Richie's smirk faltered for just a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before he regained his composure. "I won't be fooled by your passive aggressive attacks, Valeria" he retorted, his voice cold and dismissive. "This child is not mine, and I will not take responsibility for someone else's mistake. There's no way I will give my family name to a bastard. Even if I married you.” 

With those callous words, Richie turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving ...