Chapter 483

"So... about that—"

Adrian's gaze flickered nervously as he considered the question. He couldn't risk revealing his true identity—that he was the son of Nathaniel Blackwood himself. That would ruin any chance of this man agreeing to help his mother.

Steeling himself, he adopted a serious tone. "My father is Liam Osborne. You know him, right? Mommy says he's not bad at all. He's the heir to the Osborne family, one of the Elite Eight in Newport City. And with the Lockhart and Osborne families combined, taking down the Blackwoods will be easy!"

"Is that so?" Mr. Q's voice was sharp, laced with irritation. "Your mother has quite the ambition."

Vivian Lockhart, you deceitful woman. Did you really think you could fool me?

But it didn't matter. Whether this boy carried Blackwood blood or not, as long as he was Vivian's son, the deal was worth it.

Expressionless, Mr. Q pushed open the car door and stepped out, his long strides carrying him into the pawnshop.

Adrian, fearless as ever, trailed behind with cheerful little hops, as if this were just another ordinary day. The boy had nerves of steel.

Inside, a handsome young man in a pristine white coat greeted them warmly. "Welcome back, Mr. Q. So... this is the 'priceless treasure' you mentioned?"

The man was Carter Whitmore, manager of the Crimson Emporium. Though young, his sharp, discerning eyes had earned him a reputation as the top appraiser in the business. Nothing entered the shop without his approval.

His gaze swept over Adrian, assessing. "He's adorable, sure, but clearly raised like royalty. He won't be much use for labor, nor is he worth much in resale. What's the point of bringing him here?"

Days ago, Carter had been buzzing with excitement over Mr. Q's promised "rare find." But this? Just some pampered brat?

"That's none of your concern," Mr. Q replied coolly. "Just make sure he's comfortable for the next few days."

He shoved his hands into his pockets, deliberately keeping his distance—until Adrian suddenly darted forward and latched onto his leg like a koala.

"I knew you were a good person, Mr. Q!" the boy chirped, his voice sweet and innocent.

Mr. Q froze, torn between pushing him away and... something else.

Adrian tilted his round, cherubic face up, beaming like sunshine. Then, in a startlingly mature tone, he declared, "Congratulations. You passed my test. I can introduce you to Mommy now. Work hard as her assistant, and your future will be bright!"

Both men stared, speechless.

Carter finally understood why his boss wanted this kid. His sheer audacity was rare even among adults. With the right polishing, his potential was limitless.

He braced for Mr. Q's fury—rumors said the man despised physical contact.

Instead, Mr. Q merely ruffled Adrian's hair and muttered, "Don't push your luck."

Wait... is this brat actually his secret son?!

The next morning, Sophia Osborne eased open Vivian's bedroom door, peeking inside.

The room was immaculate, showing no signs of the "passionate night" she'd anticipated.

Her best friend Vivian lay curled under a thick beige blanket, fast asleep, her back turned to the door.