She left the office immediately.

The hallway was eerily quiet.

Vanessa hurried to the stairwell.

She glanced around to confirm she was alone.

Then she let out a tense breath.

She removed her disguise.

Her long dark hair tumbled over her shoulders.

Her delicate features were now visible.

But her face showed clear worry and confusion.

She pulled the swapped file from her bag.

She hesitated for a moment.

Then she opened it.

Inside was a single sheet of paper.

It was labeled “Paternity Test Report.”

A paternity test?

Why would Sophia want this swapped?

What was really happening?

Vanessa’s thoughts were racing.

Sophia’s instructions meant something shady was going on.

Whose paternity was being tested?

Sophia’s deep involvement suggested it concerned Ethan.

She wouldn’t go this far for anyone else.

But how did this connect to Ethan?

Vanessa bit her lip.

A bold idea crossed her mind.

It was always smart to have insurance.

She quickly hid the real report in a secret compartment of her bag.

Then she slipped a blank document into the file folder.

Everything was set.

She pulled out her phone and called Sophia.

“Hello, Sophia. It’s done,” Vanessa said softly.

Her voice carried a hint of nerves.

Sophia sounded pleased on the other end.

“Excellent work. Your payment will be transferred soon.”

Vanessa breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

“Oh, and Vanessa,” Sophia added after a pause.

“About that design director role at Aurora Design Collective I mentioned.”

“I put in a good word for you.”

“Expect an interview call in the next few days.”

Aurora Design Collective?

That was a top firm in the industry.

Joy rushed through Vanessa.

She couldn’t stop a wide smile.

“Really? Thank you so much, Sophia! I’m so grateful!”

“Keep performing like this, and more opportunities will come,” Sophia said before hanging up.

Vanessa held her phone tightly.

A subtle smile touched her lips.

She stood by the roadside watching the busy traffic.

Her mind was spinning.

She glanced at the real report hidden in her bag.

This document could be valuable leverage later.

A cold wind made her shiver.

She tightened her coat.

She hailed a taxi and vanished into the endless city flow.

The next morning at Blackwood Enterprises.

Ethan sat behind his large desk.

His long fingers tapped rhythmically on the surface.

Benjamin respectfully placed a document in front of him.

“Mr. Blackwood, the paternity test report you requested.”

Ethan picked up the document.

His expression tightened.

A flicker of anticipation showed in his eyes.