Chapter 62 What’s There to Show Off?
“Of course it matters!” Sebastian replied. “The first statement would make me sound like a responsible father, while the second one would make me sound like a useless man! I’m a father, so I should be the one looking for them and not the other way around. I don’t want my sons to think of me as irresponsible!”
“…Whatever floats your boat,” Madeline muttered. Sebastian was about to continue talking when the housekeeper hurried over. “Mr. and Mrs. Hart, the Wendels are here to see you.”
Sebastian curled his lips up as he gazed at Madeline. “I guess the DNA test results must be out.”
“That’s really quick.” Madeline was rather surprised.
“Yeah. If you pay a little more and request for instant results, it’s usually completed within a few hours,” Sebastian replied. “…Oh,” she muttered. He had just done a DNA test with Joel and Quincy, so she knew that he had to be right since he was experienced in doing the test.
“Send them in,” Sebastian told the housekeeper. Moments later, Michael and Jonathan were led into the hall. Philip had the habit of taking an afternoon nap, so none of them woke him up. Sebastian, Madeline, Michael, and Jonathan each took a seat before the maids served them some tea.
Michael, however, wasn’t in the mood for tea. He felt waves of sadness hitting him as he gazed at Madeline. The DNA results were out, and things were finalized—Madeline was him and his wife’s biological daughter! This is my daughter! She was born into a grand family and prepared for a luxurious life, yet she ended up on the streets, where she suffered for years. If Dan hadn’t happened to save my daughter, she might have been dead. If that happened, she would have left this world in the most horrible and shameful manner. Back then, was Cameron the one who sent those people to torture my daughter on purpose?
Just that thought itself was enough to trigger Michael’s urge to kill someone. He wished he could slice Xander into pieces. How could they treat my daughter like that? They are too much! The complicated emotions—pain, anger, hurt, worry—made tears well up in his eyes.
“The DNA results are out, Madeline,” Michael spoke to Madeline in a trembling voice. “It’s true that… you’re our biological daughter!” Jonathan aptly handed her a set of documents. She took the papers and flipped to the last page where the results were stated. It was true. She was Michael’s biological daughter! It was all confirmed now! Her sons had a father, and she was no longer the daughter of an illegitimate daughter! What a joy! Madeline and her sons could walk around with their heads lifted from then onward!
“That’s great!” Madeline couldn’t contain the happiness within her as she handed the papers to Sebastian. “From now on, Quincy and Joel won’t have to be looked down upon because of my past. This is great!” she uttered excitedly.
Sebastian took one look at the results before speaking in a calm tone. “You’re overthinking it. Who would ever dare look down upon my son? I’m Sebastian Hart!”
“…Others might not dare to say it to your face, but they would definitely talk about it behind your back! Well, they won’t do it now since I’m no longer an illegitimate daughter’s child. Quincy and Joel aren’t related to Cameron at all. The three of us will no longer have to be shamed and bullied because of her!” Madeline’s words had no other intentions, and she was merely commenting on the situation that she was in right then.
However, every sentence she said felt like a knife stabbing into Michael’s heart. Tears formed in his eyes, and he had to widen his eyes to force his tears back down. I’m such a useless man! I’m the head of the Wendel Family, yet I didn’t manage to protect my own daughter. My precious, lovely daughter was left alone… She was bullied and looked down upon by others. This is all my fault. It’s all my fault!
“I’m sorry…” His eyes were red and his voice croaky. “I’m sorry… Madeline… It’s all my fault. I didn’t see through Cameron’s evil scheme, and I failed to protect you. I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”
“It’s fine.” Madeline shook her head. “I don’t blame you. You’re a victim too.” Would a parent ever agree to have their child being switched for someone else’s child? Madeline knew that Michael must have suffered just as much as she did when he first heard of the news.
In fact, she believed that he must have felt worse than she did. Michael and Crystal were known for being a loving couple, and he certainly cherished the children his wife gave birth to. Michael would only love the daughter born from him and his wife’s love—not some random child that entered their household.
Michael had known Madeline for years. Even though he didn’t have many interactions with her, he knew that she was pretty, capable, and skilled at combat. She had taken over the Taylor Family’s old business that was left behind, and she had done exceptional work to improve the business. She was an outstanding woman. However, only then did Michael realize that Madeline was beyond her looks and skill—she was also kind, understanding, and compromising.
Even after being mistreated for so many years, there was no sign of hatred or resentment on her face. She was a gracious, calm, and peaceful woman. This is who my biological daughter is! Michael thought. A sense of pride and joy spread across his chest.
At that moment, he desperately wanted to hold her hand and make a public announcement. This woman, Madeline, is my biological daughter! She is the true gem of the family and the only princess of the household! In the future, she will be an indispensable part of the Wendel Family. All of the Wendel Family’s wealth, pride, and reputation will be related to her.
“Come home with me, Madeline!” Michael gazed at his daughter with a passionate and warm look. “Your mother’s heart isn’t well, so I haven’t told her about the news of you being our biological daughter. I’m afraid that she might not be able to handle it if she gets too excited. You can come home with me, and I’ll hold your hand while we break the news to your mother. When your mother sees how thoughtful and outstanding you are, and when she sees you right before her eyes, she might find it easier to accept the truth. At least you’ll be there to comfort her. What do you think?”
“I’ll go along with your plan,” Madeline uttered after hesitating for a moment.
“G-Good girl!” Michael, who had always been known as the calm and elegant man of the Wendel Corporation, couldn’t control his emotions at that moment.
Sebastian frowned for a moment before questioning Michael. “Will you guys be returning to Wendel City?”
“Yes,” Michael replied. “Wendel City is right next to Dusktown, and I took a private jet over. The whole trip isn’t that long—it only takes about 1 hour by flight!”
“Maddie, Aldo & Buddy, you’ll be taking the jet with me,” Sebastian said. You’re not the only one who has a private jet. What’s there to show off? Michael and Madeline were both quiet for a moment before Madeline turned to Sebastian. “Are you coming along?”
“Of course.” Sebastian turned to look at Madeline. “As your husband and the father of your two sons, I have the duty to take care of you guys. I wouldn’t want you guys to be bullied.”
“…Actually, I was just wondering… How’s your company doing?” Madeline asked.
