Chapter 427

"Theo?" Ethan Roscente crouched down to meet the child's eye level.

The boy's small face tilted up, confusion swimming in his clear eyes. "But what about Mom?"

"Your mother and I are just friends," Ethan said gently.

Theo tugged at his sleeve. "But Mom likes you. I want to call you Dad."

Ethan shook his head. "Uncle is enough." He ruffled the boy's hair. "But I promise to care for you like my own son."

"Really?"

"Really."

Ethan studied the child's features—so similar to his late brother Alexander. If only Alexander were still here...

That car crash, disguised as an accident, still haunted him after years of fruitless investigation. No wonder he'd lost control when Vivian was in danger.

Alexander, though born out of wedlock, had always been kind to him. He would've been proud to see his son growing up so thoughtful.

"Uncle," Theo whispered, pulling his sleeve again. "I want to visit Mom. She gets lonely alone."

Ethan's chest tightened. "But I need you here with me too."

Theo looked down. "You'll have Auntie soon. Mom only has me..."

His voice trailed off. Even after Sophia Evans tried to strangle him, the boy still blamed himself.

Ethan swallowed hard. How could he return this gentle soul to that madwoman?

"Your mom's filming on location," he soothed. "It'll take months."

Theo blinked. "Can I call her?"

"The set's too busy. She might not answer."

The boy bit his lip, small hands twisting together. "Tell me when she comes back?"

"Of course."

The lie burned worse than any blade. But Sophia didn't deserve to be a mother.

After settling Theo, Ethan drove to the royal palace. Vivian had been warmer to him lately.

Though she remained busy with Princess Fiona's affairs—today the queen had taken Fiona to their private island, with Vivian and Emily in tow.

So when Ethan appeared at her door late that night, Vivian nearly dropped her files in shock.