sip his drink. She noticed and giggled, her cheeks turning pink.
Afterward, they walked through the streets. Their hands brushed once, twice… until Alaric finally closed his fingers around hers.
Her hand was small, soft—fragile in his grip. He held it carefully, but with a strength that said he’d never let go.
“Ayle,” he said quietly, “this Sunday… let’s go somewhere. Just the two of us.”
She glanced up, eyes sparkling.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTujw7gvULw
“Where?”
He smirked.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtovHDasIgd
“Surprise, dear.”
Her heart skipped at the way he said it. She squeezed his hand.
They reached the car park. Alaric noticed shadows moving—men trailing them. His gaze sharpened.
“Ayle, do me a favor. Go to that cake shop. Pick something for your brother. I need to make a call.”
She nodded innocently and stepped inside.
The moment she was gone, Alaric confronted the men, dealing with them swiftly, leaving no trace.
By the time he returned, Zaylee was choosing cakes. She held up two boxes.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehdW46USH7
“This big one’s for my brother… and this little one’s for you.”
Alaric chuckled and paid for both before she could.17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiGhgUiMps
Then they walked out together, hand in hand, the night air wrapping around them like a promise.
and then Add to home screen.