Chapter 827

Chloe Davis stood on her tiptoes and handed the tablet to Alistair Montgomery.

The screen displayed a photo of her and Grace Sterling.

Alistair's gaze fell upon the image and instantly froze.

Those eyes...

Gentle yet resilient, clear and bright.

They were strikingly similar to the woman who had nestled in his arms that night in China, all those years ago.

Alistair's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto Chloe.

Looking closer now, he realized the contours of the girl's brows and eyes held a faint overlap with the face in his memory.

His heart began to race, his voice trembling. "Someone!"

The guard behind him immediately stepped forward.

"Arrange a paternity test immediately," Alistair said urgently. "Use the fastest method possible."

The guard acknowledged the order, carefully plucked a single strand of Chloe's hair, and turned to leave swiftly.

Only then did Alistair bend down and scoop Chloe up into his arms.

The girl was light, settling softly against his chest.

She didn't cry or fuss. Instead, she reached out a small hand and gently patted his shoulder.

"Daddy," Chloe's voice was soft and sweet. "You finally came."

Alistair's entire body shuddered.

"Chloe waited for so long," the girl continued. "But it's okay now that Daddy is here."

The words felt like a soft needle, piercing the most tender part of Alistair's heart.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he held Chloe even tighter.

Evelyn Ross and Alexander Vance sat on the sofa opposite, quietly observing the scene.

Alistair sat down with Chloe in his arms, his eyes scanning the room.

"Miss Ross, your home is lovely," he said, trying to sound casual, but unable to hide the tension in his eyes.

Evelyn smiled and nodded.

Alistair's gaze returned to the tablet.

The woman in the photo smiled gently.

If Chloe truly was his daughter...

The thought made his breathing quicken.

But he didn't dare hope too much.

Over the years in Aldoria, countless women and children had come forward claiming kinship.

He had been a notorious playboy, with countless fleeting affairs.

Every time someone arrived with a child, he would undergo the test with hopeful anticipation.

And each time, he was met with disappointment.

Those children, no matter how much they resembled him, ultimately were not his flesh and blood.

He had even tried in vitro fertilization.

But each time an embryo successfully implanted, it would inexplicably miscarry.

One, two, three...

All the doctors shook their heads, saying the problem lay with him.

A child had become his deepest, most profound obsession.

Alistair took a deep breath and looked at Evelyn.

"If Chloe is truly my daughter," he said solemnly, "you are welcome to visit Aldoria as guests anytime in the future."

Evelyn gave a small smile.

"Your Majesty, let's wait for the results first."

She wasn't entirely confident either.

After all, everything was based on a mere speculation.

Alistair nodded and fell silent.

The living room descended into quiet.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the doorway, awaiting the result.

Joanna Sterling and Natalie Castillo stood not far away, craning their necks to watch.

"What are they waiting for?" Joanna whispered.

Natalie shook her head. "I don't know."

"The atmosphere is so tense," Joanna muttered. "Could they be waiting for a paternity test result?"

The two exchanged a look, their eyes simultaneously turning to Chloe.

Could it be...?

No way.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded from the entrance.

Alistair's guard returned.

He held a manila envelope in his hand, striding quickly into the living room.

All eyes instantly focused on his hands.

Alistair stood up abruptly.

"The result?" His voice was taut.

The guard's hands trembled slightly as he presented the envelope.

"Your Majesty, the result is inside," he said respectfully. "I have not looked."

Alistair took the envelope, his fingers actually shaking.

He took a deep breath and tore it open.

A thin sheet of paper slid out.

The room was so quiet you could hear breathing.

Alistair unfolded the paper, his gaze dropping to the final line.

His pupils constricted sharply.

His body swayed slightly.

The words on the paper were clear and unambiguous:

Based on DNA comparison, the two individuals are confirmed to have a biological father-daughter relationship.

Alistair stared at that line for a long, long time.

Then, he slowly raised his head.

His eyes were already rimmed with red.

He looked down at Chloe in his arms, his voice hoarse and broken.

"My daughter..."

Chloe blinked, reached out her small hand, and gently wiped the tear from the corner of his eye.

"Daddy, don't cry."

Alistair could no longer control himself, pulling Chloe tightly against his chest.

This man who wielded immense power in Aldoria now trembled like a child, his shoulders shaking slightly.

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged a glance, both letting out a sigh of relief.

Joanna and Natalie stood dumbfounded.

"She really is..." Joanna murmured.

Natalie was equally shocked. "This... is unbelievable."

Alistair held Chloe for a long time before slowly regaining his composure.

He released the girl but still held her hand tightly.

