Caitlin said nothing her cold gare locked onto Ximena


    The expert beside them added. “The box itself may be real, but the manuscript inside is definitely a replica. The pages have aged, but the ink is fresh This confirms it’s a forghry”


    Ximena stood up and sneered. “Caitlin, do you really think you can pull such a childish trick in front of me


    Caitlin had anticipated this response.


    “I told you from the start, Ximena–I would never hand over the original manuscript. Giving you a replica was already my biggest concession


    “If all you care about is developing Fragrance Gaments, then the original or a replica shouldn’t matter… unless, of course, you have other ulterior


    motives.


    Her voice was calm, unwavering as she stared down Ximena.


    “So you’re backing out of the deal? You don’t want your daughter back?” Ximena’s eyes darkened, her tone colder than before


    “I’m taking my daughter no matter <b>what</b>,” Caitlin dered, her stance firm, “Whether we make a deal or not <b>is </b>up to you.”


    Ximena let out <b>a </b>low chuckle. “Since you’ve gone back on your word, don’t expect me to give her back to you.”


    “I know you’d say that Ximena, from the moment <b>you </b>took Patricia in, you were ator the manuscript. <b>You’ve </b>waited so long for this day–you really went through a lot of trouble.”


    Caitlin had seen through her from the beginning. The moment Ximena demanded the original manuscript in exchange, Caitlin knew exactly what she


    was after.


    “<b>And </b>another thing–you im to have been close with my mother, but based on the letters and records she left behind, I don’t see much evidence of that. The only reason you <b>ever </b>got close to her was because you wanted the manuscript, wasn’t it?”


    Ximena didn’t respond, but her silence spoke volumes.


    Caitlin’s gaze grow even sharper.” <ol><li>er. “At first, I was grateful to you for raising Patricia for five years. I even thought of repaying that kindness. </li></ol>


    “But now that I know it was all part of your scheme, I don’t feel anounce of gratitude toward you anymore.


    “You think that by threatening to keep Patricia, you can force my hand? You’re overconfident. She is my daughter, and I will take her back–whether you the it or not. Expect a court summons <b>soon</b><b>.</b>”


    She turned to leave, but Ximena called after her.


    “Don’t forget, Caitlin! You may be her biological mother, but for the past five years, you haven’t fulfilled a single parental duty. I am her legal guardian. Even if we go to court, they won’t award you <b>custody</b>!”


    Caitlin, already at the door, turned back with <b>a </b>cold smirk.


    <b>“</b>But the court wouldn’t award custody to a criminal either, would it?”


    Ximena’s


    s expression darkened. “What do you mean<b>? </b>


    “Oh? Has age <b>made </b>you forget, Ximena? The scandal involving Freya and Xavian back then-it shook all of New York. Do I need to remind <b>you </b>who was behind it?”


    Ximena’s face went pale.


    13:27 Set, 2073


    “Should I walk you through it?” Calilin continued, her volee icy. “Profesor Ravian loved my mother, but you wire obsessed with him, when yo have him, you resorted to revenge. You bribed Freya to destroy him.


    →That was your method, wasn’t it? If you couldn’t have him, you’?l rather see him twined.”


    “You’re talking, nonsensel you have no prooll” Ximena snapped, herposure cracking


    “Prool? Do you want witness testimony or physical evidence? Because I have both.


    “My mother’s diary recorded everything your obsession, your <b>jealousy</b>, and your schemes. And as for a witness? Freya is in my hands


    “What do you think would happen if the world found out that it was you who orchestrated the downfall of the renowned Professor avian?


    “For years, Freya has taken the ine for you. If the truthes out, XEG won’t survive the bacsh”


    The tide had turned.


    Caitlin had taken control of the situation.


    mena’s face turned an ugly shade of gray as she stood frozen, unable to refute Caitlin’s words.


    She had never imagined that Caitlin–whom she had underestimated–could be so ruthless.


    She <b>had </b>miscalcted.


    Caitlin was far more formidable than her mother had ever been.


    Meanwhile, in another part of the building Zora was ying with Patricia in her office when her assistant <b>rushed </b>in, whispering something in her ear.


    Zora’s expression changed instantly. She quickly turned to Patricia


    <b>o </b>home, okay? We need to leave now.”


    “Sweetheart, let’s go <b>h </b>


    She grabbed <b>Patricia’s </b>backpack, held her little hand, and hurried toward the exit


    Her assistant had just informed her that Patricia’s biological mother was here to take her <b>back</b>. Ximena had ordered Zora to hide the child immediately.


    Zora had no idea who <b>Patricia’s </b>reall parents were,


    Ximena had never told her.


    But hearing that Patricia’s birth mother hade to im her, she knew she had to act fast


    She hurried Patricia through the back exit of XEG, but the moment they stepped outside, she saw a line of bodyguards standing by <b>a </b>parked luxury


    <b>sedan</b>.


    The man sitting in the backseat was instantly recognizable.


    Sebastian


    As soon as he saw them, <b>Sebastian </b><b>stepped </b>out of the car.


    “Miss Harris, where are you taking Patricia?”


    Zora stiffened. “Mc. Vanderbilt, I’m just taking her home.


    She <b>was </b>confused. Why was Sebastian here, <b>waiting </b>for them?


    Sebastian’s voice was calm but fimm. “Patricia is going home?


    He <b>then </b>turned to the little girl. “Patricia,e here. I’ll take you to your money!


    Patricia hesitated, wanting to go to him, but for held onto her tightly.


    “There’s no need, Mr Vanderbilt. Patricia doesn’t have a mother–she’s been raised by my i


    Aunt and grandmother since she was a baby”


    Sebastian studied Zora for <b>a </b>moment before asking. “Miss Haris, has your mother never told you the truth shout Patricia’s origins?”


    Zora frowned, “What do you mean? What does this have to do with you?”


    She had always been told that Patricia was an abandoned child her mother had taken in.


    For years, they had loved and raised her as their own.


    Sebastian’s next words shattered that belief


    “Patricia has a biological mother. That mother is Caitlin,


    Zora’s entire world shifted.


    Patricia was Caitlin’s daughter<b>! </b>


    Then that meant…she was Sebastian’s daughter too!!


    Oh my god.


    Zora felt like she had been struck by lightning


    As the truth sank in, she started to connect the dots.


    A painful realization followed


    She looked at Sebastian and asked quietly, <b>“</b><b>So</b>… from the very beginning, you got close to me only because of Patricia? It wasn’t because you!


    Sebastian nodded. “I’m sorry for keeping the truth from you.”


    Zora felt like her heart had just been torn <b>apart</b>.


    She had thought Sebastian might have feelings for her


    She had even started imagining a future with him


    <b>But </b>now, she understood<b>. </b>


    It <b>had </b>never been about her


    Tears welled up in <b>her </b>eyes as she choked out, “Mr. Vanderbilt…so all this time<b>, </b>you never felt anything for me?”


    Sebastian’s voice was unwavering. “I’m sorry. I only love Patricia’s mother.”


    Zora’s heart shatteredpletely.


    Sebastian crouched slightly and reached out his hand. “Come here, Patricia”


    But <b>Zora</b><b>, </b>desperate and <b>devastated</b>, hold onto Patricia even tighter.


    “She’s mine! None of you are taking her away from met