**Gaia's POV**

I knock his hand away from my face, anger flaring hot in my chest at his presumptuous touch.

"I refuse your proposition," I say coldly, putting steel in my voice. "I won't believe your nonsense story. I'm certain Dennis and I share no blood relation whatsoever. The same white hair color is just coincidence—nothing more."

The words come out firm and convincing. Let him think I've dismissed his entire story.

But even ...