Chapter 468

Vivian stood under the dim corridor lights, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"Congratulations, Ethan." Her lips curled into a cold smile. "A beautiful wife and a lovely son. You've won at life."

Ethan's breath hitched.

He reached for her, but she sidestepped his touch. The night wind rushed through the open window, scattering the faint scent of her perfume.

"It's not what you think," he said, his voice strained.

Vivian's gaze fixed on the undone button at his collar. The memory of that suspicious scratch on his neck from their last meeting flashed through her mind.

"Theo is Sophia's child," Ethan admitted, his Adam's apple bobbing. "But he's actually—"

A shrill ringtone cut him off.

Vivian arched a brow. "Aren't you going to answer? Maybe your son misses his daddy."

Ethan pulled out his phone. The name "Theo" glared brightly on the screen. The moment he accepted the call, a tearful voice cried out, "Daddy!"

Vivian let out a soft, mocking laugh.

She adjusted her shawl and turned to leave. Ethan grabbed her wrist, his fingers burning against her skin.

"Wait," he rasped.

On the other end of the line, Theo sniffled. "Daddy, where are you? It's so dark in here..."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Is Sophia with you?"

Hidden in the shadows, Sophia clamped a hand over her mouth. Theo paused for two seconds before bursting into loud sobs. "I want Daddy to come home now!"

"I'll be there soon."

When the call ended, Ethan realized Vivian hadn't moved. Moonlight streamed through the glass, casting fractured shadows across her profile.

"Vivi—"

The elevator dinged as it arrived on their floor. Without looking back, Vivian stepped inside. As the metal doors slid shut, he caught the fleeting motion of her hand brushing against her cheek.