Courtney Briggs stood at the counter.

She was wearing a large, oversized cashmere coat, but her pregnant belly was clearly visible.

With her was a young nurse.

“We just need to verify the billing and sign the consent forms,” the nurse said, opening a folder on the desk.

“Fine, let’s get this over with,” Courtney snapped.

“And the paternal sample?” the nurse asked. “Will Mr. Vance be providing it tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Courtney said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “He’ll be here. Just make sure the results are sent only to his private email. My… husband must not get them.”

“Of course,” the nurse said. “We have the privacy protocol on file.”

I held my breath in the darkness of the closet, my heart hammering against my ribs.

The truth was right there.

She was planning to give Carter’s sample, register the baby under his name, and leave Jared ruined.

But she was still letting Jared pay for the premium medical care.

I gripped my phone tightly.

The nurse finished the paperwork and led Courtney down the hall toward the exam rooms.

The hallway fell silent again.