Chapter 233: Claudia’s shocking truth
"She has been meeting with this man quite a few times over the past couple of months," Skyler informed. "I had someone follow that man to see what Claudia might be plotting now. But what we uncovered was far more shocking than I expected."
Theodore flipped the page and saw a DNA test report. He was impressed to see that Skyler had already run the paternity test. The results were clear: the man was Claudia’s biological father.
Theodore returned to the first page, studying the photos again. A deep frown creased his forehead as he looked over the man’s image in greater detail.
The man didn’t look in good shape. His graying hair was rough and brittle, as though he hadn’t seen a comb in weeks. His faded, worn-thin, and rumpled clothes gave the impression of someone who had been struggling, living in poverty.
Theodore shook his head in dismay. While Claudia lived a life of luxury, her father was barely scraping by. But where had he been all these years?
"Why didn’t we know about him sooner?" Theodore asked, intrigued. "Where has he been hiding all this time?"
Skyler shrugged, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "We’re still digging, but it’s confirmed he has been living abroad until recently. The reason for his return is unclear... although, from what we’ve gathered, it could be financial. Seems he might’ve hit rock bottom and come back to Claudia, looking for money."
Theodore’s brow furrowed further, absorbing this new information. But Skyler wasn’t finished.
"But this is not the only thing," Skyler added, his expression growing somber. "There is more to this story."
Theodore closed the folder, turning his attention fully to Skyler.
"Just the other day, Claudia met with him again, this time in a small restaurant on the city outskirts," Skyler explained in a hushed tone. "Our informant managed to get close, posing as a waiter. He served them drinks and installed a tiny transmitter under their table sneakily. Our team was listening in real-time from a van parked outside."
Skyler reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. "They sent me the recording," he said, placing it on the table and pressing play.