The screen darkened as the end credits rolled.

Alexander Valentine started the car to drive Natalie Sullivan home.

Natalie clutched a half-empty bucket of popcorn, crunching away with gusto.

His peripheral vision caught the sight of her puffed cheeks, and his lips curved unconsciously. "Still hungry for more?"

"Braised lamb, bear paws, deer tails..." She rattled off a lengthy menu, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Alexander couldn't suppress a chuckle.

Just as Ethan had described—this girl was a true foodie.

"Too much grease at night isn't good. How about tomorrow?"

"Deal." Her reply was instant.

The car pulled up in front of the Sullivan estate.

Alexander circled to the passenger side and opened the door for her.

"Alex, close your eyes," Natalie suddenly whispered with a mischievous glint.

Obediently, he shut them.

She rose onto her tiptoes but still couldn't reach his eyes.

Spotting a flowerpot nearby, she dragged it over as a makeshift step.

The pot wobbled. She stumbled, her teeth accidentally grazing his lip.

"Did that hurt?" she gasped, flustered.

"Not at all." He wiped away the trace of blood and simply lifted her up in his arms.

Natalie let out a surprised squeal before dissolving into giggles.

Her laughter, bright and clear, startled a nightingale from the tree branches.

His Adam's apple bobbed. "Still want that kiss?"

"Obviously!" She looped her arms around his neck and pressed two featherlight kisses to his eyelids. "You've liked me for a while, haven't you?"

"Mhm."

"How long?"

Alexander stayed silent.

He couldn't very well admit it had been since her pigtail days.

"Tell me or I'll tickle you!" She wiggled her fingers threateningly.

He caught her restless hands, amusement dancing in his eyes.

So this was how sweet love could be.

A screech of brakes shattered the moment.

Victor Sullivan stepped out of his car, face stormy. "What's this disgraceful scene in the middle of the night?"

"Romance. Can't you tell?" Natalie shot back, unrepentant.

"Did I give permission?" Victor's expression darkened further.

She rolled her eyes. "Since when do I need your approval to date?"

Alexander stepped forward. "Mr. Sullivan, I'm the one pursuing Natalie."

Victor ignored him, yanking his daughter toward the house.

"Don't forget to pick me up tomorrow, Alex!" Natalie called over her shoulder.

In the living room, Victor forced his daughter onto the sofa.

"Look what she's done!" he bellowed at Audrey Sullivan descending the stairs.

Audrey calmly adjusted her robe. "What's wrong with my daughter dating?"

"Alexander had leukemia—it could affect fertility!"

"And?" Audrey's lips curled coldly. "Still better than a serial cheater like you."

"You—!" Victor slammed the door on his way out.

Audrey promptly reset the smart lock code.

Victor tossed and turned in his office all night.

The next morning, Isabella Valentine arrived uninvited.

"Uncle Victor, that paternity test was flawed." She handed him her phone. "The data doesn't match."

Victor adjusted his reading glasses. "Vincent Laurent wouldn't fake results."

"Then demand a retest on the spot." Isabella smiled with confidence.

Sophia Laurent agreed without hesitation when the call came.

She was certain Vincent was her biological father.

But on the other end of the line, Vincent fell into prolonged silence.