Chapter 599

Vivian's footsteps halted in the mall corridor.

She knew she shouldn't look back, yet her legs turned against her will.

Little Theo sat on the floor while Ethan Roscente crouched beside him, examining his injury.

"Move aside. Let me check."

The cool voice came from above. Ethan looked up into Vivian's furious eyes.

"What are you waiting for? Are you a doctor?"

Ethan snapped out of his daze and quickly stood aside.

Vivian knelt and gently rolled up Theo's pant leg. "Where does it hurt?"

Though her tone was brusque, concern flickered in her eyes.

Theo suddenly clung to her arm.

"I'm sorry, sis. I didn't really get hurt." His eyes welled with tears. "I lied because I didn't want you to leave."

Vivian's head jerked up toward Ethan. "You're really his uncle?"

She'd assumed it was all a fabricated story.

Ethan actually had an older brother? Her investigation files contained no such information.

"Yes, I'm his uncle." Ethan's voice lowered. "Theo is my elder brother's child. Will you give us a chance to explain?"

Vivian's heart skipped a beat.

Those "Auntie" addresses, those comments about her resemblance to Theo's aunt—they weren't just childish nonsense.

"Auntie, please don't go." Theo clung tighter to her arm. "I'll explain everything."

Vivian took a deep breath but still checked Theo's ankle. "You're sure you're not hurt?"

Theo bit his lip hesitantly.

If he told the truth, would Auntie walk away?

"No injury." The boy finally shook his head. "Don't be mad, Auntie."

Only after confirming he was unharmed did Vivian scoop him up.

"Did you pay for those new clothes?"

Ethan smacked his forehead. "Forgot."

Vivian nearly rolled her eyes.

"Go pay." Her voice turned icy. "We'll wait here."

Isabella Langley's angry voice carried from nearby.

"Trying to skip out on the bill? Expecting me to pay? Ethan Roscente, you've got some nerve!"

She stormed over and slapped the receipt against Ethan's chest. "Triple the amount. Now."

Ethan nodded. "Transferring immediately."

Only then did Isabella notice Vivian holding Theo's hand. She exploded. "Why are you still holding that brat? Let his father deal with him!"

Her glare softened slightly when she looked at Theo.

Despite hating Ethan, she had to admit the kid was adorable.

The thought that this might be Ethan's love child made her blood boil again.