His eyes flew across the page, halting abruptly at the final verdict: no biological relationship.

The paper fell from his grasp, landing silently on the gleaming surface of his desk.

Ethan’s expression darkened instantly.

He shut his eyes, fighting to control the storm of emotions raging inside him.

No biological connection…

Was the child truly Lucas’s?

The sharp click of heels echoed down the hall, growing louder. Sophia entered, her crisp white suit accentuating her elegant frame.

A practiced smile touched her lips, her eyes glinting with subtle triumph.

“Ethan, I’ve just completed the proposal for the Northwood development…” Her words trailed off as her gaze landed on the document.

“Is that… a paternity test result?” She feigned surprise, a hand flying to her mouth, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.

Ethan remained silent, his icy stare fixed on her.

Sophia approached the desk, picked up the report, and scanned it quickly. She looked up, her face a mask of false concern.

“No biological connection?” she whispered. “Ethan, what… what does this mean?”

The office air turned frigid, time seeming to freeze. Ethan stood up suddenly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

His face was ashen, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.

Sophia’s voice softened with feigned worry. “Ethan, are you all right?”

Ignoring her completely, Ethan strode toward the door, his movements sharp and decisive.

Benjamin hurried after him, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence. Sophia watched Ethan leave, a faint, smug smile curling her lips.

She carefully placed the paternity test back on the desk.

Everything was proceeding exactly according to her design.

Yet, as long as that boy lived, he remained a threat.

Sophia pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

“Hello, is it done?”

“It’s been handled as you requested. The information has been disseminated,” a respectful voice answered from the other end.

Meanwhile, in Lucas’s office, the subtle scent of coffee lingered in the air. Beyond the expansive windows, the impressive skyline of New York stretched out.

Lucas set down his phone, a relieved smile gracing his features.

He had just secured a consultation with a leading transplant specialist overseas. Now, Liam had a real chance, and a heavy weight lifted from Lucas’s shoulders.

He turned to look at Isabella, seated on the sofa.

Her face was pale. She tried to appear strong, but her exhaustion was palpable.

“Isabella, I have good news. I’ve arranged a consultation for Liam with Professor David Miller in Geneva. It will happen very soon,” Lucas said gently, his voice a soothing balm.

Tears instantly welled in Isabella’s eyes. She looked at Lucas with profound gratitude. “Lucas, thank you. I can’t express what this means to me.”

“There’s no need to thank me,” Lucas replied, his smile warm. “I think of Liam as my own.”

He moved to sit beside her and reached for her hand, but she subtly pulled away.

Her gaze dropped, her long lashes veiling the turmoil in her eyes.

The warmth of Lucas’s kindness seared her heart, only deepening her guilt. She knew the debt she owed him was immense.