Chapter 464

Ethan Roscente remained silent throughout the ride, his oppressive aura suffocating the car's interior. Neon lights from outside flickered across his tense jawline, casting sharp shadows.

Theo Evans huddled in the corner of his seat, tiny fingers gripping the seatbelt. He'd never seen his uncle like this—the man who used to coax him gently to take medicine now felt like a stranger.

Sophia Evans gazed absently at the passing scenery, her manicured nails tapping rhythmically against the leather seat. A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes were glacial.

"Ethan, children will be children," Sophia suddenly purred, her voice dripping with poisoned honey. "Blame me for failing as a mother."

Ethan slammed the brakes.

Tires screeched against asphalt. He turned, his gaze razor-sharp. "Teaching him to call me 'Dad' in public? Staging that 'accidental' mall encounter? Do you think everyone's a fool?"

Sophia's pupils contracted. Her nails dug crescent moons into her palms. She covered her face, shoulders trembling. "So this is how you see me..."

"Enough!" Ethan's fist crashed against the steering wheel. The car's perfume bottle rattled violently.

Theo burst into tears. Fat droplets stained his seatbelt, spreading dark patches.

Ethan exhaled sharply, unbuckling to crouch beside the child. "This isn't your fault, Theo."

Sophia seized Ethan's wrist. "You'd believe a child's lies over me?"

Wrenching free, Ethan carried Theo toward the mansion. Moonlight stretched his shadow into a blade cleaving through the night.

When the chandelier flickered on, Sophia saw the blizzard in Ethan's eyes. She stumbled back, heels clicking against marble.

"Simon's handling the trending scandal." Ethan handed Theo to the nanny, his suit jacket slicing the air as he turned. "If I find you orchestrated this—"

Sophia laughed suddenly. Her earrings swayed as she tilted her head. "Investigate then. Dig as deep as you did for your brother's death."

The air froze.

Ethan pinned her against the wall by the throat, veins bulging. Gasping for air, Sophia still smiled, her crimson nails trailing down his cheek.

"Let go," she wheezed. "Unless you want Theo to witness...a murder."

Ethan released her instantly. Sophia collapsed, coughing violently, her silk dress pooling like faded blood.

Footsteps echoed from upstairs. Ethan looked up to see Theo clutching a teddy bear, face ghostly pale.

Schooling his expression, Ethan bounded up the stairs. As he lifted the child, his phone lit up. He sent Vivian Laurent a voice message: "Ignore the news. Wait for my explanation."

Sophia adjusted her collar, watching the nursery door click shut. She wiped fabricated tears, then pulled out her phone. The disappearing热搜词条 (trending topic) reflected in her cold smirk.