Chapter 709

Ethan's fingernails dug deep into his palms.

The truth coiled around his heart like a venomous serpent.

Sophia had known everything, yet chose to deceive him.

Years of lies had eroded his trust like a dull blade sawing through flesh.

"If the child isn't my brother's..." Ethan's eyes burned crimson.

The operating room's red light seared his vision.

Vivian's voice pulled him back. "The blood type mismatch is suspicious. But Theo looks so much like your brother..."

She hesitated. "I suspect he might not be Sophia's biological child."

The theory turned Ethan's blood to ice.

"I need to get back." Vivian checked her watch. "Theo can't wait."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed. "Do whatever it takes."

Inside the OR...

The heart monitor screamed its shrill alarm.

Theo's pale face sank into the pillow like a shattered porcelain doll.

Vivian gently squeezed his tiny, cold hand.

"Hold on, sweetheart."

Suddenly, Ethan called.

"We found a kidney donor!"

Vivian's eyes lit up.

"A terminally ill child. Perfect match."

Hope flared—then reality crushed it.

"It'll take seven to eight hours to transport."

Vivian watched the monitor's erratic numbers.

"Hurry." Her voice tightened. "I'll stabilize him as long as I can."

Minutes ticked by.

Sweat beaded on Vivian's lashes.

She hadn't slept in thirty-six hours.

Footsteps echoed outside.

Fiona rushed in. "Ethan!"

His lips cracked with dried blood.

"Still waiting."

"Anything you need." Fiona wrung her hands. "Vivian saved our whole family."

The monitor shrieked a new alarm.

"BP crashing!"

"Heart rate unstable!"

Medical staff snapped to attention.

The surgeon's face darkened. "Where's that kidney?"

Vivian checked the clock. "Just landed."

"Too slow!" The doctor barked. "Thirty minutes max!"

Theo's breathing grew fainter.

Vivian leaned close to his ear. "Mommy's here. Don't be afraid."