Chapter 456:


    Once their figures faded from view, a swift figure slipped into the private room, deftly collecting the tableware and ss that Alicia had used.


    Corey leaned back in the car, massaging his temples with his eyes shut tight.


    His secretary, Kyler, slid into the passenger seat, handing Corey a small bag.


    “Mr.


    Hampton, I’ve managed to collect Alicia’s DNA samples.”


    Corey opened his eyes, gently rubbing them as if trying to clear a fog from his mind.


    The emotions swirling within him were like ake disturbed by a sudden gust of wind, rippling with tension.


    Just then, a car pulled up outside and stopped.


    Caden leaned against the window, a smirk ying on his lips.


    “Mr.


    Hampton, are you in no rush to leave?”


    Corey’s face broke into a smile as he replied, “No rush.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I’m just taking a moment to clear my head.”


    He raised the hand clutching the sample and lit a cigarette with a flick of his lighter.


    The parchment was still nk.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, he waved it under Caden’s nose, daring him with a nonchnt air.


    He was terrified that Caden would discover the truth, yet equally afraid he wouldn’t.


    The thrill of the moment made Corey chuckle.


    He offered a cigarette, his grin widening.


    “Mr.


    Ward, care to join me?”


    His gaze drifted past Caden’s face,nding on Alicia.


    Caden shook his head and replied, “I don’t smoke.”


    Corey nodded and watched as Caden drove off.


    Leaning back, he observed Caden’s car disappear into the distance.


    A lingering smile yed on his lips.


    Kyler held his breath and said, “You’re quite bold, Mr.


    Hampton.”


    After all, Caden had keen eyes.


    Even if he couldn’t identify the sample as Alicia’s, Corey’s tant provocation was enough to stir suspicion.


    Corey’s smile faded, his voice taking on a deliberate slowness.


    “No matter how sharp he is, he can’t predict the unknown.


    If he knew everything, he would already be ruling the world.”


    Kyler asked, “Mr.


    Hampton, where will the paternity test be conducted?”


    Corey nced at the file folder, his expression unreadable.


    “We’ll do it in Devarlton.


    Keep it discreet.” Inwardly, he had already found the answer.


    Alicia was allergic to alcohol, just like that person.


    Too many coincidences were piling up to be mere chance anymore.


    However, for safety’s sake, it was best to confirm.


    He had to be certain about Alicia’s identity.


    Meanwhile, Alicia gazed out at the streetlights fading into the distance.


    Out of the blue, she broke the silence, her voice steady.


    “Corey has been investigating me.”


    Caden wasn’t taken aback by that revtion.


    During dinner, Corey cast furtive nces at Alicia more than once.


    His gazecked the warmth of genuine emotion or affection; he wasn’t the type to ogle women.


    Therefore, looking too many times raised suspicions.


    Buying the painting in Alicia’s gallery had indeed been just a pretext.


    Deep down, it served another purpose.


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