Perry remained low‑key throughout the event, watching quietly from the corner. What he couldn't understand was why Lilian would allow Avery Macdonald to deceive her real family. The Lilian he knew would never tolerate such a thing. Even if she didn't want to acknowledge the Kimberlys, she would never sit idly by while Avery made a fool of them.
Now, seeing Lilian Asienwegher walking in the same direction as Bryan Kimberly, Perry knew the show was about to begin. He trailed her discreetly.
---
Perry smacked his tongue as he watched Lilian deliberately scream and fall, her head tilted upward but her eyes avoiding Bryan. Bryan Kimberly, noticing her, squinted his brows in confusion. When did Lilian change her dress?
He pushed through his bodyguards, approaching her. "Lilian?!"
Lilian's plan had worked. She looked at Bryan with feigned surprise. "We've never met before. How do you know my name, Mr. Kimberly?"
Bryan frowned deeply, suspicion clouding his face. "Lilian Kimberly?"
Lilian's gaze turned cold. "I'm sorry. I'm Lilian Asienwegher, not Lilian Kimberly."
---
Just then, Avery Macdonald approached, her expression suspicious. She had overheard Lilian's words and was stupefied. Didn't Lilian Asienwegher die? But seeing Lilian's face, she rushed to Old Mr. Kimberly, who arrived with stored‑up hatred in his heart, scrutinizing Lilian intently.
Avery, sensing his disdainful look, steadied herself and put on an act. She sneered proudly at Lilian. "Avery Macdonald, how dare you show your fake face here? What are you up to, approaching my brother with that counterfeit face?"
Lilian chuckled sarcastically, nodding with interest. "Well, I must compliment Miss Kimberly for deliberately dragging the name 'Kimberly' into this. Anyone with understanding can hear the sarcasm in your tone. Your acting skills are superb. But I'm disappointed in your foolishness—you've forgotten that a DNA test can prove—"
Her words were cut short by a heavy slap from Old Mr. Kimberly.
"You dare insult my granddaughter in front of me? You're unlucky you aren't dead yet. I've yet to settle all that you've done to Lilian. And you'd better bring the gold bangle with the fourteen-carats red diamonds!"
---
Lilian's anger flared. She locked eyes with Old Mr. Kimberly, stunning him for a moment. Her voice pulled him back, reminding him of Lonnie when he was enraged.
"You're no different from Morgan Jerome—bullying the weak. Aren't you supposed to seek the truth? You dare touch my mother's accessories? She never stepped into the Kimberly house, so you have no right to claim anything that belonged to her."
Derek, realizing the situation was spiraling, rushed forward and hugged Lilian to calm her. His action drew everyone's attention—even Avery and Old Mr. Kimberly, who had been eyeing him as a suitable candidate for Avery.
Derek turned to Mr. Kimberly, his tone balanced—not too pushy, not too humble. "I apologize to President Kimberly on behalf of my girlfriend. I will take—"
But Lilian angrily pushed Derek's hand away and began walking off.
---
Bryan Kimberly finally snapped out of his reverie. All the while Old Mr. Kimberly confronted Lilian, Nina Oakley had been following a sweet scent of sandalwood, butter, and vanilla. She stood close to Lilian, directly in front of Bryan, her eyes fixed on her.
Bryan's gaze seemed glued to Nina as a strong chemistry sparked between them. He couldn't pay attention to anything else. But when Lilian pushed Derek's hand away, Bryan forced himself to look at her again. Seeing her about to leave, he ordered his men to stop her.
Everyone was surprised. Bryan looked at his grandfather seriously. "Grandpa, I think we should run a DNA test to avoid being fooled." His eyes flicked toward Avery, intentionally or not.
---
Bryan couldn't explain it. He had been with Avery for over five months, yet he never felt anything for her. But with this woman—whom he had just met—he felt a strong connection.
Moreover, when the subject of a DNA test was mentioned, Avery looked terrified. Bryan strongly believed something was amiss.
When Lilian was brought back, she glared at the two Kimberly men. "You don't need to run a DNA test. I'm not interested in being a member of the Kimberly family. You rejected my mother—why should I recognize you?"
Old Mr. Kimberly sneered sarcastically. "Stop bluffing, young lady. I've seen plenty of shameless women like you. If you don't care, why did you come in the first place?"
Lilian ignored him. Nina Oakley approached kindly, holding Lilian's hand in a friendly gesture, about to speak.
But Lilian yanked her hand away, her gaze cold. "I don't recall being familiar with Miss Oakley."
---
Nina didn't seem to care. She turned her eyes toward Bryan, who was watching them. Bryan seemed displeased with Lilian's manners toward Nina, but he spoke casually.
"Grandpa, the guests are still inside. Please take care of them. I'll settle this at the hospital."
Old Mr. Kimberly frowned. "Why not let Jeremy York handle it?"
Bryan shook his head firmly. "I want to watch personally and make sure there's no mistake."
Old Mr. Kimberly nodded, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions as he looked at Lilian Asienwegher and Avery Macdonald. Then he left.
---
At the private hospital, Bryan stood watch over every step. Lilian's blood was drawn without issue. But when it was Avery's turn, she struggled, shouting, threatening them to let her go. When they finally drew her blood, she squirmed as if sitting on pins and fire, restless and agitated.
Bryan looked at her coldly. Yet whenever his eyes fell on Lilian, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
He turned to her. "But why did you only come now?"
Lilian squinted, raising her brow. "Honestly, I'm not interested in returning to the Kimberly family. I just don't want you to be deceived."
Bryan was shocked. If she truly is the Kimberly princess, what shall we do now? Grandpa even struck her. And clearly, she's not the type to be easily subdued.
---
As he pondered, he noticed a figure standing not far away, watching him. Bryan's legs moved instinctively toward Nina Oakley, whose eyes never wavered from him.
Standing an arm's length apart, Bryan greeted her. "Hi."
Nina Oakley struggled internally, her wolf screaming mate. She forced it to the back of her mind and responded calmly. "Hey. I'm Nina Oakley. But you can call me Nina."
Bryan nodded, clearing his throat. "Hello, Nina. Just call me Bryan."
Then, they shook hands.