Jethro took the phone and began scrolling through the photos, his gaze softening noticeably as he looked at the images. Annie's heart raced. Yes. Just like this. This was exactly the reaction she had hoped for. Even the most ruthless man would reveal a hint of tenderness when faced with his own child. It seemed her plan was working. A small, satisfied smile touched her lips. Seizing the moment, she added fuel to the fire. "Doesn't he have your eyes? I've seen pictures of you as a child. He looks just like you did back then." A dark glint flickered in Jethro's eyes. "Really? A banana shares 50% of its DNA with a human. In a world of billions, finding someone with similar features isn't that difficult." Annie's smile stiffened. She frowned. "What are you implying? After all this, you still don't believe me?" Jethro handed the phone back to her. "I won't believe a single word you say unless I see a paternity test report." With that, he pushed open the door and left, giving her no chance to protest. Furious, Annie flung her phone against the wall. So, his interest in seeing the child was just a pretext to get a DNA sample. After a long while, she got out of bed, picked up the phone, and dialed a number, her voice sweetening. "Hello, Jasper? You mentioned before that you were willing to help me..." Two weeks later— Jethro had underestimated Annie's determination. He hadn't expected her to bring the child back to the country so quickly."Jethro, you wanted to see him, right? I've brought him to you. We're near your office. Come on, sweetie, say hello to Daddy." When Jethro received the call, he was momentarily stunned. He raised a hand, signaling his team to pause the meeting. The subordinates exchanged confused glances. Huh? Did we just hear a child's voice on the boss' call? And unless we're mistaken, that kid just said... "Daddy"? Well, well, well. Interest immediately sparked in the room. Fresh, juicy gossip. Who wouldn't be curious? Jethro pinched the bridge of his nose. Looking up, he was met with a circle of blatantly curious stares. The words he was about to say died in his throat. "We'll adjourn here for today. Meeting dismissed," he stated flatly.The team blinked at each other in disbelief. What? Our juicy story just got snatched away? Reluctantly, they began gathering their things, moving with exaggerated slowness. Two minutes later, most were still glued to their seats. Jethro swept a glance over them. "I want a five-thousand-word summary of today's meeting from each of you. On my desk before you leave." The room froze. Then, they scattered faster than rabbits. Everyone knew Jethro's standards were high. If they didn't start writing immediately, they'd be stuck in the office all night. Jethro returned to the phone. "Alright. I'll be right down. Meet me at the coffee shop across the street." "Mr. Blackwood," Rowan called out as Jethro stood to leave. Rowan swallowed hard. "Would you like me to handle the communication on your behalf?""No," Jethro replied curtly. Rowan looked like he had more to say, his face contorting with the effort of holding back. "Out with it," Jethro said, fixing him with a look. "...Sorry, boss. I couldn't help but overhear your call with Ms. Roby. I heard... um," he lowered his voice, "a child." Jethro didn't deny it. "Yes." Rowan's eyes widened. "Is it yours? With Ms. Roby? Then... what about Ms. Gale?" Jethro was silent for a beat. "Don't mention this to her." Rowan's heart sank. Oh no. Is the boss getting back with his ex? But Ms. Roby clearly has an agenda! She's not fit to hold a candle to Ms. Gale. No way he is that blind, right?! "Boss, with all due respect," Rowan ventured, "Ms. Roby is trouble."Jethro raised an eyebrow. "I know what I'm doing." Across the street, in the coffee shop, at a table tucked in the corner, a timid little boy stared up at Jethro with wide, hopeful eyes. A longing to get closer was evident, but the man's imposing aura made him shrink back two steps, hiding behind Annie's legs. Annie gently patted the boy's head, smiling warmly. "Jett, say hello to Daddy." Jett. The intention behind the name was painfully obvious. "It's premature to call me that," Jethro said, his voice cool. "We'll discuss it after the paternity test results come back." Annie lowered her gaze slowly. "I know you're a cautious man." She then pulled a document from her bag and placed it on the table in front of him. Jethro's breath hitched when he saw the words "Paternity Test Report" on the cover. "Go ahead, open it," Annie encouraged, her eyes fixed on him. Suddenly, Jethro felt no need to look. Annie's triumphant expression already told him everything. So, when he flipped to the final page and saw the conclusion, he wasn't surprised. "How did you obtain my sample?" he asked instead. Annie's eyes darted away briefly. "You didn't come to my ward often, but every time you did, you left something behind. Like... hair." From her bag, she produced a small, clear plastic bag containing a few strands of hair.