If Nathan was not the biological heir, then the entire foundation of the family fortune was broken.

“But there is a biological heir,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

Richard looked at me, his eyes narrowing into dark, angry slits.

“My mother, Margaret, was the true heir,” I said.

“Which makes me her direct descendant,” I continued.

“And our daughter, Lily,” Nathan said, the realization washing over his face.

He looked at me, a sudden, desperate hope replacing the shock in his eyes.

“Lily is Margaret’s granddaughter,” Nathan said.

Mr. Hayes nodded slowly, his eyes shining behind his glasses.

“She is the only true biological heir left,” Mr. Hayes said.

Richard let out a harsh, dry laugh that sounded like ice cracking.

“You think a court will hand a corporate empire to an infant?” Richard sneered.

“The bylaws of the trust are absolute, Richard,” Mr. Hayes said.

“You knew this day would come,” the attorney added. “That is why you tried so hard to keep Emily away from Nathan.”

Richard did not answer, his breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps.