Chapter 272

The bodyguard pushed open the door to reveal Victor Thompson standing by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting sharp shadows around his tall, imposing figure. His deep-set eyes held a piercing intensity forged by time.

"Mr. Thompson, we've brought her."

The moment Susan Thompson was shoved into the room, her breath caught.

Twenty years.

This was the first time she'd seen her biological father this close. His face bore a striking resemblance to Ethan Sullivan's, yet it was twisted with unmistakable disgust directed at her.

"Do you know why you're here?"

Victor's voice was glacial, each word like a knife to Susan's heart.

Her fingers clenched the hem of her shirt, nails digging into her palms.

"Is this about Nicole?"

"How dare you say her name!" Victor whirled around, fury blazing in his eyes. "My daughter is lying in a hospital bed right now. The doctors say her mental state is on the verge of collapse!"

Susan's lashes trembled slightly.

How ironic.

Her own father was demanding justice for another girl—the one who had stolen everything that should have been hers.

"Mr. Thompson, have you ever considered..." Susan lifted her gaze to meet his. "That you might have the wrong daughter?"

The air turned to ice.

Victor's expression darkened dangerously. "What are you implying?"

"I suggest you run another paternity test." Her voice was soft but razor-sharp. "Using Nicole's blood this time, not her hair."

"Preposterous!" Victor seized her chin with bruising force. "Do you really think such a pathetic attempt to sow discord would work?"

Pain blurred Susan's vision, but she forced the words out. "Twenty years ago, the Thompson family adopted a girl from the orphanage—"

"Silence!"

Victor released her abruptly. Susan staggered back, colliding with the wall.

She watched as he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Bring it in."

When the door opened again, Susan's stomach dropped at the sight of the surgical glinting on the tray.

"Since you enjoy hurting Nicole so much..." Victor methodically pulled on gloves. "You'll experience exactly what she endured."

Susan's pupils contracted.

It wasn't the pain she feared.

It was the truth being buried forever.

"Dad..."

The word slipped out before she could stop it. Victor froze.

"What did you just call me?"

Susan gave a bitter smile. "Nothing. I just hope... you won't regret this decision later."

As the cold blade touched her wrist, Susan closed her eyes.

She heard Victor's merciless command: "Do it."

White-hot agony erupted—

And then the door burst open with a crash.

"STOP!"

A familiar figure rushed into the room.