Chapter 7 - Catherine’s hospital record
The document on Arthur’s tablet did more than prove paternity.
It reminded me why the test existed.
Catherine was already sick.
Not terminal yet.
She had undergone surgery eight weeks after Oren’s birth.
Estate lawyers worried that if she died young, family rumors could someday affect Oren.
The Sinclairs were cruel about bloodlines.
Catherine hated that.
She told me:
“Do the stupid test so nobody ever gets to put this on him.”
I agreed.
Hospital collection.
Independent witness.
DNA report.
Archived with estate counsel.
She was right.
Eight years later, Sabella attempted exactly what Catherine feared.
Not through court.
Through shame.
“Bastard.”
One ugly word.
But Catherine’s preparation protected Oren.
I sat alone after the banquet and stared at the report.
Her signature.
My signature.
Date.
I could almost hear her.
Do not let them make him prove he belongs.
May you like
I had allowed my own wife to do exactly that.
────────────────────
