Chapter 143

Liam Valdemar learned to ski with astonishing speed. Though young, he possessed remarkable natural talent.

Falling was nothing unusual for him. Each time, he'd quickly pick himself up and continue practicing.

Ethan Valdemar stood by the rink, his gaze never leaving the small figure gliding across the ice.

"Dad, look!" Liam called excitedly, successfully executing a spin.

Ethan's lips curved slightly. "Not bad. Much better than yesterday."

The coach nearby gave a thumbs-up, praising his young student's performance.

The sudden ring of a phone shattered the warm moment.

Nathaniel Woods' name flashed on the screen.

Ethan signaled the coach to watch Liam and stepped aside to answer.

"Ethan, we've got trouble," Nathaniel's tense voice came through.

Ethan kept his eyes on his son skating. "Get to the point."

"Jasmine Keane resurfaced. She posted a video accusing you of unlawful confinement."

Ethan frowned. "Has she lost her mind?"

"Worse. She hinted you have an illegitimate child in the video." Nathaniel lowered his voice. "She didn't name Sophia, but..."

Ethan immediately checked his messages. His mother's terse text read: Come home now.

He took a deep breath. "Book the earliest flight."

Hanging up, Ethan returned to the rink as if nothing happened.

"Liam, time to go."

——

Sophia Laurent was working in her studio when Beatrice Holloway's call interrupted her flow.

"Sophia, have you seen the news?" Beatrice sounded shocked. "Jasmine Keane claims you..."

Sophia clicked the video link Beatrice sent. Jasmine appeared haggard, tearfully making accusations.

The doorbell rang just as she finished watching.

Ethan stood outside with Liam, his expression calm.

But when their eyes met, both recognized the unspoken concern in each other's gaze.

During the ride to the airport, Liam excitedly recounted his skiing adventures while the adults sat silently with their own thoughts.

Once airborne, Sophia excused herself to the restroom. Ethan followed.

In the cramped space, Sophia whispered, "Why would Jasmine do this?"

"No idea." Ethan rubbed his temples. "But she mentioned Liam."

"Your parents—"

"They'd find out eventually." Ethan cut her off. "Just not like this."

——

Reporters swarmed outside the Valdemar estate that night, cameras flashing as Ethan's car pulled in.

"File a police report tomorrow," he told Nathaniel. "Sue Jasmine for defamation."

Nathaniel hesitated. "Ethan, your father—"

Ethan checked his watch. "Two a.m. Negative three degrees Celsius."

Nathaniel looked confused. "What?"

Without explanation, Ethan strode toward the brightly lit mansion.

Inside, Vincent Valdemar's face was frosty, Diana's expression complicated.

"Explain." Vincent's voice could freeze fire.

Ethan knelt before his parents.

"Dad, Mom... this is my fault."