I took screenshots and sent them to myself. Then I called the hospital and asked the lab director to restrict access to the samples.
No unsupervised handling. No early results.
When Jason returned the next morning he seemed strangely excited.
“The results come today,” he said.
I noticed him lingering near Rachel’s desk and glancing toward a staff-only hallway.
That’s when I understood something terrifying.
The test wasn’t the danger.
Jason was.
Shortly after noon the doctor entered holding a folder.
Dr. Melissa Grant looked calm but serious. Rachel stood beside her. Near the door, a hospital security officer waited quietly.
Jason stood immediately.
“Finally. Read it.”
My mother squeezed my shoulder. Lily slept peacefully against my chest.
Dr. Grant looked at me first.
“Mrs. Carter, are you comfortable continuing with everyone present?”
“Yes,” I said.
Jason laughed harshly.
“Of course she is.”
The doctor opened the folder.
“The paternity analysis shows a 99.99 percent probability that Mr. Jason Carter is the biological father.”
For a moment the room was silent.
Then Jason exploded.
“That’s wrong,” he shouted. “Run it again!”
“The result is conclusive,” Dr. Grant replied calmly.
Jason glared at Rachel.
“You tampered with it.”
“No,” she said firmly.
Suddenly Jason stepped toward the bassinet.
Dr. Grant raised her hand.
“Mr. Carter, stop.”
He ignored her and reached toward Lily.
Instinctively I turned my body to shield her.
“Don’t touch her,” I said.
“You think you win because of a piece of paper?” he shouted. “You’re smiling again!”
“I’m not smiling,” I said. “I’m breathing.”
“Security,” Dr. Grant said sharply.
The officer stepped forward immediately, blocking Jason. Another guard arrived seconds later.
Jason pointed at me.
“She set this up!”
“Sir,” the officer said firmly, “step back.”
Jason turned to the doctor.
“Tell them she cheated!”
Dr. Grant remained calm.
“The results confirm you are the father. And there is another issue.”
Jason froze.
Rachel opened another file.
“Yesterday you attempted to enter the laboratory corridor without authorization. Security footage shows you trying to speak privately with a technician.”
Jason’s confidence shattered instantly.
“I didn’t—”
The officer’s radio crackled as hospital administration joined the situation.
My heart pounded, but beneath the fear something steady settled in.
Jason had never wanted the truth.
He wanted leverage.
Dr. Grant looked directly at him.