The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"There's no misunderstanding. I didn't come here for anything else, just to let Elly and you do a test. You know, even if Elly looks like her biological mother and even if she has a birthmark, that doesn't prove much. "Without a proper test, none of it counts. The situation in the Naylor family is quite complex right now, and it's best to avoid getting involved if possible." This was Steven's reasoning.

Nancy nodded in understanding. "So, you want me and Eloise to do a test since I'm her aunt? If she truly is Elly, our blood types should match. If she isn't, then you won't bring her back to the Naylor family?"

Nancy nodded again, appreciating Steven's thorough thinking. "I understand your intentions, and I don't object. If Elly really is a Naylor, no matter how complicated things are with the Naylor family, she should still acknowledge her roots." "That's exactly my intention," Steven said with a smile. "Although I'm not a Naylor by birth, I was raised in their household, so I should do what I can for them."

"You've worked hard," Nancy replied, holding Eloise's hand again. "This child, she looks so much like her mother, but..." Nancy hesitated before continuing, "It's nothing. So, when do you want to go for the paternity test?"

"No rush. I'll be staying in Brookville for a while; I have some business to attend to here. Since you're not in the best health right now, we can wait until you're feeling better."

"You're not leaving soon?" Nancy seemed genuinely pleased. "That's good, very good. I'll be staying here at Charlie's for a while. Since you and Charlie are friends, come by often. It's been years since I've seen you and Elly. "Noelle is a lovely girl. Elly, you should spend some time with her."

"Okay, Aunt Nancy," Eloise nodded, though she pulled her hand back slightly, still a bit uncomfortable but sitting properly.

Nancy noticed and felt a pang of sadness. Though it was true, Eloise had been away for so long and likely endured many hardships.

The front door opened, and Henry

walked in carrying the fruit cake. As soon as he entered, his expression tightened. His gaze fell harshly on Steven and his eyes turned sharp.

Seeing that Nancy's expression was not great, Henry's anger only grew.

"Who are you people?"

Henry approached, towering over Steven, who was much younger.

Despite his youth, Steven exuded a calm presence, remaining composed and showing no signs of discomfort in the face of Henry's scrutiny.

Henry's piercing gaze was fixed on

Steven, who calmly returned the look.

·After a long moment

finally smiled and stood up. "Hello,

Henry. I'm Steven."

"Steven?" Henry turned to Nancy. "So, your excuse about wanting fruit cake was just to get rid of me so you could meet someone from the Naylor family?"

"Henry, please don't misunderstand.

Stevie just came to see me, and it has nothing to do with the Naylor family," Nancy quickly explained. "Stevie left the Naylor family years ago, and he's here now just to visit me.