Chapter 276

"Susan, what did you just say?"

Ethan Sullivan's coffee cup slipped from his fingers, shattering on the floor. Dark liquid splattered across the tiles. His eyes widened as if he'd heard something impossible.

"I'm your biological sister." Susan Thompson met his gaze steadily, her voice soft but firm.

"Don't joke about this!" Ethan burst into laughter, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. "Susan, we're the same age. If my mother had triplets, how could I not know?"

"Not triplets." Susan took a deep breath. "We're twins."

Ethan's laughter died instantly. He studied her face for a long moment, finding no trace of amusement in her eyes.

"Remember Greenhill Mental Hospital?" Susan asked quietly. "Nicole thought I was doomed and revealed everything."

She repeated Nicole's words verbatim—the hair sample used for the paternity test, the truth behind Catherine's injury.

Ethan's expression grew increasingly grave. He recalled the day his mother was hurt, realizing now how many details hadn't added up.

"I never believed you hurt Mom," he murmured. "But this is..."

Abruptly, he stood and paced the room. Susan waited silently, giving him space to process.

"I get it now!" Ethan suddenly rushed toward her, eyes blazing with realization. "That first time we met—I wanted to hug you immediately! It was a blood connection!"

Susan nearly laughed at his sudden leap in logic.

"Nicole could never be my sister!" Ethan waved his arms excitedly. "Someone as adorable as me deserves an even more adorable sister!"

He pulled Susan into a tight embrace, whispering in her ear, "Shame I can't marry you, but having a sister might be nice too."

Warmth flooded Susan's chest as she returned the hug.

"But Susan," Ethan grew serious, "we should still do a DNA test. Just to be certain."

Susan nodded. "I was thinking the same."

"I'll call the hospital now!" Ethan grabbed his phone, then paused. "And from now on, no more 'Mr. Sullivan.' Call me Ethan!"

Watching the vibrant young man before her, Susan finally smiled with relief. Whatever the test results might show, this moment of connection felt undeniably real.