Vera shifted topics abruptly. "It's past one already—everyone's got to be starving."
The mention of food sparked Seth's interest. He tossed aside his potato chips and bolted over.
Gilbert's face darkened, his stare turning ice-cold. "After everything I've told you, you still won't believe me."
Vera exhaled slowly. "It's not about disbelief. You haven't given me anything solid. I can't just take your word for it."
Gilbert bit back his frustration. "How is none of it solid? Her hair, her blood, mine—any of these work for DNA testing. What's your real problem here?"
Hours of this back-and-forth had drained his patience completely. Vera's stubborn refusal to let him see Irina made zero sense.
"DNA can be faked too," Vera said flatly.
Gilbert fell silent, stunned. He thought, 'She's been burned before—can't fault her for that. But how do I prove Irina's identity? Wait. The pendant.'
