Alexander Valentine's car screeched to a halt outside the DNA Testing Center.

He pushed open the door and strode into the lobby with purpose.

His assistant, who had been waiting, immediately approached. "Mr. Valentine, everything's been handled as you instructed. Hammer Ulrich's blood sample and Mr. Theodore Valentine's hair sample are properly packaged."

Alexander took the sealed bag, his fingers brushing over the label. "No one noticed?"

"Complete confidentiality. I handled it personally."

Alexander nodded and turned toward the reception desk.

He laid out three samples. "The toothbrush belongs to Isabella Valentine. The blood sample is Hammer Ulrich's. The hair is Theodore Valentine's. I need a paternity test—expedited."

The staff member accepted the samples. "Results will be ready by tomorrow afternoon at the earliest."

"Money isn't an issue." Alexander pulled out a black card.

After completing the formalities, he texted Ethan Sullivan: "Samples submitted."

Ethan replied instantly: "Waiting for good news."

Alexander chuckled as he stared at his phone. "I wouldn't have even considered this connection if you hadn't pointed it out."

"Thank my father. His instincts are razor-sharp."

At the mention of Victor Sullivan, Alexander's expression darkened. "He's against me and Natalie..."

"Relax," Ethan sent a voice message. "That girl is stubborn as hell—ten oxen couldn't drag her back."

Alexander's lips curved unconsciously. "Natalie is... unique."

"You're not bad yourself. Worthy of her."

Ethan, currently twirling Sophia Laurent's hair between his fingers, spoke into his phone: "Sophia and I are the real match made in heaven."

Alexander shook his head. "You..."

"Treat my sister well," he said seriously. "She's the only one I have."

Ethan laughed softly. "I cherish her more than anything."

With that, he tossed his phone aside and pinned Sophia to the couch.

"What are you doing?" she gasped.

Ethan loosened his tie with one hand. "Business."

"This is your office!"

"Perfect time to test the new sofa." He captured her earlobe between his teeth.

Sophia pushed at him. "The door isn't even locked—"

Ethan had already deftly undone the buttons of her blouse. "You shouldn't have dressed like this if you didn't want to tempt me."

"I just came to bring you soup—"

"Your mere presence is a crime." He sealed her protest with a kiss.

An hour later.

Ethan stood impeccably dressed by the floor-to-ceiling window, as if the man who had lost control moments ago were someone else entirely.

Sophia adjusted her clothes, cheeks flushed. "Animal..."

He turned and lifted her chin. "We'll continue tonight."

A knock interrupted them.

Adrian Sullivan entered with documents, his gaze darkening at the sight of Sophia. "Am I interrupting?"

Ethan stepped in front of her. "What do you want?"

"Father asked me to deliver these documents." Adrian's eyes flickered between them. "You two seem... close."

"Isabella isn't bad either," Ethan said meaningfully.

Adrian smirked coldly. "That trash..."

The following evening.

Alexander stood outside the testing center, two reports in hand.

He opened the first—Isabella and Theodore's results.

His eyes went straight to the final line:

"Based on DNA analysis, Theodore Valentine is excluded as the biological father of Isabella Valentine."

A cold smile curled Alexander's lips.