Sylvia's lips curved slightly. “You went to all this trouble for us. Let me treat you to dinner."

The man said, "So, all this elaborate effort was just for a meal from you?" Sylvia's eyes twinkled. "If you want a service fee, that can be arranged." She took out her phone. "What do you think is a fair price, Mr. Carnes?" Gabriel's face darkened. "Don't you dare try to wire me money again!"

Sylvia suddenly laughed, turning to look out the car window. The light caught the elegant lines of her profile, adding a shimmering glow to the corners of her eyes, creating a beauty that was both clear and captivating.

*

Back at Sylvia's place, she said after they entered, “Have a seat. I'll get some water."

She took two bottles of water from the fridge and walked toward the living room, where Gabriel was sitting on the sofa, replying to a message on his phone.

Sylvia handed him the water, making small talk. "Busy?"

Gabriel put his phone down but didn't take the water. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her into his embrace, his eyes dark and intense. “The test is done. Now, let's talk about us."

Sylvia sat on his lap, her beautiful eyes blinking with curiosity. "What about us?" The man's voice was soft but clear. "Explain it to me. What was that wire transfer the other day about?"

Sylvia looked at him without speaking.

Gabriel's handsome face was calm and cool. He raised a hand and cupped her face. “You have the nerve to wire the money, but not the nerve to speak?"

Sylvia frowned slightly. Just as she was about to speak, the man's hand slid down, his fingers weaving into her loose, long hair as he lowered his head and kissed her.

Sylvia felt as if she'd been put under a spell, unable to dodge him. Her mind turned to mush, and it was a long moment before she could push against his shoulders to stop him. She looked down, avoiding his eyes, and whispered, "Gabriel, I don't think our relationship should go back to the way it was."

Gabriel's gaze was deep. "And what was it like before?"

Sylvia's lips were a vibrant red, her watery eyes veiled in a thin mist as she spoke softly, "You know."

Gabriel stared into her eyes. "Then what kind of relationship do you want with me?" Sylvia thought for a moment. "Let's be friends."

Gabriel's thin lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. "Friends? What kind of friend needs me to help her shower and then unties my robe while I'm at it?"

Sylvia drew a sharp breath, her voice innocent. "I was drunk.”

"So being drunk means you can do whatever you want and not take responsibility?"

"I wired you the money."

The man's face instantly darkened. "You dare bring that up again?"

Sylvia's lips parted, but no words came out. She leaned forward, resting against his shoulder, her voice tow and laced with a hint of helplessness. Then what do you want me to do?"

Gabriel said, “You knew what to do when you were drunk, but now that you're sober, you don't?"

Sylvia let out a low laugh. “When I'm drunk, I can deny everything. When I'm sober, I can't."

Gabriel caressed her face. "Then think carefully while you're sober about what our relationship truly is!"

The light calluses on his fingertips sent a shiver through her. She closed her eyes and buried her face in the crook of his neck. His scent, every part of him, was something she craved desperately.

She wanted to have him, but he didn't belong to her.

After a long silence, she gently bit his shoulder, her voice hoarse.

"I hate you so much!"

Evelyn took her old DNA report and paid a hefty price to have a forged copy made. The date was changed to today, and her information was replaced with Sylvia's.

Then, she began to wait for Mrs. Winters's call.

Using her connections, Mrs. Winters had indeed arranged to get the DNA results an hour early.

She deliberately wrapped a silk scarf

around her head and put on

sunglasses, entering the lab fully disguised. After calling her friend she waited a few minutes before the person she was looking for came out with the results.