Chapter 291

Hugo Lee's hand trembled slightly as he gripped the teacup.

He still remembered the day Vincent Sullivan handed him the infant. His mind had been preoccupied with an upcoming business deal, barely registering the bundle in his arms.

"Old Lee, do me a favor—take the baby to my wife," Vincent had said, clapping his shoulder. "I can't get away right now."

He'd given a distracted nod, accepting the swaddled child without a second thought.

Who could have predicted...

"That Roman couple deserves to die!" Hugo suddenly shattered the teacup against the table, sending shards flying.

Xavier Stapleton stood nearby, his face ashen.

"Uncle Lee, what do we do now? Roman Young already—"

"Keep your panic in check," Hugo sneered. "We've kept this buried for over twenty years. A little longer won't matter."

His eyes narrowed, recalling the scheme he'd orchestrated.

First, Xavier had appeased the Roman couple with priceless antiques. Once the fools left Kingsbury in high spirits, Hugo immediately reported a burglary to the police.

"Stealing cultural relics carries severe penalties," he said darkly. "Enough to break them in prison."

Xavier swallowed hard. "But Roman Young is now—"

"Silence!" Hugo snapped. "If you hadn't bungled this, we wouldn't be in this mess!"

The office door burst open.

Vincent stood in the doorway, flanked by a tearful Madam Zade and... Roman Young.

A paternity test report slammed onto the desk.

"Hugo Lee," Vincent's voice was glacial. "Care to explain?"

Madam Zade rushed to Roman, her trembling hands cradling his face. "My child..."

Evelyn Sinclair quietly stepped aside.

She checked her watch and signaled to Old Lin.

"Mr. Sullivan, the truth is clear now," she said softly. "I must excuse myself—there's urgent business."

Vincent followed her out. "Let me see you off, Ms. Sinclair."

In the parking lot, his gaze lingered on the understated Maybach.

"Thank you." Evelyn opened the car door. "Regarding Xavier's situation—"

"I'll handle it," Vincent said grimly. "I'll express my gratitude properly another time."

As the car pulled away from the hospital, Evelyn massaged her temples.

The Kingsley mansion blazed with light.

Madeline Kingsley was arranging flowers in the parlor when Evelyn entered. She set down her shears with deliberate calm.

"You're back."

"Grandmother, where's Alexander?" Evelyn asked urgently.

"He waited until three in the morning," Madeline sniffed. "Then some company emergency called him away."

Evelyn froze.

"What?" Madeline lifted her teacup. "Did you think you were the only one allowed to come and go as you please?"