Andrew's entrance was like a thunderstorm rolling into a quiet valley. His sharp gaze swept the room, locking onto Arnold with a look that could have shattered glass. Rachel instinctively moved closer to Ethan, shielding him from the escalating tension.
"Andrew," Rachel began, her voice trembling, "this isn't the time—"
"Not the time?" Andrew cut her off, his voice tight with suppressed fury. "Do you think there's ever going to be a right time to explain why this man—" He pointed an accusatory finger at Arnold, "—is standing here claiming to be Ethan's father?"
Ethan's eyes darted between the adults, his confusion evident. He clutched Rachel's arm tightly, his small hand trembling. "Mom… what's going on?"
Arnold stepped forward, his posture calm but resolute. "I'm here because the truth needed to come out, Andrew. Ethan deserves to know who his real father is. You had no right to keep that from him."
