Chapter 38

The moment the private room door swung open, Daniel's smile froze.

His small hands clutched Susan's sleeve tightly as he glared at the man in the doorway.

"Daniel, this is Uncle Andrew!" Ethan Sullivan announced cheerfully. "Say hello!"

Andrew Lucas's gaze cut into Susan like a blade, sharp enough to flay her alive.

Nicole Capra quickly pulled a thick red envelope from her purse, offering it to Daniel with a sweet smile. "This is a little gift for our first meeting."

Daniel turned his face away in disgust, but Ethan snatched the envelope and stuffed it into his arms.

"Come on, let's go collect more gifts!" Ethan scooped Daniel up and carried him further inside.

The room was already filled with guests. Bruce Bowman and Calvin Grant immediately smiled and handed over their prepared red envelopes.

"What a charming boy," Bruce said, ruffling Daniel's hair.

Calvin suddenly gasped, pointing at Daniel. "Andrew, look! This kid is the spitting image of Ethan!"

Everyone turned to notice the striking resemblance—Daniel and Ethan shared nearly identical features.

Ethan spun Daniel around excitedly. "See? I told you we look like father and son!"

He grabbed Susan's hand, eyes shining. "Susan, even strangers can see it!"

Susan stared at the two similar faces, momentarily dazed. She had never imagined Daniel could resemble someone unrelated to him so closely.

"Andrew, jealous?" Ethan smirked at Andrew. "Why don't you try having such an adorable son?"

A glass shattered in Andrew's grip.

"Whose son did you say this is?" His voice was icy.

"Mine, of course!" Ethan shot back. "What, you think he's yours?"

"Bastard." The venomous word slipped from Andrew's lips.

Daniel's face went pale.

Susan trembled, her nails digging into her palms.

Ethan slammed his hands on the table and stood. "Andrew Lucas! Say that again and see what happens!"

He squeezed Susan's cold hand, his voice firm but gentle. "Don't be afraid, Susan. I'm here."

Andrew let out a cold laugh. "Ethan, is this woman really worth defending?"

He rose slowly, looking down at Susan with contempt. "A used-up slut, and you still want her?"

Susan's blood turned to ice.

The air in the room plummeted to freezing.