Page 44 of Perfect Composition
One of the men—judging from the location of the sound, her brother—chokes back a laugh.
“IsBeckett Miller her father?”
I shake my head no.
“He isn’t?” Carys’s voice is laced with shock.
“I can confirm thatBeauBeckett Miller is her biological father. By all accounts, I would assume they are one and the same, but since I haven’t had a conversation with Beau Beckett Miller in close to twenty years, I cannot confirm that information.”
“Lord save me from doctors who would make excellent witnesses,” Carys mutters.
“I’ve been on the stand a few times,” I offer.
“I’d have been certain of that even if it wasn’t for the investigator’s report.” She taps the pile next to her.
I’m not surprised in the slightest she had us investigated, but Austyn is indignant. “You had someone look into us?”
Carys smiles so widely it’s like staring into the mouth of a shark. “Your mother did the same. Didn’t you, Paige?”
“I had your firm looked into, not youpersonally. I wanted to validate your ethics before I brought my daughter here. You’ll be pleased to know everything I read was impressive,” I correct coolly.
“As a parent, I would likely do the same. As the owner of this firm, I do consider the distinction fair. As the lawyer who represents Beckett Miller, I’m still suspicious.”
“As am I. Tell me why I should encourage my daughter to sign away her confidentiality rights to a firm that also represents her biological donor?”
Carys opens her mouth to respond, but I plow over her. “Just know something, Carys. I have little faith in promises, even those made in writing.”
“I can see how you might…”
“My father hired an investigator back then to find him—so I could tell him.” I hand the file to David, who immediately flips it open. His jaw locks as he begins reading.
“David?” Carys queries.
“He did.”
“And?”
David shakes his head. Carys’s shoulders slump. “What happened next, Paige?”
I can feel myself get lost in the memories. “At first I refused to name who Austyn’s father was.”
“Why?”
Confused, I ask, “He left me. Did it matter?”
“Some would have argued it might have, Paige.” Carys’s voice has softened.
I shake my head before I’m transported back. “My father did at first,” I whisper.
“Did he?” David murmurs, but I barely hear him.
“You will tell me right now!” my father thunders.
“Why? He’s gone. He left. Why does it matter?”
“Because I will know how far this treachery of yours goes, Paige. We need to determine what to do about that aberration you carry.” He flings his hand toward my stomach.
I back away from him. “You dare? This is your flesh and blood.”
