Chapter 41
**Chapter 41: The Second DNA Test p>
The Second DNA Test.
“I have some fantastic news to share,” Xavier announced, his tone laced with excitement. “The results of the DNA tests are on their way, and when I say results, I mean they didn’t just test your DNA against Victor’s sample.” His words hung in the air, heavy with implication.
Serena felt her heart leap in her chest. Could this be the moment she had been waiting for? The answer to all her lingering questions? She desperately hoped it was. “What time will they arrive?” she inquired, her voice tinged with anticipation.
“I can’t say for sure, but don’t forget you have that interview today with my boss,” Xavier reminded her gently, a hint of encouragement in his voice.
Three weeks had slipped by like sand through an hourglass.
Serena had spent over a week in the hospital, followed by another ten days of bed rest at Xavier’s home. During this entire period, she had chosen not to reach out to anyone in Velmon City. In fact, she had discarded her old SIM card as if shedding an old skin. It felt as if she were crafting an entirely new identity in Rexam City, one that was free from the burdens of her past.
Xavier had been adamant about her not looking back, emphasizing the importance of her well-being and the health of her unborn child.
Finally, her last ultrasound had shown promising progress. The hemorrhage in her uterus had nearly resolved, though she knew she still needed to be cautious.
Now, it was time for Serena to reclaim her career.
Over breakfast, Xavier reminded her of the upcoming interview. Serena glanced down at her growing belly, worry creeping into her thoughts. “Do you think he’ll be okay with me applying for a job while I’m pregnant p>
At twenty weeks along, her baby bump was unmistakable. If this were a typical pregnancy, she could easily be mistaken for six or seven months along.
“The research consultant position is flexible and can be done from home. You’ll manage just fine. But if you decide you’d rather not work, I completely understand,” Xavier said, his voice reassuring.
Deep down, Serena knew that staying busy was far better than succumbing to solitude. During her recovery, she had immersed herself in books about medical advancements related to Al technology and had even enrolled in online courses to expand her knowledge.
“No, I… I really want to work,” she asserted, determination shining in her eyes. Once they finished breakfast, Serena and Xavier made their way to VanderMed Technologies. Xavier headed straight to his office, leaving Serena to wait outside the CEO’s office. Today was significant — her final interview would be with the Chief Executive Officer of the company.
As she waited, time seemed to crawl. Half an hour ticked by slowly until the CEO’s door swung open, revealing a woman who stepped out, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“What a heartless CEO. I never want to work here,” the woman muttered, her voice shaky as she rushed past Serena.
Serena stood frozen, the woman’s distress sending a shiver down her spine.
Xavier had warned her about the CEO’s strict demeanor. Despite his youth, he had earned a reputation for being exacting and demanding. As the sole heir of the Vander family, the most powerful family in Rexam City, he bore not only their legacy but also their high expectations.
Although the previous applicant’s reaction had unsettled her, Serena clung to her confidence. She had the experience, and she had thoroughly researched the company’s upcoming projects. She was determined to excel in this interview.
“Next, Miss Serena Kline,” a male assistant called out.
Taking a deep breath, Serena walked into the office, her baby bump visible, and settled into the chair opposite the CEO.
‘Well,’ she thought to herself, ‘he is undeniably handsome p>
Silas Vander was indeed striking at just twenty-five, he had light brown hair, fair skin, and a sharply defined jawline. Yet, despite his good looks, Serena felt no romantic put towards him.
As he scanned her résumé, he muttered her name, “Serena Kline. Divorced and five months pregnant p>
A small hiss escaped his lips as he looked up, their eyes locking for a moment.
Serena forced a smile, anticipating questions about her credibility given her circumstances. To her surprise, Mr. Vander simply continued to gaze at her, studying her intently.
One second.
Two seconds.
Five seconds ticked by, and still, he remained silent, his eyes fixed on her.
Finally, he glanced back down at her résumé. “Kline. Kline. Kline BioSolutions?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice steady. “I was the Clinical Research Director there p>
“Tell me more about yourself,” the CEO prompted, his gaze intensifying with each passing moment.
“I’ve been with Kline BioSolutions since I graduated from college. I started as a management trainee—” Serena began, but Mr. Vander interrupted her.
“No, I mean, tell me about your life,” he clarified, leaving her momentarily bewildered. “How old are you? Who are your parents? Shouldn’t you be in Velmon City p>
His questions, veered far from her professional experience. After all the hours she had spent preparing for this interview studying the company’s Al-integrated project and crafting suggestions, she found his sudden shift to personal inquiries disconcerting.
Yet, despite the strangeness of the situation, she felt an unexpected sense of ease
in his presence.
“Would you like a glass of water, Miss Kline?” Mr. Vander asked, his tone unexpectedly considerate.
Serena raised an eyebrow, surprised. ‘Do CEOs typically offer water during interviews p>
But she didn’t want to come across as rude. “Sure,” she replied, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Mr. Vander rose and retrieved a glass from the water dispenser, carefully placing it
in front of her while observing her as she took a sip.
“Thank you,” she said, her smile genuine.
“You’re welcome,” Silas Vander replied, his demeanor softening. “My office will contact you once we’ve filtered through all the applicants. And congratulations on your upcoming baby p>
“Thank you, I—” Serena beamed. “I’m having twins. A boy and a girl p>
“Twins,” Silas echoed, his expression shifting slightly. “What a coincidence. Twins run in our family p>
Serena found herself puzzled by the
CEO’s manner, the way his gaze lingered on her with an intensity she couldn’t quite decipher. It wasn’t until she returned to Xavier’s home that the pieces of the puzzle begap to fit together.
The DNA test results had arrived. With trembling hands, she opened the envelope,
her heart pounding in her chest. The contents inside left her utterly stunned.