"Miss Ross," he looked at Evelyn, his expression profoundly serious. "Thank you."

"For what?" Evelyn smiled.

"For taking care of my daughter," Alistair said, enunciating each word. "And for helping me find her."

He paused, then added, "From today, Chloe is a princess of Aldoria. I will give her the very best of everything."

Chloe, however, shook her head.

"Daddy, I want to stay here."

Alistair was taken aback. "Why?"

"Because Mommy Evelyn is here, and Daddy Alexander, and lots of other people," Chloe said earnestly. "And this is my home."

Alistair fell silent.

He looked into his daughter's clear eyes and finally sighed.

"Alright," he conceded. "Daddy won't force you. But you must promise Daddy you'll come visit Aldoria often, okay?"

Chloe nodded vigorously. "Mm-hmm!"

Only then did Alistair smile.

He ruffled his daughter's hair and looked back at Evelyn.

"Miss Ross, I have a favor to ask."

"Please, go ahead."

"I would like to take Chloe back to Aldoria for a while," Alistair said. "To let her get familiar with the environment there, and to meet her grandparents."

Evelyn looked at Chloe.

The girl blinked, then nodded. "Okay."

Evelyn then agreed. "That's fine. But it can't be for too long. Chloe still has school."

"Of course," Alistair said immediately. "A month at most, and I'll bring her back."

And so it was settled.

Alistair stayed a while longer before reluctantly preparing to leave.

Before departing, he repeatedly promised to take good care of Chloe.

Evelyn saw him to the door, watching the motorcade drive away, feeling a strange emptiness in her heart.

Alexander wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Missing her already?"

"Yes," Evelyn leaned into his embrace. "Even though I know she's going to a life of privilege, I still miss her."

"She'll be back," Alexander said softly. "And besides, she has a father now. That's a good thing."

Evelyn nodded.

Yes, it was a good thing.

Chloe had finally found her biological father.

That man of immense power in Aldoria would give her the best life possible.

Yet, for some reason, a sense of unease lingered in Evelyn's heart.

She felt this matter wouldn't end so simply.

Alistair Montgomery's appearance might bring more complications.

But no matter what, Chloe's happiness was the most important thing.

Evelyn took a deep breath, pushing down the unease.

She turned and went back inside, starting to pack Chloe's luggage.

Clothes, toys, books...

Each item was carefully packed.

Alexander helped beside her, the two working in silence.

Only when the suitcase was closed did Evelyn speak softly.

"Alexander."

"Hmm?"

"Do you think Alistair will be a good father?"

Alexander was silent for a moment.

"He will try his best," he said. "But the situation within the Aldorian royal family is complex. Chloe's sudden appearance will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention."

Evelyn frowned. "Are you saying there might be danger?"

"Not necessarily," Alexander shook his head. "But it's wise to be cautious. Alistair may have power, but the internal struggles within the royal family are fierce. As a suddenly appearing princess, Chloe will inevitably become a target in some people's eyes."

Evelyn's heart sank.

"Then should we still let her go?"

"It's her choice," Alexander took her hand. "And since Alistair has acknowledged her, he will surely protect her. We have to trust him."

Evelyn sighed.

That was all they could do.

She only hoped Chloe would be safe and happy in Aldoria.

Meanwhile, in the motorcade heading to the airport.

Alistair held Chloe, his gaze tender.

"Chloe, when we return to Aldoria, Daddy will hold a grand welcome ceremony for you," he said softly. "So everyone will know you are my daughter."

Chloe looked up at him.

"Daddy, is Aldoria fun?"

"It's fun," Alistair smiled. "There are beautiful palaces, lovely gardens, and lots and lots of delicious food."

"Then... will the people there like me?"

A shadow passed through Alistair's eyes.

He thought of the scheming and power struggles within the royal family.

But facing his daughter's innocent gaze, he could only smile.

"Of course they will," he said gently. "Everyone will like you."

Only then did Chloe smile contentedly.

She nestled against Alistair's chest and gradually fell asleep.

Alistair looked at her peaceful sleeping face, his expression complex.

This suddenly appearing daughter had disrupted all his plans.

But it had also given him unprecedented hope.

He would protect her.

No matter the cost.

The motorcade slowly entered the airport.

A private jet was already waiting.

Alistair carried Chloe onto the plane, settling her into a comfortable seat.

The plane took off, soaring into the sky.

Chloe slept soundly, completely unaware that she was about to step into a brand new world.

A world full of glory, but also full of danger.

And Evelyn stood by the villa window, watching the departing plane, silently praying in her heart.

May her Chloe be safe and well.