A mechanically altered voice came through the phone. "Describe those two women."

The nurse lowered her voice. "The older one is around 5'7", well-maintained with sharp features and piercing eyes. The younger one is in her early twenties, about 5'2", with almond-shaped eyes and a round face. She speaks with a coquettish lilt."

"Have they been at the hospital the whole time?"

"Not sure. I just started my shift today."

The man chuckled darkly. "The money will be in the bushes behind the inpatient building."

"Thank you. Since you served with my brother, just let me know if you need anything else."

The call ended.

The man rubbed his chin, his gaze turning sinister.

Thirty minutes later.

He dialed a different phone. "Natalie, it's me."

Natalie's crisp voice answered. "What do you want?"

"A friend wants to order a wedding dress. Is your mom's boutique still open?"

"She's not there."

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "Where are you?"

"None of your damn business."

The line went dead with a decisive click.

Audrey looked up from the medical chart. "Who was that?"

"Adrian." Natalie scoffed. "A wolf in sheep's clothing."

Audrey immediately stood and cracked the door to scan the hallway.

After confirming it was safe, she exhaled in relief.

Natalie blinked her lively eyes. "Mom, we have to keep Shane's identity a secret."

Audrey massaged her temples. "I wanted to welcome him back with a grand celebration."

Shane leaned against the headboard. "My background is complicated."

The words made Audrey's eyes redden.

Her hands trembled as she pulled a black card from her purse. "The PIN is your birthday."

Shane shook his head. "I don't need it."

He knew his adoptive father's methods too well.

No password could stop that gambler.

Natalie tugged his arm. "Just take it, or Mom will lose sleep over this."

In the end, Shane still refused.

Natalie then called Victor. "Dad, keep your mouth shut."

"I know."

Before hanging up, Victor whispered, "Should we do a paternity test?"

"No!" Natalie snapped. "Shane looks exactly like me."

Victor tried to recall—

Aside from both having two eyes and a nose, where was the resemblance?

But he didn't dare argue.

Natalie bounced to the bedside. "And Iris can't know either. She can't keep a secret."

Shane nodded with a smile.

"Can I hug you?" Her eyes sparkled like stars.

With permission granted, Natalie clung to him like a koala.

Shane stiffened.

"Watch his injuries!" Audrey warned.

Natalie nuzzled his cheek. "You're way better to hug than my germaphobe brother."

Shane's heart softened.

Who could resist such an adorable sister?

Natalie mumbled against his chest, "From now on, I've got your back. If anyone messes with you, I'll beat them up."

Shane's eyes grew moist.

So this was the magic of blood ties.

The embrace lasted a full fifteen minutes.

Natalie pulled out a scar cream. "Apply this daily once the scabs form."

"It's just a minor wound."

Suddenly, she rolled up his sleeve.

Seeing the jagged scar, her tears splashed onto his arm. "All these years..."

Shane flustered to wipe her cheeks. "It doesn't hurt, really."

He pulled his sister into his arms, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Audrey turned away to wipe her eyes.

After leaving the hospital, Natalie rushed to Valentine Corporation.

"Alexander!" She locked the office door. "I found my real brother!"

Alexander paused. "Shane?"

"Yes!" She bounced in front of him. "Now I have two brothers!"

She stood on tiptoes to reach his lips.

Alexander bent to lift her up.

The kiss was deep and urgent.

Natalie wrapped her arms around his neck like a greedy kitten.

When Alexander's restrained breathing hitched, she nipped his ear indignantly. "I should tie you to the bed!"