Chapter 6

Dad stared at the envelope. “What’s this?”

Maggie jumped in before I could answer.

“James, is she trying to get you to sign over part of your estate? I can’t believe Skyla’s already coming after your money at her age.”

Dad’s hands froze.

Then he hurled the envelope at me.

“Let me make one thing clear. I’m calling my attorney and changing my will today. An ungrateful daughter like you won’t get a dime from me!”

Several guests hurried to calm him down.

“James, she’s still young. Don’t let yourself get this worked up.”

“Exactly. You’ve got plenty of years ahead of you. There’s no need to talk about your will right now.”

Maggie shot Jenna a quick look.

Jenna immediately stepped forward, tears filling her eyes.

“Uncle James, please don’t be angry with Skyla. Jacob’s all right, and that’s what matters. We don’t blame her.

“As long as she never hurts him again, we don’t need any of your money.

“I just want Mom, Jacob, Uncle James, and me to be a family forever.”

Her heartfelt little speech almost made me laugh at the absurdity of it.

“So in this happy little family of yours, my dad’s the only outsider?”

Dad’s expression darkened.

“What kind of nonsense are you spouting now? From this moment on, Jenna is my daughter.”

He pointed at me.

“And as for you, I’ll act like I never had a daughter!”

Jenna’s face lit up.

“Dad! You’re my father now, and I promise I’ll always be a good daughter to you!”

I had already known what kind of man he was.

Still, her words sent a sharp pain through my chest.

The father who used to adore me and give me everything I wanted was gone.

Now he was someone else’s husband.

Someone else’s father.

I drew a slow breath, bent down, and picked up the envelope.

“Dad, I don’t care whether you still consider me your daughter.

“But I’m not going to stand here and watch everyone make a fool out of you.

“This isn’t about your money.”

I pulled out the report and held it up.

“It’s a paternity test for you and the baby.

“He isn’t your son.”