The paternity test results glared back with damning clarity: Exclusion of Biological Relationship.

Sophia Laurent and Vincent Laurent shared no blood ties.

Adrian Sullivan studied the report, a cold smirk playing on his lips. He locked the document in his desk drawer, fingertips drumming twice on the polished surface.

"Prepare a gift," he instructed his assistant. "I'm paying Mr. Laurent a visit."

In the hospital room, Vincent reclined against the pillows, a book in hand. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled light across his refined profile.

"Uncle Vincent." Adrian entered with an ornate gift box, his smile perfectly measured. "I heard about your hospitalization and came to see you."

His gaze slid to Sophia peeling apples by the window. "You've raised Sophia exceptionally well," he remarked, voice laced with implication.

Vincent closed his book, alertness flickering in his eyes.

Accepting tea from his assistant, Adrian studied the father and daughter with feigned casualness. Their mannerisms mirrored each other—from the arch of their brows to the way they held their cups.

"If you had another daughter, I'd pursue her without hesitation," Adrian joked, though his eyes remained sharp as daggers.

After his departure, Sophia retrieved Vincent's medical report. Only when she confirmed all indicators were normal did the tension leave her shoulders.

At nightfall, Ethan Sullivan pushed open the hospital door to find Sophia adjusting the bedsheets.

"I'll take the night shift," he declared, loosening his tie.

She shook her head. "You have meetings tomorrow."

Their standoff ended when Vincent intervened with a smile. "Both of you, go rest."

Ethan insisted on staying. Walking Sophia to the door, she suddenly turned and embraced him.

"Thank you," she murmured against his chest.

His fingers threaded through her hair. "Silly."

Moonlight merged their shadows into one.

Back in the room, the air between the two men grew heavy. As Ethan tucked in Vincent's blanket, he asked abruptly:

"Why do you treat Sophia so well?"

Vincent's gaze flickered. "She's my daughter."

Ethan's voice cut through the darkness. "Remember those words."

At dawn, Sophia arrived with homemade breakfast. Moments after she left, Victor Sullivan appeared bearing tonics.

"About the remarriage..." Victor rubbed his hands. "It'd be perfect to celebrate with the in-laws."

Vincent regarded him calmly. "Would you say that if Sophia weren't my biological child?"

Victor's silence was deafening.

Vincent turned to the window, sunlight fracturing into starlight in his eyes. "She's my only daughter."

The words fell like a sigh—soft yet weighted with irrevocable finality.