Victor Sullivan stared at his phone screen, his frown deepening with each passing second.

Vincent Laurent still hadn't replied to his message.

He dialed the number directly. "Vincent, have you made your decision?"

Vincent's low voice came through the receiver. "Whose idea was this?"

Victor forced a laugh. "Does it matter? Just a quick trip to the DNA Testing Center for a blood draw. I'll cover all expenses and arrange private transportation. You're Sophia's father—one more test won't change that."

Vincent's tone turned icy. "I don't have time."

Victor's face stiffened. "It won't take long. Even Sophia agreed. Just cooperate."

He glanced sideways at Isabella. "This will silence the rumors once and for all."

Vincent's knuckles whitened. "Too many tests already. I'm done."

Victor softened his voice. "One last time. I promise."

Vincent was firm. "No."

The repeated rejections bruised Victor's pride.

His expression darkened. "Are you hiding something? All previous samples were female, yet the reports showed male DNA. That makes no sense."

Vincent's voice was glacial. "Sophia is my daughter."

Victor sneered. "Empty words mean nothing without proof."

The line went dead.

The dial tone only deepened Victor's suspicions.

Isabella covered her mouth with a titter. "See? I told you something was off."

Victor waved her away. "Get out."

Isabella feigned concern. "Don't be upset, Uncle Victor. Adrian and I will always support you."

Once alone, Victor's anger simmered.

No wonder Vincent had refused to cooperate all along—Sophia wasn't his biological child.

He gave a self-deprecating smirk.

After decades dominating the business world, he'd been played for a fool.

He snatched up the office phone.

"Your so-called father refused the test. All previous reports were tampered with."

Sophia's heart lurched. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said. I gave you a billion dollars, and this is how you repay me?"

The rest of his words blurred in her ears.

All she remembered were Vincent's gentle eyes, their matching features and mannerisms.

That bone-deep connection—how could it be fake?

With trembling fingers, she dialed. "Dad, let's do the test."

A long silence followed.

Her heart sank inch by inch.

Finally, Vincent spoke. "Sophia, I'm leaving everything to you."

Her eyes burned. "Why?"

"Your mother... was my life's greatest regret."

Two simple words held lifetimes of untold stories.

Sophia closed her eyes.

There were too many questions, yet none seemed to matter anymore.

"Your origins are tied to a criminal case. Once the culprit is caught, you'll meet your birth mother. Staying apart now is for your safety."

Sophia choked back tears. "I understand."

Silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

Blood ties meant nothing compared to this.

When Ethan Sullivan entered, he found Sophia curled by the window.

He gathered her into his arms. "What's wrong?"

She lifted tear-filled eyes. "You knew, didn't you?"

"Knew what?"

"He's not my father."

Ethan studied her face. "Does it matter?"

Sophia smiled through her tears. "No. He loves me. That's enough."

At the month-end family dinner, Sullivan Manor was festively decorated.

Isabella was chatting with Victor when she spotted Sophia and immediately shrilled, "Look who's here—the fraud!"

Victor's face darkened.

Ethan tightened his grip on Sophia's hand. "Ignore the barking."

Isabella pressed on. "Spending New Year's with the Laurents? He's not even your real father."

Sophia straightened. "Not by blood, but more than blood could ever be."

"Who knows what he really wants—" Isabella's voice dripped with insinuation.

Ethan cut her a cold look. "Your own father has ulterior motives too. Best keep your distance."

He led Sophia away. "Disgusting."

Isabella stamped her foot. "Why won't you defend me?"

Adrian shook her off. "Shut up before you get slapped again."

"Why can't you be more like Ethan?"

Adrian turned to Victor. "Dad, can we call off this engagement?"

With a heavy sigh, Victor walked away.