Chapter 69

I have burning skin and a lump in my throat.

I swallow hard and flip through the document. Attached at the end is Exhibit A: a positive paternity test based on DNA analysis. And although the suit is filed recently, the evidence is several years old.

I’m nauseated and honestly doubt I’ll make it out of here without throwing up. I muster all my strength to keep a calm, composed expression.

“I didn’t know if I should tell you,” Nick says softly. “For all I know, Marcus could have told you himself. Or it could be one of those things you don’t want to know. But considering the press attention you’ve been getting, I thought I should show you.”

I look down at the document again so Nick can’t see my face. I am angry, hurt, and confused. Most of all, I feel betrayed. And numb.

I hand the document back to Nick. I don’t even want to touch it.

“Why do you have this?”

“We do background checks on everyone who works for the company. Now you know.”

“W