Chapter: 546

"No," Jonathan said flatly.

“Why not? You're too wrapped up in your work to give him the attention he needs. It's different with me. I have all the time in the world."

Jonathan's gaze softened as he observed Rowan eating, a surprising sense of kinship washing over him. "I'll learn."

"You don't even know who his mother is, yet you're willing to spend time with him?"

Jonathan's tone grew serious. "He's my son. It's my responsibility."

Nikolas' scheme crumbled, leaving him brooding. “Had I known, I would have kept it to myself. I'd have taken him away and raised him on my own."

He nudged Rowan playfully. “Hey, kid! I accept your offer; give me that number."

Rowan flashed an OK sign. “Hand over your computer, and I'll send it through."

Puzzled, Jonathan asked, “What deal?"

"It's a secret between us! I'm not telling you!"

Jonathan watched them laughing and chatting, a complex emotion stirring within him.

Was it jealousy?

"Rowan, if you want a computer, I can secure the most advanced one out there," Jonathan offered, as though promising a child a new toy.

Rowan's eyes sparkled instantly. "Really?"

“Absolutely.”

Nikolas objected, "Jonathan, that's unfair! You can't just throw money at a child like that!"

“My son simply needs a computer."

“You haven't even confirmed it with a DNA test! What if he's not really yours?" Nikolas clung to that thin strand of hope.

But Jonathan merely arched an eyebrow. “Is there any doubt?"

Of course, Nikolas knew Rowan was Jonathan's son without a DNA test.

But...

"Have you considered how we'll identify this child's mother?"

The Bates family couldn't simply take in a child with an unknown background. The child's identity would involve many aspects; it was more than just a personal matter.

Jonathan was clearly not ready to let it rest. He wanted answers but was cautious about rushing into anything.