Chapter 426

"Dominic bribed someone?"

Lillian Prescott could hardly picture the composed, dignified man resorting to bribery. The revelation hit her like a physical blow.

Holding her breath, she strained to catch every word of her adoptive father's hushed conversation with his secretary.

"Last month, Municipal Party Committee Secretary Mr. Whitmore was detained in a major corruption case. To reduce his sentence, he provided detailed accounts of everyone involved, including past bribery schemes. Shockingly, one of those names was Dominic Blackwood—the rising star of A City, the man who single-handedly boosted its economy..."

"Mr. Prescott, here's the evidence. Mr. Whitmore was meticulous. He secretly recorded every transaction. What should we do?"

If this involved an ordinary executive, the law would take its course. But Dominic wasn't just anyone.

He controlled two-thirds of A City's economy. His downfall would send shockwaves through the stock market, scare off foreign investors, and trigger an economic crisis. The fallout would be catastrophic.

The rustling of papers filled the room.

Jonathan Prescott's voice was measured, deliberate. "We can't move against him yet. This is too big. Let me think it through. We'll escalate only if absolutely necessary."

Disappointment laced his sigh.

Jonathan had always admired Dominic.

The man was brilliant—bold, visionary, relentless. He'd transformed a failing company into a global empire in mere years.

But no successful businessman had clean hands.

Jonathan could overlook minor indiscretions—if they stayed buried. But this? Hard evidence of bribery? A stain that couldn't be erased.

"Suppress it for now. I need time."

Weighing the consequences, Jonathan finally gestured to his secretary. "It's late. You came early to brief me. Lucas, join me for breakfast."

Lucas inclined his head. "As you wish, sir."

Their footsteps echoed as they left the study.

Lillian barely had time to pretend she'd just arrived. Heart pounding, she raised a hand as if to knock.

"Dad! I was just coming to get you for breakfast. Uncle Lucas, you're here too." She forced a smile. "Mom sent me."

Jonathan beamed, always pleased with his clever daughter. "Perfect timing. Let's go down together."

Lucas's sharp gaze flicked to Lillian. He said nothing, but his scrutiny made her skin prickle.

She kept her expression neutral, though cold sweat dampened her back.

Only when they descended did she exhale.

Lucas missed nothing. But she was a good actress. Surely he hadn't noticed her eavesdropping.

Before following, she stole one last glance at the study.

The shock still reverberated through her. And then—an idea. Wild, dangerous.

Breakfast was a blur.

Lillian rushed to an exclusive hospital—a favorite among elites for its discretion.

The doctor, a woman in her thirties with an impeccable reputation, handed her a sealed envelope.

Lillian's hands trembled as she tore it open.

The DNA report.

A 99.99% match.

Her face drained of color.

"No... This can't be right." Her voice shook. "Doctor, there must be a mistake."

"Ms. Prescott, if you doubt my work, test elsewhere. But I stand by my results." The doctor's tone turned frosty.

Lillian barely heard her.

Stumbling out, she locked herself in a bathroom stall.

With frantic fingers, she shredded the report.

Hatred burned in her chest.

Evelyn Sinclair—Genevieve Prescott's biological daughter?

Anyone but her.

Anyone.

Fifteen minutes later, she emerged, composed.

A starstruck girl gasped. "Oh my God! You're Lillian Prescott! From The Orphan's Secret! Can I—"

Lillian shoved past without a word.

The girl blinked, then peered into the stall. Torn paper littered the floor.

"Wow," she muttered. "Celebrities are such slobs."