Chapter 469

"No explanations needed, Ethan Roscente."

Vivian Laurent's voice was icy.

"I waited here just to tell you—your personal affairs are none of my business. Whether that child is yours or not, it has nothing to do with me."

She lifted her chin, her gaze resolute.

"We're divorced. The past should stay in the past. Don't disturb my life again."

Ethan studied her stubborn profile, recognizing her anger.

"Vivian, Theo isn't actually my son. He's—"

She let out a cold laugh.

"Not your son? Then why does he call you Daddy? Since when did Ethan Roscente become so charitable, raising another man's child?"

She turned toward the bedroom.

"I said it's none of my concern. Your son is waiting at home. You should go."

The door slammed shut.

Ethan stood outside, knocking lightly.

Silence greeted him.

He sighed. The fragile peace they'd rebuilt had shattered again.

Vivian needed time to cool off. And Theo required attention.

Ethan decided to give her space while he handled matters at home.

The mansion stood dark when he returned.

Only Theo's room held light.

"Theo."

Ethan strode inside.

"Uncle Ethan!"

The little boy reached out for a hug.

Instead of scooping him up as usual, Ethan remained stern by the bed.

"Theodore Evans, tell me why you did that?"

Hearing his full name, Theo shrank back.

"Uncle... I don't understand..."

The child's eyes were red and swollen from prolonged crying.

"You called me Daddy on the phone but Uncle now? Did Sophia Evans put you up to this?"

Theo shook his head violently.

"Not Mommy! I had a nightmare... Everyone called me a fatherless bastard... I was scared..."

Ethan crouched to eye level.

"Theo, liars grow long noses. Tell me the truth. I promise not to be angry or blame your mother."

The boy bit his lip, tears welling.

Torn between fear and guilt, he remained silent.

Ethan didn't press further.

He gently patted Theo's back.

"Sleep now. I'll stay with you."

But fury burned within him toward Sophia. To manipulate her own son—the woman was utterly depraved.