Grayson forced himself upright, his expression firm despite the weakness in his body. “Dr. Rivers, I give you my word—this paternity test is real. You are the biological daughter of Beth and Mr. Tony.” Sloane’s voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes. “There won’t be… another mistake, right?” She was terrified—of hoping again, only to be shattered once more. Lucas wrapped his arms around her, feeling the violent tremor that ran through her body. “Didn’t you tell me you’ve always felt something special when you were with Aunt Beth? Maybe that’s the bond between a mother and her child.” That broke her. Sloane clutched at Lucas’s shirt, buried her face in his chest, and sobbed uncontrollably. More than twenty years of confusion, loneliness, and longing poured out in waves of tears. Between sobs, she choked out, “Every time I saw Beth… I felt this strange warmth… I didn’t know why… Now I do… I really do…” “Lucas… I finally… found my family…” Her voice cracked, and she cried harder. Suddenly, the door burst open. Jeffrey entered, leaning heavily on his cane, followed closely by Kaizen. The old man’s hands were trembling; his eyes were red and glistening. He could barely hold his cane steady. “My child… my sweet granddaughter…” Jeffrey’s voice quivered as he reached out a shaking hand. “All these years… you’ve suffered so much…” Sloane stiffened in Lucas’s arms for a heartbeat, then broke free and stumbled toward him. “Grandpa!” she cried, throwing herself into his embrace like a child who had finally found her way home. Kaizen stepped forward and wrapped them both in a firm, emotional hug. The man who had always been strong and unyielding now had tears streaming down his face. “You’re home now… that’s all that matters.” At the door, Shawn wiped his eyes quickly and grinned through his tears. “Looks like we’re really one big family now.” He pulled out his phone eagerly. “I’ll call Aunt Beth right now! She’s going to be thrilled when she hears we’ve found her daughter!”But the line went dead almost instantly. “The number you have dialed is not in service.” Shawn’s heart sank. “Damn it!” He slapped his forehead. “Aunt said before she left that she’d be going off the grid to focus on Uncle’s treatment. No one can reach them right now!” Jeffrey gently patted Sloane’s hand, smiling kindly. “No rush. When your parents come back, we’ll give them the surprise together.” Then he turned and shot Lucas a sharp look. “As for this young man, we’ll be evaluating him properly.” Kaizen immediately understood and strode toward Lucas, his face suddenly stern. “I don’t care what you said or did to get Sloane to agree to anything before. It all doesn’t count now.” Lucas straightened quickly, flustered. “Uncle—uh, sir—I didn’t trick her into anything!” “Uncle? Who’s your uncle?” Kaizen snapped, glaring. He didn’t care how powerful Lucas might be back in Stonebridge—he was still far from worthy of their precious Sloane. To them, Sloane—bright, kind, and brilliant—deserved nothing less than royalty. Surrounded by her family’s laughter and fussing, Sloane couldn’t help but giggle. Lucas caught her smirk and shot her a helpless look, silently pleading for help. She darted behind Jeffrey, hiding with mock innocence. Jeffrey immediately placed a protective arm around her, glaring fiercely at Lucas. “Already glaring at our Sloane, are you? What’s next? You’ll scold her too?” Then he turned back to his granddaughter with affection that melted his voice. “Sweetheart, listen to me—if this boyfriend doesn’t work out, just get another one. I’ll introduce you to someone better myself.”