Chapter ten
Everyone looked at Nicholas as he walked towards the table right in front of the family gathering. "I want you to read it out loud to me." Richard looked at Nicolas.
" I want everyone to hear what it is in there."
Marcus, on the other hand, grinned with malice. "There is no way this thing, this abomination, is yours, father," he said with anger. Richard gave him a look that made him keep quiet. He looked at Nicholas, who was just unwrapping the paper.
Nicholas cleared his throat, his voice loud and clear as he began to read from the paper. "The DNA test results are as follows: the probability of Richard Sterling being the biological father of Ethan Cross is... 99.99%."
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Ethan. Richard's face lit up with a warm smile, while Marcus's expression turned red with rage.
"It can't be," Marcus muttered, his voice shaking with anger. "This is some kind of mistake."
Richard stood up, his eyes shining with tears. "Welcome to the family, Ethan," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm glad I finally found you."
Ethan's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling with the implications of the DNA test results. He looked around the table, seeing the mix of reactions from the Sterling family members.
Marcus slammed his fist on the table, his face twisted in anger. "This is a disaster," he spat. "He's not one of us. He's just some... some..."
Richard's voice cut him off, firm and authoritative. "Marcus, that's enough. Ethan is my son, and he will be treated with the same respect and dignity as any other member of this family."
The room fell silent again, with all eyes fixed on Richard and Ethan. Ethan's mind was still reeling with the news, but he felt a sense of wonder and excitement at the prospect of being part of the Sterling family.
"We are going to need to brush you up a bit, and you." Richard said, looking at Marcus. "Get ready to be transferred to his school. You both are attending the same school now." Richard finally said, walking out of the dining room.
The room fell into a hushed whisper, with each speculating about what was going to happen from now on. One thing was certain: Marcus now has a rival, and his throne was up for the taking.
[THE FOLLOWING DAY]
Ethan had a beautiful night of rest after having eaten a sumptuous meal. The blazing alarm from his phone woke him up as usual. Ethan now knows the daily routine. He needed to rush into the bathroom and have his bath before jogging towards the street to catch the early bus.
He woke and looked around to find himself inside the Sterling mansion. His mind going back to the news of him being Richard Sterling's son.
It was difficult to grapple with. Ethan walked into the bathroom to have his bath.
He grabbed his clothes and soon was on his way down to the lavish dining room of the Sterling. He met Marcus at the table; he was having toast bread and a coffee. "You are up." Ethan said in a friendly manner.
Marcus said nothing but simply ignored him, but when Ethan got closer to him, his backpack gently brushed his shoulders. Getting up in anger, Marcus splashed the hot coffee over his face.
Ethan wiped off the drenched from his face and looked at Marcus while trying to control his anger. "I don't know what this is all about, but I don't think I want any of this from the start. I have been doing well on my own."
"Oh really? Then why don't you just leave? I could see how happy you are to even bear the name Sterling. I am sure this is all fun for you."
Ethan said nothing but walked away from Marcus; he looked at his clothes and knew he would have to clean up again. Looking at his wristwatch, he was late.
"Don't you want to know who your mother is?" Marcus taunted, making Ethan push halfway across the room. "Yes, I can see that I am able to get your attention." Marcus gleamed with malice walking towards him.
He said some words into his ears. In anger, Ethan charged at him, throwing him off the table.
Marcus landed with a great thud while Ethan sent a series of blows at his face. The voice of Richard separated the two of them. Each heaving heavily with bruises all over their faces.
"He started it, Father! The brute you brought home is nothing but an animal!" Marcus shouted in rage.
Ethan looked at Richard and back at Marcus; he said nothing but simply grabbed his bag and walked out of the room.
Looking at the time, Ethan decided to run down to the school. He was late and was without any cash. His phone was bombarded with lots of calls from Dylan, who was wondering where he was.
On getting to school, Ethan was caught and penalised for coming to school late. He looked back and could see the sons and daughter of affluent homes just getting down from luxurious cars. "What about them?" Ethan said with fury in his eyes.
"They are someone of worth. Not a worthless scumbag like you," a voice said from behind. Ethan knew who it was. He turned with anger in his face and walked towards Derek. "What the hell do you want, Derek?"
"What do I want? Did you just raise your eyes at me?" Derek said with a devilish smile. "I think your lap dog needs to be taught how to bark when told to." Carlos said from behind, flashing a set of white teeth at Ethan.
But Ethan has had enough; he was not going to be bullied anymore, even though he was the son of Richard Sterling. He needed to start standing up for himself. He moved closer towards Derek and landed a blow to his face, sending him back to the floor.
Derek held his nose with blood gushing out while Carlos lunged at Ethan. As they both engaged in combat, a voice commanded them from the back. Derek turned to see who it was, and his face went pale.