Nelson opened his eyes. "My mother is definitely hiding something from me. Run a DNA test between Alistair and Mrs. Lucille. Let's see if she's really his mother. And get a kinship test between Alistair and Macy Xavier while you're at it."
If Alistair was truly a Xavier from the countryside, there was no way his records could be this spotless. Someone powerful was sanitizing his past.
And if he wasn't... then it proved absolutely nothing.
They had hit a complete dead end.
Alistair was a master of deception. He knew Nelson was investigating him, which meant whatever information surfaced was likely planted for him to find.
He tossed the file onto the adjacent seat. "Just get the DNA tests done."
Quinn nodded and quickly exited.
Nelson rubbed his temples. His phone buzzed—it was Mirabelle.
Mirabelle let out a heavy sigh over the line, her tone carefully measured. "When Lydia gave birth to Josie, your grandfather gifted her a few things. Among them was an emerald bangle worth millions. Tonight, that bangle ended up in Juniper's hands. Nelson, I'm worried your grandfather will be furious if he finds out."
The piece had significant history. It was a token of love between his grandparents, meant to be passed down to the young wives of the family.
Though not astronomically expensive, its sentimental value was immeasurable.
Plus, Lydia wore it every year at the family's ancestral memorial. Its absence would undoubtedly spark questions.
Why would Juniper take something like that?
And why would Lydia hand it over?
"Nelson, Lydia made a bet with Juniper tonight and honored her loss like a good sport. She's just too honest. Given the bangle's significance, I thought I should let you know. As for Juniper... she doesn't seem to be very fond of our family right now, so it's not my place to say anything. Maybe you could buy a replica to replace it, just so your grandfather doesn't start asking questions."
Nelson stood up, grabbing his suit jacket. "I understand. I'll go get it back right now."
Mirabelle's lips curved into a smug smile. "That would be best. But don't be too harsh on the girl. After all, Lydia did lose it fair and square."
A roaring fire burned in her chest, turning her face rigid with rage. She looked down and frantically typed a message, ordering her contacts to eliminate Juniper immediately. She was out of patience. She wanted Juniper dead, and she no longer cared if it ruined her long-term plans.
Juniper needed to die tonight!
Sensing her daughter's dangerous emotional state, Mirabelle instructed the driver, "Roll up the partition."
Once the privacy screen was up, she spoke softly to Lydia. "You've already made it this far. Nelson will be yours eventually. Why are you rushing? Don't leave a trail for anyone to find at this crucial moment. Lydia, don't forget you have The Harrington Family backing you. As long as you don't commit a major blunder, they will always protect you. Spend more time with Margot Harrington. As long as the old woman adores you, no one can touch you."
"Mom, don't worry. I'm using proxies. I'd never get my own hands dirty."
"As long as you know what you're doing. I was afraid your anger would make you sloppy. Nelson is hard to please, and you've already won most of the battle. Don't dig your own grave."
Lydia finally cooled down and nodded.
Nelson had already arrived at Juniper's residence. Standing outside, he could see the warm glow of the lights filtering through her window.

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