A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“Nat, go get some sleep,” Bernard commanded, before looking directly at Joseph “Joseph, come with me to the study. I need to have a word with you.”

Bernard could tell right away that Natalie was trying to talk her way out of things. A hint of displeasure crossed his face, but he didn’t say anything.

Once inside the study, Joseph let out a yawn. “It’s almost dawn and I haven’t slept a wink, so I’ll just cut to the chase.

“Natalie said she followed Cora to a club. She was trying to track down the guy Cora had been sneaking around-the one who might be her biological father.

“After she was discovered, she was taken to the precinct. Since she didn’t contact any of you and left my contact information instead, they had no choice but to call me.

“When it gets light out, talk to Cora. Tell her to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother. That’s the whole story. If you don’t need anything else, I’m leaving.”

“Hold on, Joseph,” Bernard called out, stopping him in his tracks. “I’ve got a question. Is that paternity test real?”

Joseph let out a dry scoff. “Cora can fool herself all she wants, but surely you’re not irrational enough to question science? I’ll be straight with you. Even if the world ended tomorrow, those results would still be real.

“Natalie is not, and never could be, my biological daughter. To me, Natalie is nothing more than some bastard kid Cora had with another man!”

Bernard frowned for a moment upon hearing the word “bastard”, his expression darkening. This matter was enough to bring shame to him and the entire Lowell family.

Trying to keep a clear head, Joseph rubbed his temples, adding, “As Cora’s father, you ought to know everything about her. Are you seriously telling me you didn’t know about the man she is seeing on the side?”

“I refuse to believe that Cora is that kind of woman,” Bernard huffed, though he didn’t sound too confident, especially not with that paternity test staring him in the face.

“You’re her father-of course you’re taking her side! Regardless, I might as well be real with you. I only slept with Cora after we got married, but Natalie was conceived before that.

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