Chapter 259

Chapter 259

After leaving Amanda, Ethan drove straight to the Jenkins estate.

He knew Sophia usually took evening walks in the garden—a habit he'd noticed during his pursuit of her.

As the sun set, golden light filtered through the sycamore leaves onto the stone path. Sophia was exactly where he expected, walking alone along the trail beside the rose beds.

Hearing footsteps, Sophia turned around. Her brow furrowed slightly when she saw Ethan.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice remained cold, as if looking at a stranger.

Ethan stopped three meters away from her, not daring to come closer. His face was pale as paper, his eyes filled with pain and regret.

"Sophia, I need to tell you something." Ethan's voice trembled. "About... about the DNA test."

Sophia's gaze sharpened instantly, though her expression remained calm. "What DNA test?"

Ethan took a deep breath, as if summoning all his courage. "The Rivera family test... the samples were switched. It was me... I personally switched them."

Though she'd suspected as much, hearing Ethan's confession still stirred complex emotions in Sophia. She showed no shock, simply watching him quietly.

"Continue."

Seeing her calm reaction, Ethan felt even more anguished. He knew Sophia had suspected all along, and his confession came far too late.

"Amanda threatened me. She had evidence of my embezzlement and overseas gambling debts, forcing me to switch your blood sample with Augustus's at the hospital lab." Ethan's voice grew increasingly choked. "I thought I was just preventing you from reuniting with family. I never imagined she would... would impersonate your identity."

Sophia let out a cold laugh. "So you thought preventing me from finding my family wasn't harmful?"

"I was wrong!" Ethan suddenly dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Sophia, I know I committed an unforgivable mistake. I personally destroyed your chance to reunite with your family. I deserve to die!"

"Get up." Sophia's voice remained icy. "Kneeling before me won't change any facts."

Ethan shakily stood up and continued, "Amanda threatened me again today, saying if I dared betray her, she'd drag me to hell with her. But I can't go on like this... I had to tell you the truth."

Sophia listened quietly, already calculating how to use this testimony.

"Besides switching the samples, what else did you do?"

"Nothing else, just that one time." Ethan shook his head frantically. "I swear I knew nothing about Amanda's subsequent actions!"

Just then, Benjamin emerged from the estate. He'd clearly been watching from a distance, observing the situation.

"Sophia?" Benjamin approached her side, eyeing Ethan warily.

"It's fine." Sophia touched Benjamin's arm gently, signaling him to stay calm. "Ethan just confessed some very important information to me."

Benjamin's expression turned dangerous. "What information?"

Sophia concisely repeated Ethan's words. After hearing everything, a flash of murderous intent crossed Benjamin's eyes, though he quickly suppressed it.

"Are you sure you want to trust him?" Benjamin asked quietly.

"It's not about trust—it's about utility." Sophia's voice was terrifyingly calm. "His testimony is very valuable to us."

Hearing this, Ethan felt his heart break. He knew Sophia would never forgive him, but at least... at least he could face the consequences of his crimes.

"I'm willing to cooperate with the investigation and provide all evidence," Ethan said hoarsely. "Including recordings of Amanda's threats, transaction records, and the hospital's surveillance blind spot locations."

Benjamin sneered. "Now you want to cooperate? Where were you before?"

"Benjamin." Sophia stopped him, then turned to Ethan. "Do you understand what consequences you'll face?"

"I know." Ethan nodded. "Embezzlement, falsifying medical records, aiding identity fraud... I'll go to prison. But I don't care anymore. I just want... I just want the truth to come out."

Sophia studied him deeply, then told Benjamin, "Arrange protection for him. Make sure he stays alive to testify in court."

"Understood." Benjamin immediately pulled out his phone to make arrangements.

Hearing the word "protection," Ethan's eyes showed a flash of gratitude, but mostly bitterness. He knew this protection wasn't out of concern, but to ensure the integrity of the evidence.

"Thank you... Sophia." Ethan looked at her one last time. "I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness, but... I'm truly sorry."

Sophia didn't respond, simply turning to leave.

"Wait." Ethan suddenly called out to her. "There's one more thing... Amanda mentioned that Gerald might have other accomplices. She said this plan had been in the works for a long time."

This information made Sophia pause. "What accomplices?"

"I don't know the specifics, but Amanda mentioned that the woman who helped Gerald forge his identity years ago... she might still be alive."

Sophia and Benjamin exchanged a glance. They both knew Ethan was referring to Freya, whom Augustus's people were currently hunting overseas.

"I understand." Sophia nodded. "Anything else you need to tell me?"

"No, that's everything." Ethan shook his head. "I'll tell the investigators everything I know."

Benjamin's men arrived quickly and took Ethan away for protective custody.

Watching the car disappear, Benjamin put his arm around Sophia's shoulders. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Sophia leaned into his embrace. "I just didn't expect him to confess voluntarily."

"Maybe his conscience finally kicked in." Benjamin snorted coldly. "Though it's far too late."

Sophia nodded and pulled out her phone to call Augustus.

"Uncle Augustus, I have important news to share with you..."

On the other end, Augustus remained silent for a long time after hearing about Ethan's confession.

"I understand." His voice suppressed towering rage. "With Ethan's testimony, we can completely bring down those two bastards."

"Yes, but we still need to stick to the original plan," Sophia reminded him. "We can't let Gerald notice anything unusual."

"Don't worry, I'll control myself." Augustus took a deep breath. "Once we hear from overseas, we can close the net."

After hanging up, Sophia gazed at the sunset over the distant mountains, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

The truth was about to come to light, and those who had hurt her and her family would all pay the price.