Chapter 211: That’s my daughter

Words : 1263 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 211: That’s my daughter Margaret took the phone, her gaze locked onto the screen. Her eyes shimmered. Nathan watched her closely. "I was stunned too, the first time I saw her. She looks so much like you. Her eyes, the shape of her face, her nose—especially when she smiles." Margaret stared at the image in silence, as if afraid to blink and lose it. Her fingers trembled slightly around the phone. For the first time in years, she looked less like a woman drowning in sorrow, hope, and joy dancing on her face. The longer she looked, the more certain she became. Nathan leaned forward, trying to steady her growing excitement. "I thought it was just a coincidence at first. There are plenty of people in the world who share similar features. But then I found out she was adopted, taken in by a humble family. That’s when I started wondering. I’m digging into it now. I’ll get more answers soon." Margaret didn’t even blink. "I don’t need more answers. That’s her. That’s my daughter. That’s Raya." "Mom, please. Don’t be impulsive. We need to be sure. I still need confirmation." "Then get it," she said, urgency thick in her voice. "Bring her here. Do a DNA test. Call your father and tell him what you found." Nathan sighed, his shoulders sagging. He ran his palms over his thighs. "It’s not that simple," he muttered. "She is married to a Beaumont, to Augustine, the same man who was meant to marry Megan. Dad is furious. That marriage was supposed to tie two powerful families together. Now everything is falling apart. Years of friendship between the two families are at stake. Megan is heartbroken. The Beaumonts are pulling away. It’s a mess." He hesitated, then added quietly, "And Anne... Anne isn’t just some girl we can summon. She is Augustine’s wife now. She is in a completely different world. We can’t walk in and demand a paternity test." Margaret shook her head, refusing to hear it. "Then let me speak to her. I’ll explain everything. She’ll listen—she has to listen. Just take me to her." "Mommy..." "I need to see her. Please. Take me now." "You can’t." "Why not?" Nathan closed his eyes briefly, then opened them with a weary breath. "She is not in the country right now. She left on a business trip with Augustine." The room fell silent. Margaret looked stunned, the momentum of her urgency suddenly crashing against reality. Her eyes dropped to the image still glowing on the phone screen. "When is she coming back?" Nathan pressed his fingers to his temples, exhaustion creeping into his posture. "I don’t know. Maybe in a few days. But for now, just rest. Focus on getting better. Please, don’t hurt yourself again. I promise, I’ll take you to her when the time is right." Margaret’s expression softened. The certainty in her eyes was unwavering as if her heart had already recognized the woman in the photo as her own. "I won’t do anything foolish." A smile curved her lips. "Not anymore." Nathan’s chest tightened at the sight. That smile—he couldn’t even remember the last time he had seen it. Maybe before Raya vanished. Maybe before grief became their family’s constant shadow. His throat burned with the weight of unspoken emotion, but he forced himself to smile back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Augustine and Anne stepped into the office, and right away, Anne felt the stares. Curious eyes followed her, whispers riding just loud enough on the air to sting. "Who is she?" someone muttered. "I’ve seen her the day before as well with the boss. Is that his girlfriend?" "Don’t be ridiculous. Probably just his secretary. Look at her—formal clothes, not exactly the lady-of-the-mansion type." Anne froze mid-step. The words landed like a punch to the gut. Irritation crept into her mind. But before she could fire back, Augustine slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. A ripple of shock swept through the air. Conversations died. The silence was instant and loud. His gesture left no room for doubt. She wasn’t just a secretary. She was someone who mattered to Augustine. Anne looked up, surprised, only to find him grinning at her with calm confidence. "After the meeting, I’m taking you somewhere," he said, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. The touch was tender and intentional. "Where?" she asked, a spark of curiosity lighting up her eyes. He leaned in, lips brushing her ear. "It’s a surprise." Anne’s gaze darted around. Every eye was fixed on them. Her cheeks flared with color. She pushed lightly against Augustine’s chest. "Everyone is staring at us," she whispered. "I’m talking to my wife," he said aloud, cutting through the hush like a blade. "Anyone have a problem with that?" The room went still. A bombshell dropped in real-time. Satisfied, Augustine guided her into the elevator. "The boss is married?" "That’s his wife!" Gasps and stunned whispers bubbled up again. Shock spread fast, but not everyone took it the same way. Some were slack-jawed in disbelief, others wore heartbreak on their faces. A few younger women exchanged looks, disappointment flashing in their eyes. But Augustine didn’t care. And neither did Anne. The elevator reached the top floor, and the door slid open with a soft chime. Augustine and Anne stepped out together. Waiting just outside was Gustave with a composed expression. "Good morning, sir—ma’am," he greeted, offering a respectful nod. "Everyone has gathered in the conference hall." Augustine gave a low hum and walked forward with Anne matching his pace. Inside the conference room, the board members were already seated around the long, gleaming table. They looked up as the pair entered. "Good morning, gentlemen," Augustine said. "Thank you for being here. Today, we are here to discuss the successful launch of our new branch. But before we begin," he paused, eyes shifting to Anne, "I’d like to introduce someone important." He pointed his fingers toward her. "This is Anne. My wife and also my secretary." Anne stepped forward. "Hello, everyone," she said with a polite smile. A chorus of nods and murmurs of acknowledgment followed. Augustine slid an arm over her shoulders. "She has been at my side through this whole process. Her support has meant a lot." "You are giving me too much credit," Anne replied softly, her cheeks tinted with a shy smile. "It’s your hard work that brought this success." "It’s not just mine," Augustine corrected, glancing around the table. "It’s the trust and dedication of all of you that brought the company to this point. Thank you for your guidance and belief in me." Then he turned to Anne with a small nod. "Let’s get started. The floor is yours." Anne stepped forward and launched into the presentation. She outlined the new branch’s progress, including its latest projects, strategic goals, and early successes. Anne continued her presentation. The room remained attentive with all eyes on the big screen. Gustave approached quietly from the side and leaned close to Augustine, lowering his voice just enough to be heard. "Denis has arrived. His meeting is set with Hana." Augustine didn’t react right away. He sat still, then gave a slow, thoughtful hum. "Let her handle it," he said quietly. "Be courteous. Make sure he feels like he is doing us a great favor." "Understood, sir," Gustave replied, giving a slight nod before slipping out of the room without drawing attention. Augustine leaned back in his chair and returned his attention to the presentation, one arm resting on the table.

Chapter 211: That’s my daughter

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