Chapter 598

Vivian Laurent froze mid-turn, her pupils contracting sharply.

A little boy stood by the dressing room door, his delicate face etched with panic.

The crisp new plaid shirt made him look adorably well-behaved. But what shocked Vivian most was—

That face.

Without the mask obscuring his features, the resemblance to Ethan Roscente was unmistakable.

Her nails dug into her palms as her chest heaved violently.

"You liar..."

Now she understood why Theo always wore a mask. Why he'd claimed to have no father.

It had all been Ethan's carefully constructed deception.

"Miss Vivian..." Theo stood frozen, his large eyes brimming with tears.

Isabella Langley gasped, pointing at the child. "Isn't that the boy who visited your home?"

Vivian's lips curled into a mirthless smile as she shot Ethan a razor-sharp glare. "Bravo."

She pivoted on her heel, stilettoes striking the marble floor with furious precision.

Ethan immediately gave chase. "Vivian!"

Theo stumbled after them on short legs. "Miss Vivian, don't go!"

Isabella stood dumbfounded until a sales associate intercepted her. "Ma'am, the child's clothing hasn't been paid for..."

"What?" Isabella's eyes widened. "I barely know them!"

"Then you'll need to contact them immediately. Otherwise, we'll have to involve the police."

Gritting her teeth, Isabella produced a black card. "How much?"

This debt would be repaid.

——

A dull thud echoed through the boutique.

Theo lay sprawled on the floor, his face scrunched in pain. "Ow..."

Ethan skidded to a halt, whirling back. "Theo!"

Kneeling, he carefully examined the boy's knees, voice tight with concern. "Where does it hurt?"

"My ankle..." Theo sniffled.

The sound made Vivian's steps falter at the exit.

Her medical instincts had her gripping her handbag strap until her knuckles whitened.