Chapter 742

"Theo!"

Ethan Roscente's expression darkened instantly. "She was never your biological mother."

Vivian Laurent whirled to face Ethan, shock flashing in her eyes.

She hadn't expected him to reveal the truth at this critical moment. Theo had just been discharged from ICU and was still emotionally dependent on Sophia Evans. Could he handle such a devastating blow?

Vivian subtly nudged Ethan's arm with her elbow, signaling him to stop.

Tears still clung to Theo's lashes. "W-what do you mean?"

How could Mom not be his mom?

"Did Sophia ever hit you? Force you to do things against your will? Threaten to abandon you? Tell you nobody wanted you?"

Theo's tears overflowed. "N-no."

"Theodore Evans! Look at me and answer properly—did she or didn't she?"

Ethan rarely lost his temper, especially with Theo.

Being addressed by his full name always made Theo tremble with fear.

He didn't know how to respond. His uncle's piercing gaze terrified him, making fresh tears well up.

Vivian gripped Ethan's arm. "You're scaring him."

Ethan had his reasons. Without pressing hard, Theo would never speak his truth—only swallow his pain silently.

He refused to let Theo become submissive. The boy needed to learn self-protection.

"Answer me!"

Theo finally broke down sobbing. "Y-yes... Mom would pinch my thighs... Said she hit me because I wasn't good enough... Threatened to abandon me if I told anyone..."

Ethan's knuckles turned white.

Hearing those words from Theo hurt more than any blade.

He wiped Theo's tears. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Mom... Mom said not to..."

"She's not your mother!" Ethan declared firmly. "You share no blood relation with Sophia Evans. I only recently discovered she wasn't your birth mother."

Theo froze, tears suspended on his cheeks.

"Then... who is my mom?"

"I'll find out," Ethan said with resolve. "From today onward, you don't have to obey her or call her Mom again."

Theo's mind reeled in chaos.

How could the woman he'd called Mom for years not be his mother?

Recognizing the situation's volatility, Vivian pulled Ethan aside. "Let Theo process this alone. He just left critical care."

She quietly closed the door, leaving the boy to grapple with this brutal truth.