Afternoon sunlight streamed through the car window.

Luna Valentine stood at the entrance of the Cultural Preservation Institute, holding several elegant paper bags as she waited for Shane Prescott.

She had deliberately dressed casually today—light-washed jeans paired with a white T-shirt, looking fresh and neat.

Shane strode out and brightened at the sight of her outfit.

"Let's talk in the car," he murmured in a low voice.

They walked to the parking lot where Shane deftly opened the door of his secondhand SUV.

"Still driving this one?" Luna sounded surprised.

Shane scratched his head. "A new car would draw too much attention. This one handles well."

The corner of Luna's lips lifted. She adored his down-to-earth nature.

Unlike those pretentious blind dates who flaunted their family wealth or luxury cars—so nauseatingly smug.

Only Shane felt real. Comfortably real.

Once the door closed, Luna eagerly opened the paper bags like presenting treasures.

"Try these."

An array of desserts filled the backseat, their sweet aroma permeating the air.

Shane's gaze landed on a transparent box. "This is..."

"Durian mille crepe. I made it." Luna flushed slightly. "Might not taste great."

Without hesitation, Shane took it.

The moment he opened the box, the pungent durian scent instantly filled the car.

Suppressing his discomfort, he scooped a bite.

To his surprise, the creamy sweetness melted on his tongue—unexpectedly delicious.

"It's good," he praised sincerely.

Luna's eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"Yeah." Shane studied her. "Sweet as you are."

Her ears burned as she turned away. "My coworkers say I'm such a tomboy."

Shane's gaze swept over her slender waistline. "They're blind."

A jarring ringtone interrupted them.

The word "Mother" on the screen made Luna frown.

"Answer it," Shane said softly.

Gwendolyn Valentine cut straight to the point: "Did you get it?"

Luna pressed her lips together. "Mom, this isn't right."

"It's just a few strands of hair." Gwendolyn's tone brooked no argument. "We need to be certain."

After hanging up, Shane had already plucked several hairs and handed them over.

"Take them."

Luna froze. "You..."

"I understand." Shane's eyes were steady. "I'd have doubts too."

He then dialed Ethan Sullivan. "Give me some hair."

Two seconds of silence passed before the reply came. "Okay."

Forty minutes later, a sealed bag was placed in Luna's hands.

"Actually..." She hesitated.

Shane squeezed her hand. "I want to know the truth too."

The DNA results arrived swiftly.

99.99% familial match.

Luna's hands trembled slightly as she forwarded the report.

Shane exhaled deeply while staring at his phone.

Now, he could finally claim his place as a Sullivan son with pride.

Ethan called first. "I knew it."

Next came Audrey Sullivan's mildly chiding voice. "Silly boy, why the extra steps?"

Finally, Victor Sullivan.

"My son," he said warmly. "Now you can rest easy, yes?"

Hanging up, Shane suddenly laughed.

Old fox.

So this had all been Victor's scheme—preserving Audrey's dignity while securing the proof he wanted.

Three birds with one stone.