Chapter 60: DNA Sample

Chapter 60: DNA Sample As Jamal maneuvered the car down the quiet estate road, Genevieve pulled out her phone and dialed Stefan’s number. She leaned back against the seat, crossing one leg over the other as she waited for him to pick up. The phone rang twice before Stefan’s groggy voice filtered through the speakers. "Genevieve?" "Good morning, sleepyhead." She teased, watching the buildings and people blur past them through the window. "I hope you’re up because I’m on my way to the hotel already so we can have breakfast together." Stefan groaned lightly, rubbing a hand over his face as he sat up in bed. "You could’ve warned me last night that you’d be coming this early," he muttered. "I haven’t exactly slept well, you know." "Well, I’m warning you now," she said, her tone playful. "Get up and get ready. I’ll be there soon. You can sleep well after you fly back on Sunday." Stefan sighed, knowing there was no way out of this. "Fine. I’ll see you soon." "Good. Text me your room details." Genevieve ended the call and dropped her phone in her lap, a satisfied smile on her face. From the rearview mirror, Jamal watched her, curiosity burning in his gaze. What was her deal? What was the whole Harris family up to? Jamal didn’t trust any of them. He wasn’t even sure yet if he could trust Abigail. He had grown past being blindly guided by his emotions. Every one of them in the Harris family was a mess, and he didn’t want to be drawn into whatever web they were all tangled in without understanding the situation. By the time they arrived at the hotel, Jamal had already made up his mind on where to start. He parked in front of the entrance and turned to look at Genevieve as she unbuckled her seatbelt. "Should I wait here?" he asked, his expression neutral. Genevieve gave him a small nod. "Yeah. I will call you if the plans change." She adjusted her handbag and stepped out of the car, heading into the hotel without looking back. Jamal watched her disappear through the glass doors before pulling out his phone and dialing Stefan’s number. It rang once before Stefan picked up. "That was fast," he said. "Is she here already?" Jamal didn’t bother with pleasantries. "Yes. Listen, I need you to get Genevieve’s DNA sample." Stefan frowned, sitting on the edge of the bed in his bathrobe. "What?" He asked in confusion. "Hair. A used napkin. A glass she drinks from. Anything that has her DNA that you can get. I need it." Stefan’s brows pulled together. "Why? Did something happen? Do you suspect that she is not Dawn?" Jamal exhaled sharply. "I can’t get into any details right now, but I need you to get it done and take it back with you to Ludus. I’ll have it tested." Stefan ran a hand through his hair. Unsure of what to make of the request. "Tested against what?" "Any of the Hanks. I’ll figure out a way to get one of their samples discreetly," Jamal said, knowing that Mari was his best bet. "Just do it, Stefan. I’ll explain more later. And while you’re at it, I’ll appreciate it if you can find out from her if she has any siblings or step siblings." Before Stefan could press for more answers, the doorbell rang. His head snapped toward the entrance of his suite, and he let out a low breath. "She’s here. I have to go." Stefan ended the call, tossing his phone onto the bed before pushing himself up. He tightened the belt of his bathrobe and ran a hand over his face as he walked over to the door. When he pulled it open, Genevieve stood there, her brows lifting slightly in surprise. "You’re still in your bathrobe?" she asked, amusement flickering in her eyes. Stefan sighed. "Your call woke me up. I just got out of the shower." Genevieve stepped inside as he moved aside to let her in. "I’m sorry I disturbed your sleep," she said, scanning the spacious suite with mild interest. "If you’re sorry will you go away and let me get back to it," he asked, shutting the door behind her. She laughed lightly. "Not a chance." "I guess you’re not so sorry after all," Stefan said with a smirk and then looked her over, "You look good. Nice outfit," he said, taking in her knee length bodycon dress with drawstrings at both sides. Genevieve smiled, "Thanks." Stefan gestured toward the cozy couch in the living area. "You’re welcome. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be out in a few minutes." Genevieve nodded, settling down on the couch as he disappeared into the bedroom. While he got dressed, he thought about Jamal’s request, and wondered what could have happened to make Jamal want to carry out a DNA test. Did she do or say something to make him suspicious? How was he supposed to get her DNA sample? It wasn’t like he could take her used cutlery or napkin without seeming weird. His best shot was her hair. That should be easy enough to get. Minutes later, Stefan emerged, dressed in a crisp button-down and tailored trousers. Genevieve smiled as she watched him approach. "Shall we?" she asked, standing up. Stefan, however, sat down instead, crossing one ankle over his knee. "Before we go, what’s the plan for today? I’ll like to know what I’m getting into before I step out." Genevieve pursed her lips as she lowered herself back on her seat. "Breakfast first. In a nice spot. Then, I’ll take you on a tour around the city to all the fun places. Then we can finish at the club." Stefan arched a brow. "And how do you know what kind of fun places I’d like to visit?" She blinked, caught off guard. "Well... I don’t." "Exactly." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Maybe we should get to know each other first before you plan my day. That way you don’t end up taking me to places I don’t care about." Genevieve studied him for a moment before smiling. "You’re right. We can do that over breakfast. I mean I can get to know you better and what you like." Stefan nodded. "Looking forward to it." Her smile widened. "Me too." Stefan stood, slipping on his watch. "For breakfast, we can eat at the hotel restaurant. A complimentary buffet breakfast is part of my package. I enjoyed the dinner last night." Genevieve tilted her head. "I had other plans, but if you insist, we can eat here." Stefan gestured toward the door. "After you."