Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 154

RYAN

I decided to head to the office early this morning because I had a plan in mind to head back to Canada by the weekend. I wanted to be with my family, and there was something unsettling about a new man who seemed to be spending too much time around my wife. I couldn't just sit by idly. I had to protect them and, more importantly, remind Lily of my love for her, to ensure she wasn't influenced or distracted by anyone else.

As I was settling into work, I heard a soft knock on my office door. Before I could respond, my secretary stepped in, placing a document on my desk.

"Here are the papers that need your signature, sir," she said calmly.

It was impressive how quickly Palmer had adapted to her responsibilities around here. "Did you review them, Palmer?" I asked while glancing over the top sheet. She nodded. "Yes, I went through everything."

"I'll take a look myself before getting back to you," I said, acknowledging her thoroughness but preferring to double-check the details. "Give me a little time."

"Of course, sir." I assumed she'd leave after that, but she lingered for a moment.

"There's someone here to see you, sir," she added cautiously.

I shifted my focus entirely from the documents and looked at her. "Who is it?"

"It's Ms. Maya," she said softly.

What does she want? I nodded towards my secretary. "Let her in."

Palmer gave me a quick nod and slipped out of the room, her shoes barely making a sound as they retreated down the hall. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, and in walked Maya, moving with confidence like she owned the place. She always had that audacious walk. "Good morning, brother," she greeted, her voice dripping with a forced sweetness.

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms and staring her down, fully aware that she thought she could play some twisted game with me. "What are you doing here, Maya?" My tone was sharp, cutting through the pleasantries. "More properties under your name, is that it?" She shrugged nonchalantly and slid into the seat across from me, crossing her legs. "I'm not greedy, dear brother, but I get angry when someone pushes me against the wall."

I arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You're not making any sense," I said flatly, not trying to mask the irritation rising within me.

She leaned back in the chair, her smirk widening as if she held some invisible cards in her hand. "I know you sent someone to my room to take a sample of my hair," she said, her voice low but biting.

My expression didn't falter, though inside, I was taken aback. How in the world did she find out about that? Keeping my face blank, I tilted my head slightly and spoke with as much disdain as I could muster. "You came all the way to my office to spout this nonsense?" I wasn't about to let her know she'd rattled me.

not denying it," she said, her eyes gleaming

earned a chuckle from her. I leaned forward slightly, my patience thinning. "Listen to me, Maya. Not everyone is as idle as you are." I gestured toward the pile of documents on my desk, a clear sign that I had more

the DNA results come in-and trust me, they'll be positive-I want my share of our father's properties. And I want to be recognized

regarding the DNA test, unsettled me. She was far too confident about the outcome, and it made me uneasy. But

read yet, and I'm telling you now, if you're not mentioned in

she said, clearly fishing for a reaction. I refused to

supposed to be private. "You won't be allowed on the property," I said coldly, "even if you scream at the top of your lungs

not to lie to me," she shot back. "You look

pathetic. "I am not a thief," I gritted out. "And these are legal documents-they're binding by law. There's nothing I could do to change the outcome, even if I wanted to." I took a breath, forcing myself to stay calm. "The only compromise I'm willing to make is involving you in the will reading through a phone call. You'll be able to hear everything, word for

eyes narrowed, clearly displeased with the offer, but it was

sniffed, her eyes

me, Ryan," she said, standing up. "I'm not the type to stand

reach her eyes. "But/dn't

don't want to find out

that, she snatched her purse off my

*************

of the will reading arrived, and I was greeted by an email notification from the hospital. My stomach tightened as I clicked t open, knowing it contained the DNA test results. Skipping past the irrelevant details, I scrolled straight to the section I needed

a punch to the gut. There it was, clear as day:

as it landed with a soft thud. Anger bubbled inside

daunting task of figuring out how to break the news to my mom and, even more

and release her

at the door. It opened, and

I needed to talk to Lily when I got back to Canada; she might have the best ideas for how to deal with this situation.

her a curt nod. "I'll

"Are you sure you're okay? You look upset," she observed, concern

smile, trying to reassure her.

the door closed behind her, I picked up my phone again and dialed Maya's number, which I had blocked

you weren't going to call," she said, her voice