Vincent Laurent's slender fingers entered the password on the POS terminal.

The sales associate nodded eagerly. "Right away, Mr. Laurent. I'll process this immediately."

As she reached for the credit card—

Isabella Valentine slammed her hand down.

She yanked a black card from Theodore Valentine's wallet and slapped it onto the counter. "Charge mine! That necklace is mine!"

The clerk hesitated, torn between two VIP clients she couldn't afford to offend.

Vincent's gaze turned glacial. "Add one million."

Isabella lifted her chin. "I'll add two."

"Three million."

"Four!"

Sophia Laurent gently tugged her father's sleeve. "Dad, let it go."

He patted her hand tenderly. "This isn't about money."

Pulling out his phone, he sent a text.

Within moments, the sales associate received a call.

Bowing respectfully, she informed Vincent, "The chairman has authorized a twenty percent discount for you, Mr. Laurent."

Isabella's face drained of color.

She whirled toward Theodore. "Dad!"

Theodore shot Sophia a look of pure disdain. "Why bother competing with her? Let's go!"

"Apologize." Vincent's voice could have frozen hell.

Theodore spun around.

Their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

Theodore broke first.

Through clenched teeth, he forced out, "My apologies."

Grabbing Isabella's arm, he stormed out.

Isabella stomped her foot in fury. "Dad! You humiliated me!"

Only when they were inside the car did Theodore growl, "The new mayor is Vincent's classmate."

Isabella hurled her purse onto the seat.

——

The sales associate presented an exquisitely wrapped jewelry box with both hands.

As Sophia began to decline—

Vincent already had her hand in his. "Come. Your father's buying you clothes now."

He took her through every boutique in the mall.

Selected each outfit personally.

Waited outside dressing rooms with infinite patience as she tried them on.

As if determined to compensate for twenty lost years.

——

On the drive home, Vincent suddenly signaled the driver to stop.

He returned with two candied hawthorn skewers.

The sweet-tart flavor burst across Sophia's tongue with her first bite.

Her eyes stung unexpectedly.

As a child, she'd envied others whose fathers bought them this treat.

Now she finally knew the taste.

Happiness could be so simple.

——

After seeing Sophia home, Vincent returned alone to his empty mansion.

He poured a glass of whiskey.

Raised it toward the portrait on the wall. "Evelyn, I'm taking good care of our Sophia for you."

The painted woman's delicate features mirrored their daughter's.

Glass after glass.

Drunk fingers traced the portrait's edges as he whispered, "If only back then—"

His voice cracked.

——

At dawn, Sophia rushed to the hospital after an urgent call.

Vincent lay pale against the pillows.

"What happened? Why are you hospitalized?"

"Just a minor issue."

Before Sophia could respond—

A masked nurse entered.

"Oral cell sample for testing."

Vincent obediently opened his mouth.

Five cotton swabs later—

Something felt off to Sophia.

The door swung open.

Ethan Sullivan walked in carrying an insulated container.

With practiced ease, he ladled out congee.

"Sophia always made this for me when my stomach acted up."

He offered a spoonful to Vincent.

Sophia's heart warmed.

——

Meanwhile, Adrian Sullivan received a text:

"Sample acquired."

——

Two days later, Adrian stared at the paternity report in his hands.

His grin widened.

Twisted.

Became something monstrous.