114: NO CHOICE OVER THE MATTER

NO CHOICE OVER THE MATTER

0"Well, we never knew, it maybe that Dr. Sam gave it to other benefactor and not to me. And my son, Clark has indeed had a different father." She sounded so certain of her facts.

Clifford and the rest paused and listened to her explanation.

"Go on, enlighten us." Clifford urged her to further her explanation.

"The report and this letter may coincide but it doesn't give any proofs, like names of the benefactor or the donor. It is a given fact that Clifford deposited or donated, whatever it is, to the fertility clinic, however, the report and the letter did not state the names of who's who. My donor's name is not presented as well. Or it could be a possibility, too, that Dr. Sam found someone other than Clifford. Or the person Dr. Sam meant in the letter was not really me. The requirements I stated which pointed to Clifford were just an assumptions because the circumstances suggest it. I mean, we should always consider some other possibilities, right? And besides I really don't believe in coincidence I need facts and evidences that supports these."

"How can you then explain the exact month that you went in the clinic?" It's Clint who probes her with a question.

"Well, we could be in the same month, but anything could happen in that month. Have they checked on every male who deposited their sperms in that clinic? Since, the investigators have gotten hold of this highly confidential document, did they do some profiling? I believe no. So I need solid evidence."

"You got a point. So I think it's better that we come into an agreement then before we perform the DNA test," John Howard then challenges his daughter.

Ingrid pauses and thinks, weighing if she could afford to lose.

"Okay, I am on it. But I should be the one who set the terms if it proves that Clifford is not the father of my son."

"Why do I have this feeling that you wished that all of these are not true? Do you really dislike me that much?" Clifford's eyes flickered.

'Is it sadness that I saw? Oh no, no, no. You're just being delusional, Ingrid.' She scolded herself.

"I am just being practical here. And besides, I could not afford to be tied." Ingrid shrugged.

"But if we prove that he is Clifford's son, then, it will be my pleasure to set the terms. Do we all agree?" John said.

"Uh, do I have a say in that little agreement of yours?" Clifford interjected.

"NO." Ingrid frowned while Clint holds his laughter.

"Nope. I am sorry, Clifford. Your father and I have talked about this already, and I bet you knew that incident." John alleged.

"Son, you better be prepared, you are a big part of their bet, I mean, agreement." Clint teased.

The father and daughter were so serious, testing each other. It was her father who spoke his condition first.

"Okay, if the DNA result proves that Clifford is indeed Clark's father, you must marry him and live with him and you could not divorce him in any way, you must stick to him as long as both of you live."

Ingrid is confident that it won't happen, so she grinned and agreed. "Sure, daddy. It's my turn now. If the DNA result disproves your claim and that Clifford is indeed not the father of my son then you will give me the company and I will be the one to manage it and you will never, 'ever' tell me to get married. Agree?"

Her father said knowingly. "Are you sure with your terms?"

"Of course!" she answered confidently.

"Very well."

"Ahh excuse me, could I suggest something?" Clifford barge in.

"Clifford, son, you really have no choice over the matter. The Briggs has an honor to uphold, and that is a Briggs should never disregard a child who is our flesh and blood. Regardless who the mother is, you really need to take responsibility of your actions."

"But, it isn't –" his father dismissed his words.

"It's already stated in my last will that you will only receive the inheritance if you find a suitable wife in a prescribed period."

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