Sophia sat in her office, sunlight streaking through the blinds, but her world felt darker than ever.
The press had gotten wind of her custody hearing.
"Billionaire CEO in Custody Battle with Secret Husband?"
"Unknown Father Emerges—Is He After Her Fortune or His Son?"
The headlines burned.
She slammed her laptop shut. "Who leaked it?"
Her assistant fumbled. "It's… Sebastian's PR team. They're spinning it for political gain."
Of course. Sebastian. He'd always wanted control, and now, he was using her son to get it.
---
Meanwhile, Adrian stood outside Ethan's school, holding the boy's tiny hand. For the first time, they looked like father and son. Matching brown eyes. Identical dimples when they smiled.
But a stranger stood across the street, camera flashing.
Adrian shielded Ethan. "We're going home."
---
Back at Sophia's mansion, Adrian burst in. "This is getting out of hand. He's targeting Ethan now."
"I'll handle it."
"No," Adrian growled. "I'm not just a doctor anymore. I'm his father, Sophia. And your—"
He stopped himself. But she heard it.
Your what, Adrian? Your partner? Your protector? Or something else?
Before she could respond, her phone rang. Private number.
She answered.
A cold voice spoke, "You think you can win in court? I made you, Sophia. I can ruin you."
Sebastian.
She ended the call, hands trembling. "He's going to bring up… that night."
Adrian narrowed his eyes. "What happened that night?"
She looked up at him, pain flashing across her face. "I never told you the real reason I left."