The note on it was terse, just two words scrawled in a hasty script: [Appraisal, wrong!]

It was a clear message that the appraisal they had was incorrect.

They knew that many were searching for Sasha, and word of this was common knowledge amongst the ancient warrior lineages. However, no one knew that they believed Vivienne to be Sasha's child and had even gone as far as to do a paternity test with her.

The person who slipped the paper to Jasper obviously knew their family affairs like the back of his hand.

This was not good news.

"I found it on my pillow when I woke up two days ago," Jasper said, lifting his eyes to meet his son's, a wry chuckle escaping his lips. "Funny, isn't it? Someone got into my room right under your noses, and nobody noticed!"

Yuri broke out in a cold sweat. "Dad! Why didn't you mention something this serious earlier?"

"That person harbors no ill will."

Jasper knew he might not have been alive to tell the tale if there had been any malice.

"But you should have told us so we could beef up security," Yuri protested, visibly shaken.

Jasper was unharmed, but if something had happened, his siblings would have torn him apart.

"I kept it to myself because I've been pondering over the accuracy of this information," Jasper said, his face growing stern. "That's why I've decided to run another paternity test. And this stays between us. We'l get Willa to do it."

"But Willa, she..."

Before Yuri could finish, Jasper cut him off with a commanding tone, "Once she conducts the test, I'll let her walk away from the Perez family."

Yuri opened his mouth to speak, but Jasper's icy stare silenced him. He sighed, "Understood."

Jasper glanced at him and added, "Go to Vivienne. Get blood, hair, saliva-anything that can be tested."

Yuri twitched at the corner of his mouth. "Isn't that a bit intrusive?"

intruded. Vivienne is smart; she's guessed we did the test," Jasper stated. "If we're doing it again, let's do it right. It's better to be upfront

The next day.

commotion in her living room. It sounded like someone

had only recently moved to Rivenwood and was not likely

surely would not show up

voices

stepped out of

missed

could fully step out, Dawson

stepped back and

bang, Dawson's nose

tissue. "Dawson, here, wipe it off. Are

the blood off and said, "I'm fine,

did Vivienne emerge from her room and casually took a piece

others had finished long ago. Only Dawson had taken so long, not finishing

with him lately, and now he had the nerve to show up on

his bloody nose, Dawson sat across Vivienne and grinned sheepishly, "Done. I brought it

flashed a

not be bothered and glanced over

The handwriting was atrocious.

Ten Commandments and eyed Dawson. "What brings you to

breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "I'm here to discuss a

an eyebrow.

the one. You interested too?" Dawson

"Mm-hmm."

yours, Vivienne. Whatever you want, even the stars and the moon, I'll pull them down

simply closed her eyes, refusing to engage

discussion was about, but he knew better than

the help you've given us. Without it, I wouldn't have settled in so

eager "Sure thing!" was promptly retracted. "I can't,

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