Chapter 601
Vivian Laurent's heart ached as she looked at the obedient little boy before her.
How could those unscrupulous media outlets attack a child with such vicious words?
"Sophia Evans has always liked you, hasn't she? How did she end up pregnant with your brother's child?" Vivian couldn't help asking.
Ethan Roscente shook his head. "I don't know the specifics."
"So you deliberately arranged for Theo to get close to me?" Vivian pressed further.
"I merely mentioned you to Theo," Ethan explained. "Told him he had a beautiful and capable aunt. The boy wanted to meet you. That time at the hospital—he sneaked out to see you on his own."
Suddenly everything made sense to Vivian.
No wonder Theo always wore a mask—he was afraid she'd recognize his resemblance to Ethan.
"What about the phone number you gave me..."
"The butler's," Ethan admitted.
Vivian fell silent.
No wonder the middle-aged man had sounded so hesitant.
Looking back, all the pieces fell into place.
Ethan's sudden appearance when she injured her hand.
Their "chance" meeting outside her office building.
Theo calling her to the bar that night.
Even during her overseas mission when Theo asked for detailed itineraries...
It had all been orchestrated by Ethan.
"I can testify!" Theo raised his small hand. "Uncle Ethan's telling the truth. My mom is Sophia Evans, but I don't have a dad. Uncle Ethan treats me really well, and so does Aunt Vivian!"
Vivian quickly waved her hands. "Theo, don't call me that. I'm not your aunt yet."
"But you are!" Theo's eyes sparkled. "I didn't get to see you at the wedding, but you take me out to play, ask if I'm hungry, never get annoyed with me..."
Seeing the hope in the child's eyes, Vivian couldn't bring herself to reject him outright.
But this was Sophia's child...
Theo suddenly lowered his head. "I get it. Aunt Vivian doesn't like me. I won't bother you anymore."
"That's not true!" Vivian immediately crouched down. "I don't dislike you, it's just..."
Her heart softened at the boy's crestfallen expression.
Knowing Sophia's personality, she probably wasn't a good mother.
"You can contact me anytime," Vivian finally relented. "But I have one condition."
Theo immediately looked up. "What condition?"