Chapter 2

Vicky helped Blake to a chair. He was groaning, more for effect than actual injury, Ethan suspected.

She turned to the assembled family, her voice rising, theatrical.

"Ethan is a liar and a brute!"

She pointed a perfectly manicured finger at Ethan.

"Liam is not his biological son!"

A collective murmur went through the room. This was better than they had hoped.

Vicky continued, her eyes shining with a strange mix of triumph and malice.

"Ethan had fertility issues. He couldn' t give me a child."

She paused, letting that sink in.

"So, twenty-five years ago, when we decided on IVF, I made a choice. A mother' s choice."

Her gaze swept over Liam, who stood firm, his expression unreadable.

"I secretly used Blake' s sperm. Blake is Liam' s biological father."

Ethan watched her performance. She was a narcissist, craving the spotlight, even a self-made, destructive one. He felt a detached amusement. Liam caught his eye and gave a nearly imperceptible shake of his head, a shared disdain for Vicky' s dramatics.

Vicky turned to Liam, her voice softening, falsely maternal.

"Liam, my darling, it' s time you knew the truth. Blake is your father. He loves you."

She gestured towards Blake, who was attempting a pained, paternal smile.

"It' s time to acknowledge him. It' s time for Ethan to leave this family. And Sterling Global Enterprises."

The relatives buzzed with excitement. Ousting Ethan meant more for them.

They looked at Ethan, expecting him to crumble, to protest, to beg.

Ethan remained calm. His composure seemed to infuriate Vicky more.

Liam spoke, his voice clear and steady. "My father is Ethan Cole. That' s all I need to know."

His loyalty was a shield. Ethan felt a surge of pride.