Chapter 425

"Tell me about your relationship with my birth mother. Why did you go to the hospital to pick me up instead of her?"

Gregory's expression froze, his eyes widening in shock. "You know about that?"

"Yes. And I also know you're not my real father."

So that's why she's been calling me 'Mister Whitmore' all this time. His face darkened as he snapped, "How dare you! When will you stop with this nonsense? Evelyn Whitmore, you are my daughter! Are you seriously trying to abandon your own family just because you married into wealth?"

Evelyn remained unfazed. "I'm sorry, Mister Whitmore, but I've already taken a paternity test. There's no biological connection between us, so you can't fool me."

Gregory stiffened. He hadn't expected her to go that far. "You did what behind my back?"

Evelyn crossed her arms lazily. "Oh, I didn't plan it. I just figured I might as well get tested while you and Cassandra were doing yours."

Realizing the truth was out, Gregory clenched his jaw and scoffed. "So what if we're not blood-related? I raised you—that makes me your father!"

A cold smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Did you? I don't recall you ever raising me."

Gregory had no retort. It was true—he'd never raised this adopted daughter. Instead, she'd been dumped in the countryside and only allowed back after getting into university on a full scholarship. She hadn't cost him a single penny.

But Evelyn wasn't here to argue about his failures as a parent. "Whether you're my real father or not doesn't matter. I came here to talk about my mother. Tell me everything you know about her, Mister Whitmore."

Gregory's face twisted with discomfort. "There's nothing to say! Whatever happened between us is none of your business!"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "She's my mother. That gives me every right to know the truth."

Gregory stubbornly shook his head. "Even so, I don't remember anything from back then."

"You don't remember?" Evelyn didn't flinch. She stood slowly, smoothing her dress. "Fine. If you won't talk, I'll be taking the engagement gifts with me."

The mention of losing those gifts made Gregory panic. "Wait!"

Evelyn paused, glancing back. "Yes? Has your memory returned, Mister Whitmore?"

He glared at her, frustration simmering. "I'll tell you what I know—but that's it."

Satisfied, Evelyn sat back down. "Go on."

Gregory exhaled sharply, irritation flashing across his face. "Your mother and I attended the same university. I confessed my feelings, but she rejected me. Then, fifteen years ago, I ran into her by chance. She begged me to go to the Children's Hospital to pick you up. After that, we never spoke again."

Evelyn's fingers tightened slightly. "What was her name?"

"Vivian. Vivian Sterling."

Vivian Sterling. Evelyn repeated the name silently, committing it to memory. Then she fixed Gregory with a piercing stare. "What else do you know?"