Vanessa folded her arms. “They told me I was left at the door in a basket during heavy rain,” she said. “A woman wrapped me in a worn leather jacket before leaving. No note. No name. Only this necklace tied around my neck with a tight knot.”
Gregory’s eyes widened. “A leather jacket,” he repeated. “Describe it.”
“I never saw it myself,” she said. “The caretaker told me it smelled of gasoline and metal, like someone who worked with machines.”
Gregory looked away, pain twisting his features.
A knock came at the door. Dr. Callahan entered with a medical case and wary curiosity.
“What madness is this,” the doctor asked.
Gregory showed the locket. The doctor recognized the gravity at once.
Samples were taken. A check was written. The doctor left with a promise of results within hours.
Vanessa moved toward the door. “I will go now,” she said.
Gregory stepped in front of her. “Until I have the results, you will stay where I can find you,” he said. “If you disappear, I lose the only chance to know the truth.”
Vanessa glared at him. “So I am your prisoner,” she said.
Gregory did not deny it. She was taken to a penthouse overlooking the city. The luxury was suffocating. A lawyer arrived soon after, Trevor Hale, sharp eyed and cold.
“This is reckless,” Trevor said. “Bringing a stranger here based on a necklace will destroy you if this becomes public.”
Vanessa lifted her chin. “I am not a stranger to my own life,” she said. “And I am not a thief.”
Trevor sneered. “A cleaning worker with a priceless heirloom is a classic deception.”
Vanessa held Gregory’s gaze. “Let me call the orphanage,” she said. “Let the caretaker confirm my story.”
Gregory handed her a phone. “On speaker,” he said.
The call connected. An elderly voice answered.
“Saint Brigid House,” said Sister Agnes.
“It is Vanessa,” she said. “Please tell them how I was found.”
The old nun spoke slowly.
“It was a storm,” Sister Agnes said. “A basket left at the door. A baby wrapped in a heavy jacket. I saw a man run toward a van. He was limping badly. Before he drove away, he shouted a prayer for forgiveness.”
Trevor shifted uneasily. Gregory said nothing. The call ended. Hours later, the phone rang. Dr. Callahan spoke with a trembling voice.
“The test confirms paternity,” he said. “Vanessa is your daughter.”
Trevor dropped his pen. Vanessa covered her mouth. Gregory walked toward her and sank to his knees.