Chapter 4

That day, I went to pick Silas up from kindergarten. As soon as we walked out the gate, I spotted Matthew's car parked not far away.

He sat inside, his gaze fixed intently on Silas and me.

My heart clenched, and I instinctively shielded Silas behind me.

Matthew pushed open the car door and walked toward us with measured steps.

He was dressed in a gray casual outfit, his face still pale, but he looked a bit more energetic than the last time I saw him.

"Hi, Silas." Matthew walked up to him, his gaze gentle and his voice carrying a barely noticeable tremor.

Silas looked at the unfamiliar man with curiosity. Even though he'd never met him before, he felt a strange sense of familiarity.

He peeked out from behind me and called out softly, "Dad?"

At that word, Matthew's eyes filled with tears.

He reached out, wanting to pat Silas on the head, but his hand hovered in the air, afraid he might startle him.

My feelings were all over the place.

I knew Silas craved a father's affection, and Matthew really cared about him.

"Mr. Foster, this is the entrance to the kindergarten. It's a bit crowded here. Why don't we find somewhere else to talk?" I said, breaking the silence.

Matthew nodded, his gaze still locked on Silas. "Alright, I know a nice restaurant nearby. Let's head over and talk there."

I didn't refuse.

I'd promised Silas that this time, he'd get to meet his dad.

*****

At the restaurant, Matthew ordered steak and dessert, both Silas's favorites.

He watched Silas devour his meal, his gaze soft with indulgence.

"Careful, Silas. Slow down, or you'll choke," Matthew said, picking up a napkin and carefully wiping Silas's mouth.

Silas looked up at Matthew and flashed him a bright smile. "Thank you, Dad. You should eat, too."

Watching the two of them so happy together, I felt a pang in my chest. Maybe I was even a little jealous.

After Silas finished eating, he ran off to the kids' play area in the restaurant. Matthew suddenly called out to me, "Wren."

His voice was so tender and familiar when he called my name that it honestly made me feel a bit awkward.

I ignored him, but he continued, "I know you still hate me, but for Silas's sake, I hope you can give me another chance. Let's get back together and give Silas a complete family. Wouldn't that be better?"

I set down my fork and knife, staying silent for a long moment. "Matthew, what happened back then isn't something a simple apology can fix."

A hint of hope flashed in Matthew's eyes. "Alright, I'll give you time. Think about it. What kind of life would really be best for Silas, if you look at it from his perspective?"

I stayed quiet, and we finished the meal in a barely civil silence.

In the days that followed, Matthew kept coming by to see Silas whenever he could.

He'd take Silas to the amusement park, the zoo, and out for all kinds of tasty treats. Silas seemed to be getting more and more fond of this dad who had come into his life.

"Wren, I've already drafted my will. Bring your passport to the office tomorrow. If you agree to get back together, I'll make it official right away. I'll be waiting for you." That day, after I dropped Silas off at kindergarten, Matthew called me.

I listened in silence, then hung up.

After thinking it over all day, I finally decided to go to the Foster Group and find Matthew.

Since everyone knew me, I walked in like I owned the place and took the elevator straight to the top floor.

As I approached the CEO's office, I heard a woman's voice coming from inside.

I knew that voice all too well. It was like nails on a chalkboard, grating and unbearable.

"Matthew, are you really going to remarry Wren? She only married you for your money in the first place, and now that she hears you're sick, she's back for the inheritance.

"It proves what she's really like. Are you really going to let her get what she wants?" Magnolia's voice was tinged with resentment and jealousy.

"We wronged Wren back then. Now that she's brought my son back, it's only right that I make it up to her and their child," Matthew replied.

"Compensation?" Magnolia scoffed. "Matthew, don't be naive. She wants to take over the Foster family's fortune. If you give her that will, the Foster Group will belong to that kid. How can you be so sure he's really your son?"

After hearing Magnolia say that, I was actually looking forward to Matthew's answer.

If he was suspicious, too, I'd hurry up and get him and Silas to do a DNA test while he was still around.

But after waiting for a while, Matthew didn't say a word.

Magnolia continued, "Matthew, I'm the one who really loves you. If you want kids, I can have them for you. I don't care about your illness.

"If you want, we can get married right now. The only reason we couldn't be together before was that our parents were against it, but now nothing's in our way.

"If you're worried about gossip, now that Wren's back, we can use her as a shield like before and keep seeing each other. As long as you don't actually hand over the money to her."

I couldn't listen anymore. I felt like my ears were being contaminated.

I was so naive, thinking he'd cut off his stepsister. So, he'd been keeping up appearances while sneaking around with her the whole time.

I turned and walked away, not wanting to see either of them ever again. Even seeing them once felt filthy.

After I picked Silas up from kindergarten and we headed back to the hotel, Silas looked up at me and asked, "Mom, can I see Dad today?"

"He is busy, so you won't be able to see him today." I gently stroked Silas's head, and my guilt hit an all-time high. If he couldn't have his dad's love, then at least I would make sure he got his dad's money.

"When will I get to see Dad again?" Silas asked.

I forced a smile and lied, "When he's done with work, he'll come see you."

After calming Silas down, I took him back to the hotel and arranged to meet up with my lawyer.

During my meeting with my lawyer, Matthew called. I sent the call straight to voicemail. Then I looked at my lawyer and said, "Mr. West, my request is simple.

"Once we prove Silas is Matthew's son, I want my son to get everything that's his by right."

When we divorced six years ago, Matthew was pretty generous. He gave me a decent amount of money, but honestly, it was pocket change to him.

Now that he's running out of time, aside from whatever he leaves to his parents, I was making damn sure Silas got everything else.

My lawyer explained, "Ms. Sterling, for a DNA test to count legally, both sides have to agree. If you do it behind someone's back and they refuse to accept the results, it's basically useless in court.

"So you'll need to work it out with Mr. Foster. If he's on board, no problem. But if he refuses, things could get messy. He's got serious pull in Jinlward, and honestly, that worries me."

"I get what you're saying, Mr. West. Thanks, I understand," I replied.

After seeing the lawyer out, I went back to the bedroom and watched Silas sleep, my mind wandering, until the doorbell rang.

Not wanting to wake Silas, I hurried out and quietly closed the bedroom door behind me.

I figured it was hotel staff, but when I opened the door, Matthew was standing right there.

Was he coming straight from another secret rendezvous with his stepsister?