“We are looking forward to a new chapter for the Harlan legacy,” he added.

Uncle Arthur did not smile or nod.

He reached down and opened his leather folder to find the first agenda item.

The white laboratory envelope was the first thing that slid out onto his lap.

The other board members followed his lead, flipping open their binders.

A quiet rustle of paper filled the room as eleven other men opened the cream envelopes.

Jared stopped talking mid-sentence.

His eyes locked onto the laboratory seal on the paper in Uncle Arthur’s hands.

“What is this?” Arthur asked, his voice low and rumbling.

He pulled out the document and unfolded it, his brow furrowing as he read.

The room went entirely silent.

“Jared,” Arthur said, his eyes scanning the page. “Explain this.”

“Explain what, Uncle?” Jared asked, his voice faltering slightly.

“This is a certified DNA paternity test,” Arthur said, his face turning a deep, angry red.

“It names you as the father of a child carried by a Courtney Briggs.”

“And these,” Arthur continued, lifting the second sheet, “are corporate wire transfers to a luxury apartment building.”