Landon stared at the paternity test, then looked again at Yuri’s face—so strikingly similar to his own father’s. He had to admit it now: Yuri really was his cousin.
That also confirmed another suspicion of his: Back then, when his aunt had managed to evade the Ford family’s search so easily, she must have had outside help covering her tracks.
But who was it?
What was their motive in helping her slip away from the Ford family?
Was there some hidden agenda behind it all?
Or was it really just a simple act of kindness?
Landon’s expression darkened. He said nothing, simply tucking the paternity report away.
“Have someone keep a close eye on Yuri—quietly.”
“Yes, sir.”
...
Three in the morning. The city lay under a heavy, ink-black sky. Streetlights glimmered faintly in the darkness.
Yuri stood on his balcony, phone pressed to his ear, his expression unreadable.
But when the voice on the other end grew impatient, Yuri’s tone sharpened with annoyance:
“I told you, I have my own plan. If my father can’t wait, then I’m done. You can handle it yourselves.”
Sensing his irritation, the caller quickly apologized, not daring to press further.
Yuri’s voice softened a little.
“Tell my father he won’t have to wait much longer. But he’s not to touch my people.”
He hung up, and almost immediately, a new message popped up—Zinnia.
[Yuri, I have a neurosurgery question for you. Can I ask?]
Yuri’s lips curled into an involuntary smile. He quickly tapped out a reply.
...
The next morning was the first official day of winter break.
Elijah Quinn and his wife, Jessica, took Dapper out for groceries.


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