The grandfather leaned forward in his chair, one palm resting on the head of his cane as if he'd known all along what the paper would say.
"Go on."
He said, his voice rough with impatience.
"Read it. Let's have the truth settle this once and for all."
Emily hesitated a heartbeat before sliding a finger beneath the envelope's seal. Just as she started to unfold the sheet inside, Theo's hand shot out, catching the edge of the paper.
"That's enough!"
Theo said sharply, his tone a low warning.
"Whatever's written there… it doesn't change how I feel about Yu or his children. They're all mine as far as I'm concerned."
The grandfather gave a short, scornful laugh.
"You talk about feelings as though they'll change bloodlines. I want the facts. You've dragged this family name into a circus and I'll not have it tainted by some boy's tricks."
Theo's jaw tightened, but before he could retort, Joy's voice cut through—quiet but edged with steel.
