Chapter 470

Theo's eyelids grew heavy as he drifted into sleep in Ethan's warm embrace.

Ethan lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

Vivian's icy glare haunted his thoughts.

Her cruel words pierced his heart like daggers.

He had worked so hard to earn her trust.

Now he had to start all over again.

Ethan grabbed his phone and typed rapidly.

He detailed Sophia's past with Alexander.

Explained Theo was his late brother's child.

Described why he'd raised the boy all these years.

Finally begged Vivian for a chance to explain in person.

A glaring red exclamation mark appeared upon sending.

Vivian had blocked him.

Ethan gave a bitter laugh.

This was exactly Vivian's style.

But her anger meant she cared, didn't it?

The thought warmed his chest.

He longed to rush to her immediately.

But Theo still slept, tiny fingers clutching his shirt.

At dawn, Theo woke.

He found Ethan hadn't moved all night.

The boy's nose tingled.

Uncle had stayed in the same position just for him.

Yet remembering his mother's instructions, he forced himself to keep pretending.

Ethan had slept barely two hours.

As he led Theo out, Sophia stood waiting in full glamour.

Her designer dress and flawless makeup looked painfully out of place.

"Ethan," she cooed.

His brows furrowed. "You shouldn't be here."

She ignored him. "I made breakfast. Your favorites."

Theo tugged Ethan's hand. "Uncle, let's try it?"

At the table, Ethan barely touched his food.

He fixed Sophia with a stare. "We need to talk."

In the study, Ethan cut straight to the point. "I'm sending you abroad. You'll want for nothing, but never contact Theo again."

Sophia's nails dug into her palms.

She forced a smile. "You've seen the online hate Theo gets. If people think he's fatherless..."

"What are you implying?"

"Ethan, just acknowledge him as your son. For Theo's sake."