Dr. Evans continued, “The markers we found in your grandson’s DNA are consistent with your family, but there’s an unexpected variation that cannot be traced back to your husband’s side or even your son’s.” His words were careful and measured, like a surgeon making a delicate incision. “It suggests that somewhere in your family line, perhaps a generation back or more, there was an introduction of genes from another lineage.”

Silence reigned, blanketing the room in a heavy quilt of uncertainty. Vivien’s face went pale as she processed the information. Her eyes darted around the room, looking for an anchor, something to make sense of the chaos unfolding in front of her.