Chapter 2

She grew frantic. The police would naturally determine whether it was a baseless accusation.

After learning the details, the officers examined the donation form and other supporting documents.

Credit had to be given where credit was due. Lillian had been very thorough. Not only were all those documents genuine, but she had even obtained the acceptance paperwork from the medical university.

The midwife finally glanced at me, her expression dripping with contempt. “Now you finally believe us, huh? You thought we were frauds!

“The mother is most unfortunate to have a childhood friend like yourself!”

I snorted coldly. “I’ll tell you what’s really unfortunate! Meeting with a hospital like yours, where giving birth means certain death!”

“You!”

She widened her eyes in fury. I memorized her name, then stepped outside and climbed into the police car with the baby.

Eighteen years later, on the day the college entrance exam results were released, my son, Neil Ryans, became the top scorer in the state. He was also the valedictorian.

I hosted a special banquet and invited many people, including several unfamiliar faces.

When Neil delivered his speech on stage, he specifically mentioned me.

“Without my mother, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“My success is owed to my teachers’ guidance and my mother’s care!”

“That’s right!”

A voice rang out from the crowd. Everyone turned to see an uninvited couple.

I narrowed my eyes and let out a cold laugh.

Lillian Reyes, Linden Smith. I’ve been waiting for you two for a long time!

They walked straight over, their eyes brimming with tears of emotion as they gazed at Neil on stage.

“Who are you?”

“Neil, this is your biological mother!” Linden walked up arm-in-arm with Lillian.

“What did you say?” Neil froze.

Everyone stared at me in shock.

As the valedictorian’s mother sat at the head of the table, I remained utterly composed while facing Lillian and her company. “This isn’t how you ride someone else’s coattails!”

Lillian stared at me smugly, then declared loudly, “Shea, don’t you remember me? Back then, I gave birth to my child and entrusted him to you. Thank you! Thank you for raising my son so well!”

She stepped forward to grasp my hand, but I swatted it away.

“Who the hell are you? Stop pretending to be someone I know!

“My son’s excellence is indeed the result of my upbringing, but it also stems from his innate talent. What does that have to do with you?”

Linden looked at me. “Shea, you don’t recognize her? This is Lillian Reyes. The three of us grew up together. This child is hers!”

I laughed. “I remember clearly that Lillian died in childbirth that year!”

“Yes, but it wasn’t my time yet. Someone saved me.

“I went away to recover, and now I’m back to claim my son!”

Tears welled in Lillian’s eyes. “The midwife was right there. She could testify! Yet you called my son a fatherless orphan. I begged you for so long!”

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at me.

“Who knew Shea Wilde could be so cold-hearted?!”

“What are you talking about? Raising a child is a huge responsibility. No one agrees to it so lightly!”

“Her life was on the line back then. After being separated from her own flesh and blood for so many years, what’s wrong with her claiming him now?”

Seeing the tide turning in her favor, Lillian immediately put on a magnanimous facade.

“Shea, I know you’re angry. Here’s 30,000 dollars as compensation. Don’t look down on the amount. I’m struggling too.”

Her act made me snort coldly. Neil’s voice was firm. “I’m not your son. You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

The next moment, Lillian produced a paternity test report. “I had the midwife help me with this back then.

“I was worried about unforeseen circumstances, so I prepared for the worst. Neil, your mother had no choice!

“I am overjoyed that you became the valedictorian. But you’ve got to acknowledge the fact that I truly am your biological mother!”