Leaving Vincent Laurent's hospital room, Victor Sullivan drove straight to the company.

He pushed open Ethan Sullivan's office door and got straight to the point. "Vincent asked me a strange question today."

Ethan lifted his gaze, his slender fingers lightly tapping on the documents before him.

"He asked if I'd still approve of your remarriage if Sophia wasn't his biological daughter." Victor frowned. "Something feels off about that."

A faint smile touched Ethan's lips. "Given your past opportunism, his concern is understandable."

"This is called foresight!" Victor slammed his hand on the desk. "The business world is a battlefield. More allies mean more security."

Ethan closed the file. "Are you done?"

"Your grandfather's birthday banquet is in ten days. Don't forget to invite Vincent." Victor lowered his voice. "Propose the remarriage publicly then—they won't be able to refuse."

A trace of mockery flashed in Ethan's eyes.

Ten days later, Sullivan Manor was adorned with lanterns and decorations.

When Vincent entered the grand hall with Sophia, the room fell silent.

Victor eagerly stepped forward. "Our dear in-laws have arrived!"

Vincent presented an ornate box. "A jadeite narcissus basin—may the elder enjoy longevity and good health."

Victor beamed, pulling Vincent aside to introduce him. "This is my esteemed in-law, Vincent Laurent, the second-largest shareholder of Laurent Group!"

The guests immediately swarmed with flattery.

Sophia stood to the side, chilled by their fawning expressions.

Eleanor Sullivan beckoned to her. "Sophia, come to Grandma."

The elderly woman took her hand. "On such a joyous occasion, why not make it official today?"

Unable to refuse, Sophia nodded softly. "Alright."

In a shadowed corner, Adrian Sullivan smirked before slipping out of the hall.

Behind the rockery, he intercepted Victor. "Father, don't you find Vincent's sudden appearance suspicious?"

Victor frowned. "What do you mean?"

Adrian handed him a document. "Sophia isn't his biological daughter."

Victor took the paternity report. His face darkened the moment he saw the words "paternity excluded."

"You can verify it yourself," Adrian said meaningfully. "A toothbrush or urine sample would be more discreet."

Midway through the banquet, Vincent excused himself to the restroom.

A staff member seized the opportunity to collect a sample from the urinal.

Meanwhile, at Phoenix Cove Apartments, someone posing as a gas inspector took Sophia's toothbrush.

The next day, Victor summoned Ethan to his office and slammed a file on the desk. "You conspired to deceive me?"

Ethan calmly picked up the report. "Sophia knows nothing about this."

"This remarriage is forbidden!" Victor roared. "My son will not marry an impostor!"

Ethan smirked. "My marriage isn't yours to dictate."

As they stood at an impasse, an assistant delivered a new test report.

Victor eagerly flipped it open—then froze. The document clearly stated: "Paternity confirmed."

"Impossible!" he exclaimed.

Ethan brushed an invisible speck from his suit sleeve. "Chairman Sullivan, at your age, you shouldn't let others use you as a pawn."