Chapter 6: A Miniature Clone

The atmosphere in Serenity’s new studio was cheerful. Alex was sitting on the sofa, eating a piece of chocolate cake while typing casually on his iPad. He looked extremely satisfied with his work.

“What are you smiling about?” Serenity asked, walking out with two cups of milk.

“Nothing,” Alex said, his little fingers swiftly closing the "hacker" application. “The network is just very... fast today.”

Before Serenity could reply, the heavy glass doors swung open once again.

The sudden cold air that swept into the room made Serenity shiver. She looked up and almost dropped the milk glasses.

Jackson. He was back.

This time, he didn't even look at Serenity. His eyes swept across the room like radar until they locked onto the sofa.

There he was.

The boy.

Time seemed to freeze in the studio. Everyone stopped what they were doing, watching the intimidating CEO slowly walk towards the five-year-old child.

Jackson’s heart slammed against his ribs.

From a distance, the boy looked normal. But as Jackson got closer, every step felt heavier than the last.

Thick eyebrows, deep-set black eyes, a high-bridged nose, and a pair of thin lips tightly pressed together.

He was wearing a mini tuxedo vest, his legs crossed elegantly on the sofa, his posture upright and proud. He looked less like a child and more like an executive reviewing a business proposal.

My God, Jackson thought, holding his breath.

It wasn't just a resemblance. It was like looking into a mirror that reflected his past from twenty-five years ago. A perfect, miniature clone of Jackson Sterling.

Even Serenity was terrified. This was the first time Jackson had seen Alex. There was no denying it now. Blind people could see the blood relation between the two.

“You...” Serenity rushed forward to block Jackson. “Why are you back here? Haven't you caused enough trouble for one day?”

Jackson gently but firmly moved her aside, his gaze never leaving the boy.

He walked up to the sofa and crouched down, placing him at eye level with the child.

Alex didn’t flinch. He slowly put down his iPad and met Jackson's gaze with the same intense, emotionless black eyes.

The large CEO and the tiny CEO stared at each other.

"Did you enjoy your little prank, kid?" Jackson asked, his voice low, a mix of danger and amusement.

"I don't know what you are talking about, sir," Alex replied smoothly. His voice was young, but his tone was incredibly steady. "Are you lost? The exit is that way."

Jackson chuckled. A deep, real laugh. "Nice try. I'm Jackson Sterling. The man whose computer you turned into a pig five minutes ago."

Serenity gasped, looking at her son in shock. He hacked the Sterling Group? My five-year-old?

Alex tilted his head slightly. "You must have zero cybersecurity if a kid could do that. That sounds like a 'you' problem, Uncle Pig."

Luke, who was standing behind Jackson, had to cough loudly to cover up his gasp. The kid just called the scariest billionaire in New York "Uncle Pig" to his face!

Jackson wasn't angry. On the contrary, a fierce sense of pride surged within him. Smart. Ruthless. Brave. Just like a Sterling.

He looked at Serenity. "Did the dead father pass on this level of IQ? Or does he get it from somewhere else?"

"He has nothing to do with you," Serenity’s voice shook. "Get away from my son, Jackson."

"Don't worry," Jackson ignored her panic. He reached out his hand towards Alex's head. "I just wanted to see what kind of brain was hiding inside this little head."

Before Alex could dodge, Jackson's large hand rested on his thick, dark hair. He gently ruffled it.

Tweak.

"Ouch!" Alex frowned, rubbing his head.

"A souvenir," Jackson stood up smoothly, sliding his hand into his pocket. His eyes gleamed with triumph. Hidden in his palm were three strands of the boy's hair, roots intact.

"You are a weirdo," Alex glared at him, genuinely annoyed for the first time.

"And you, kid, are a genius," Jackson smiled—a dangerous, predatory smile. "We will be seeing a lot more of each other. I promise you that."

Jackson turned to Serenity. "You have beautiful children, Miss Vera. I look forward to learning all about them."

With that chilling promise, Jackson turned and walked out, his steps much lighter than before.

As soon as he was out the door and into the hallway, his mask of calmness broke.

"Luke!" Jackson barked, taking the hairs out of his pocket and carefully placing them into a sterile plastic bag Luke held open. "Drive to the medical lab. Now."

"Sir, standard paternity tests take about three to five days..."

"I don't care what it costs," Jackson interrupted fiercely, stepping into the elevator. "I want a VIP rush. I want those results on my desk by 8 AM tomorrow!"

The elevator doors closed. Jackson looked at his reflection in the steel doors, his hands shaking slightly.

Five years ago, Serenity was pregnant when she left. He remembered the unread medical reports she had tried to show him on their last day. The babies she never got to mention.

If the results matched... he was a father. A father of twins.

And the woman he had let slip away... she had carried his flesh and blood, alone, for five years.

"Serenity," he whispered. This time, the name tasted like honey, wrapped around a razor blade of guilt.

Back in the studio.

Serenity collapsed onto the sofa next to Alex. Her heart was beating like a drum.

"Mommy, are you okay?" Mia ran out and hugged Serenity.

"I'm fine..." Serenity held her kids tight. She knew what Jackson did. He didn't just ruffle Alex's hair to be friendly. Jackson was too calculated for that.

He took a DNA sample.

Panic flooded her veins. Within 24 hours, the monster of New York would know the truth. The battle for her children was about to begin. And this time, she couldn't just run away.

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