When Teresa got home, Michael was still brimming with excitement from his trip. He couldn't stop talking about the delicious food Jonathan had introduced him to, or how he'd visited Candy Castle and seen colorful candies for the first time. Smiling up at Teresa, he added, "Mommy, I'll ask Mr. Lime if my family can come along too. I'll bring you!"

Teresa smiled. "Thank you, Mike."

Michael held her hand and said sweetly, "We're stuck like glue, after all."

Teresa was amused and exasperated. Although she trusted Jonathan wouldn't pursue another DNA test, the possibility left her restless. "Michael, listen to me," she said firmly. "I let you spend time with Mr. Lime, but that's enough. From now on, you can't keep bothering him or asking to see him again."

"But—" Michael began.

"No buts. Did you forget what you promised me?" Teresa shot back.

Michael pouted but didn't argue. He had agreed to follow his mom's rules, and after spending five days with Jonathan, he seemed content enough. Exhausted from his trip, he soon fell asleep.

Once Michael was in bed, Teresa put away his travel gear. Then, feeling anxious, she called Jennifer. "Dr. Nelson, do you remember when I gave birth at your hospital? I'm calling to make sure my delivery records are still secure. I'm worried my ex-husband might try to look into them."

Although Jennifer hadn't delivered Michael, she still worked at the same hospital. "Don't worry. Our hospital has strict regulations. No one but the patient can access those records—it's illegal otherwise."

"Thanks for your help. I must be overthinking. He's a busy man, after all," Teresa replied.

"Rest assured, your records are safe with me," Jennifer reassured her. I wonder how long Teresa plans to keep this secret. No matter, as her older sister, I'll do everything I can to protect her, Jennifer thought.

Back at Horizonlead Group, Keith had returned, but Christian hadn't, as he was still in mourning. Jonathan noted the updates with a nod, not pressing the matter further.

Keith hesitated before adding, "Mr. Lynn, about Christian's child… I'm certain he doesn't have any children. If he did, he wouldn't have stayed silent while my uncle was on his deathbed."

Jonathan recalled Christian's strange words upon leaving: "Mike is not my son."

Dismissing Keith, Jonathan sat alone on the sunlit couch, lost in thought. Finally, he pulled a clear bag from his pocket. On the way back from the trip, he'd gathered strands of both his and Michael's hair, placing them in the bag.

Taking out his phone, he called Donald. "It's me. Is your hospital a tertiary hospital? Can you run a DNA test?"

"Yeah, we can do that," Donald replied. "We're a legitimate tertiary hospital. In fact, the transgenerational inheritance department is located right above my department. Why, who needs a DNA test?"

Donald was unaware of the previous DNA test because Cheryl had discreetly managed it herself. After completing the test, she shared the results only with Jonathan and Irene. Since then, the subject hadn't been brought up again.

"What's the name of your hospital? I'll come to you," Jonathan said.

Donald agreed, and the call ended. Moments later, he crossed paths with Jennifer, who was sipping coffee in the break room. "I have something I need to take care of. I'm heading back to the office," he told her.

Jennifer nodded, watching him closely as he left. Her narrowed eyes reflected her suspicion.

Half an hour later, Jonathan arrived at the hospital, a clear bag in hand. He placed it on Donald's desk and said, "A friend of mine needs a DNA test to confirm if the child is his. Both their hair samples are in this bag."

"Is it urgent? The soonest we can have the results is 24 hours," Donald replied.

Jonathan glanced at his watch. "That's fine. Send the results to me in Luviston Estates tomorrow. And don't tell anyone about this."