Her posture stiffened under his scrutiny. "What, you think I'm making this up? Fine, we'll leave right now!"

Lyndon's expression darkened. "That's your takeaway? Well, I'm not surprised by that. You've always hated me."

Tilda flinched. "I... You're the one doubting me!"

"I never said I didn't believe you," Lyndon snapped. "I'm trying to figure out who tampered with that report."

Her quick assumption of his distrust stung more than he expected.

Clearly, her resentment toward him ran deep—how could trust exist between them?

"Lyndon!" Brea snapped at her son, furious. "After everything Tilda has done for this family, how dare you be so harsh with her!"

Brea's glare burned into Lyndon, firmly taking Tilda's side. Once again, he was the villain.

Fine, he had done something unforgivable to Tilda five years ago—-he wouldn't dispute that.

Lyndon's lips pressed into a tight, pale line, swallowing Brea's reprimand.

Brea, now buzzing with determination, stormed out to call the doctor who had handled the DNA test, her heels clicking sharply.

She couldn't fathom that the doctor, an old acquaintance, would alter the DNA report without cause.

Was it an error, or was there more to it? She was resolute to uncover the truth.

Inside the room, Sheldon pulled at Tilda's hand. "Mommy... am I really Daddy's son?"

Hearing her son's innocent voice, Tilda's eyes glimmered with remorse as she crouched down, meeting his earnest gaze.

"Yes, darling. I should have been honest with you sooner."

Sheldon buzzed with joy, his eyes darting between his parents.

From the first moment he saw Lyndon, he had felt a unique bond, secretly hoping it was true.

Now it was! But why had his mother kept it hidden?

“Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, sensing the strain between them. "Did Daddy upset you, so you kept it a secret to punish him?"

Lyndon's jaw tightened.

Even with his fatherhood confirmed, Sheldon unwaveringly backed Tilda.

"There were... misunderstandings," Tilda said vaguely.

Sheldon puffed out his chest, planting his small hands on his hips. "Daddy! You gotta say sorry to Mommy right now!"