Chapter 4

Just as I was drifting into a light sleep, I felt a pair of plump little hands gently patting my face, a soft voice murmuring:

“Daddy! Wake up!”

Opening my eyes, I looked at the little face that bore no resemblance to mine, and for the first time, I felt utterly powerless.

“Did you eat?”

The small face nodded eagerly, saying excitedly:

“Uncle Tyler! He brought me McDonald’s!”

I froze, instinctively clenching my fist.

Tyler again.

My eldest son, who still couldn’t speak clearly, adored Tyler. Whenever Tyler was at the house, he would cling to him.

Before, I didn’t understand. Now, I just found it laughable.

*Damn that twisted bloodline!*

“Mom! Take the child! I have to work!”

In a flash, I handed the crying child back to my mother-in-law.

She frowned, looking reluctant, and shot me a disdainful look, muttering something under her breath as she carried the child back into the room.

I suppressed my raging anger. I had no intention of tipping them off just yet.

Leo’s email arrived right on time, like a lifeline. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and calmly clicked it open.

The freshly printed paternity test report was a brutal punch to the gut.

My phone rang. When I answered, Leo’s loud, exclamatory voice dragged my rationality back:

“Damn it, Scarlett’s a total bitch! I—I really didn’t expect her to be so shameless! Neither of those kids are yours?!”

“Liam, what are you going to do? I’m absolutely with you!”

My friend’s support brought a flicker of warmth to my heart, which felt like an ice cave.

I had already braced myself mentally, so now, it wasn’t as devastating.