Chapter 185 Denial
Although she was stunned by what she saw, Nicole insisted on explaining, “Mrs. and Mr. Gardner, President Gardner is really not Hayden’s father. We have done the DNA paternity test on this, and you can verify with President Gardner as well.”
“She’s right.” Colton, who was standing beside, nodded in agreement.
Anna’s smile froze. She knew that Colton wouldn’t deceive them on this, but Hayden really resembled Colton, and thus, she was unwilling to believe what she had heard.
Benjamin was the first to regain his senses. “Let’s have our meal first. Other things can be discussed later,” he said, with his face solemn.
Despite Nicole’s assertion that Hayden was not Colton’s child, Anna refused to let go of the boy and carried him all the way to the dining table by herself.
Seeing this, Nicole sighed. She wondered what this little child had done to captivate the entire family despite what she had said.
Meanwhile, Wendy had enough of the silence and awkwardness, after which she said with a sidelong glance at Nicole, “Although my brother is a bit indifferent, he’s attractive, wealthy, and has no luck with women. He’s a good life partner.”
It appeared to Nicole that they still didn’t believe what she said. Hence, she brought up Queenie and hoped that the mention of Queenie would end their speculations. Smiling casually, she said, “Even though I no longer consider the Anderson Family as mine, Queenie is still my half-sister and I can’t shamelessly come between her engagement to Colton. That’s just not right.”
“Colton, tell me. Did you decide to marry Queenie because of Nicole?” Anna asked while looking at Colton sternly.
In fact, when she had learned of their intended marriage, she found it strange. If it wasn’t for the fact that he had let Nicole down, why would he want to marry Queenie, who had nothing?
Colton stayed away from women for many years, and suddenly announced that he had a fiancée out of the blue. For a long time, Anna was perplexed by his decision, but he refused to explain anything.
He refused to discuss what had happened five years ago. That night, he was unknowingly drugged and Queenie saved him by chance. That was what prompted him to marry Queenie.
“No, Mom. You’re overthinking,” he answered nonchalantly.
Due to what transpired earlier, the ambience at the dining table was awkward.
Seeing this, Wendy attempted to improve the situation by changing the subject of their conversation. “Mom. I’ll be eighteen soon! Despite what previously happened to the design sketch, the clothes designed by Nicole really look fantastic.”
Anna followed up on what Wendy said and stopped deliberating on Hayden’s parentage.
“Yes, Nicole, I had previously misunderstood you. Wendy will be eighteen in two weeks, and she really adores your designs. Can you design another for her?”
With a smile, Nicole nodded. “It’s my honor. Miss Gardner, you can tell me your requirements later, and I’ll rush the first sketch as fast as I can.”
“Thank you, Nicole.” When she learned that Nicole was willing to design for her, Wendy smiled.
The entire atmosphere at the dining table improved greatly due to the change in topic.
“Colton, do take some time off from the company’s matters to plan Wendy’s birthday banquet,” Anna said earnestly.
“Sure,” Colton nodded and answered.
Throughout the entire meal, Nicole felt awkward as it was her first time eating with the elders of the Gardner Family and thus, she only ate a small amount.
Hayden, on the other hand, was completely at ease as he devoured all of the delicious food available. Anna doted on him, constantly filling his bowl and hoaxing him, despite knowing he was not Colton’s son.
After the meal, Nicole stayed for some perfunctory conversations before she left with Colton, with Hayden in her arms.
