Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 479

Stephen’s breath caught the second he saw those big, bold words on the folder. Paternity Test Report. For a moment, he couldn’t move.

“Go on, open it,” Joan said, giving him a look that was both gentle and encouraging.

Stephen almost didn’t bother. The way Joan watched him told him everything he needed to know. Still, he flipped to the last page, scanned the conclusion, and felt a strange sort of calm wash over him. No shock. He’d expected this.

“When did you even get my sample?” he asked, his voice low.

Joan’s eyes flickered. “You hardly ever came to the hospital, but you always left something behind. Like a few strands of hair.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a clear little pouch, some of his hair sealed safely inside.

She gave a tiny shrug. “If you don’t believe me, you can always ask a doctor to check if it’s yours.”

Stephen stared down at the table, silent. He was just trying to buy himself a few seconds to let it all sink in. Out of nowhere, he had a son. Just like that.

He was a dad.

Ben.

He looked over at the boy. Stephen’s hands tightened into fists. There was something about the kid… the shape of his eyes, the stubborn line of his jaw. They really did look alike. If he didn’t know, absolutely for sure, that nothing had ever happened with Joan, he might have started to wonder.

He shook his head and looked away, refusing to meet Ben’s eyes.

“What do you want from me?” he asked Joan, his voice steady.

A ripple of excitement ran through Joan. She’d thought she’d have to wait longer, maybe push harder, but everything was happening so smoothly. Was Stephen really just… believing her? No questions? It was more than she’d dared to hope.

At first, Joan felt a sting of disappointment. But then she glanced down and her heart skipped. Her eyelashes fluttered as she counted the zeros in her head. Thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands… millions.

Six million.

This wasn’t just for medical expenses. This was child support.

She clutched the check, staring at Stephen like she was seeing him for the first time. She’d known it. He still cared, even if he didn’t say it. Why else would he accept Ben so quickly? Why else would he come with a check already written?

As Stephen left the café, he felt someone’s eyes on him. He paused, scanning the room, but didn’t spot anyone suspicious. Only then did he walk out, his steps measured and calm.

The moment she was sure he was gone, Joan turned excitedly to the man sitting a few tables away. “Well? Did you get everything on camera?”