Craig’s expression darkened as he continued, “Our father insisted on putting Charles under our mother’s name, but she vehemently refused. She couldn’t accept that not only did he have an affair, but he had also brazenly brought the mistress’ son back. Moreover, he demanded Charles be recognized in the family registry. In a fit of anger, she left home alone while she was eight months pregnant. You were born while she was away. During her pregnancy, she experienced anxiety and had some mental issues, and accidentally lost you. She blamed herself for many years for this incident…”
Jennifer listened in shock, feeling as though her understanding of herself had been overturned. “Even if I resemble your mother, there are no records of my parents or my birth in Fairlake Orphanage. What makes you so certain that I am the child of the Newton family?”
“Indeed, you were too young when our mother lost you, and considering she went to the neighboring city at the time, we don’t know what unforeseen circumstances occurred. You ended up being adopted by Fairlake Orphanage, which is why, for all these years, I sent many people to the neighboring city but couldn’t find you.”
Craig walked to a nearby table and handed Jennifer a document.
“I wasn’t certain either, which is why I discreetly had someone monitor your filming crew and try to obtain your hair for a DNA test with our mother.”
Jennifer received the DNA test report from Craig. When she saw the words “mother and daughter” written in the bottom right corner of the document, tears rolled down her cheeks.
Craig looked at her and said gently, “This test report can’t be wrong. You truly are the precious daughter of the Newton family and my younger sister, Elise Newton.” He placed his hands on her shoulder. “Starting tomorrow, will you come back to live with the Newtons? I’ll have the room prepared, the one our mother used to stay in. During the day, you can spend more time talking to her. For all the years we owed you, I’ll make it up to you double-fold.”
“I… Can you give me some time to digest this news?”
Jennifer had lived as an orphan for over twenty years until Craig suddenly told her that she was the daughter of the Newton family. Not only did she have parents, but she also had a group of siblings.
The news was too shocking.
It left her bewildered and she was unable to accept it at once.
“Okay. I understand that you’re not used to it yet. We’ll take it slow and change your name first. If you don’t want to come live with us, I can arrange accommodation for you outside. You can’t continue staying with Treyton.”
Jennifer abruptly lifted her head. “Why? Treyton and I are a genuine couple. In this day and age, isn’t it normal for couples to live together?”
Craig patiently explained, “It may be considered normal for ordinary families, but we belong to the third prominent family in Salinsburgh. Once I reveal your identity, we will have to follow the regulations of prominent families.”
Although Jennifer was unfamiliar with the regulations, with Gwendolyn and Cedrick as examples, she could vaguely guess. “You mean we have to wait until our engagement is publicly announced?”
“Yes. If Treyton genuinely loves you, he will ask his father to visit us and arrange the engagement,” Craig replied.
“All right,” Jennifer relented.
As long as she could still be with Treyton, she didn’t mind the formalities.
Regarding the name change, she continued, “I’m used to being called Jennifer. Can we keep that? At most, I can change my surname and be called Jennifer Newton.”
“As you wish.”
Craig rubbed her head affectionately and looked at her face intently.
Among his siblings, she resembled their mother the most when she was young.
Jennifer wasn’t accustomed to being touched by any man other than Treyton. However, since Craig was her second brother, she suppressed her inner resistance.
She was still holding her mother’s photo tightly in her hand, and her eyes were gradually filled with joy.
“Does Mom live in this mansion? Can I go see her now? I’ve lived for over twenty years without experiencing the feeling of having a mother. I really want to hug her,” Jennifer said, expressing her longing.
Craig’s hand that was caressing her head froze for a moment. He withdrew his gentle gaze and concealed a hint of unease in his eyes.
Before he could answer, the bodyguard urgently knocked on the door of the ancestral hall.
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