Chapter 215

Sophia: "Live... live in your house?"

Ethan didn't answer her. Instead, he took Lily's hand and walked out. The little girl followed him obediently, their strides perfectly in sync.

Sophia trailed behind, stunned.

A whirlwind of emotions churned in her chest. Just like Ethan had been cast out by the Blackwood family as a child, forced into exile by his mother Victoria, now her own daughter faced the same fate.

She quietly followed them to the car, but just as she was about to step inside, a man suddenly approached from the side.

He was in his fifties or sixties, with a bloated face, a completely bald head, and only a few strands of hair clinging to the sides—a pathetic attempt at a comb-over that did nothing to hide his baldness.

The man stopped in front of Ethan and said flatly, "Mr. Blackwood, have you... just returned from your trip?"

Ethan's expression turned icy. "And you are?"

"I'm an executive at Sterling Holdings. My name is Gregory Wilson. You can call me Greg, Mr. Blackwood. I just... came here with Daniel to check on your father's condition."

"Busybody," Ethan replied coldly.

Gregory bowed obsequiously. "I... I wanted to help you."

Ethan's frown deepened. "Explain."

He was still holding Lily's hand, and now the little girl mirrored his frown, staring up at the annoying old man.

"I hold a senior position at Sterling Holdings. Daniel often discusses family matters with me, so I know that six years ago, this woman—" He gestured toward Sophia. "—ruined your life. I heard you personally went to retrieve her this time to punish her."

Ethan's voice was frigid. "Correct."

Gregory's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Have you decided how to punish her yet?"

Sophia stared at him with hollow eyes.

Punish her?

Hah.

In this city, there were probably countless people like this old man who wanted to see her suffer.

The Thorntons. The Whitmores. The Sullivans. And now, Ethan Blackwood.

She had no idea what kind of torment awaited her and her daughter.

Sometimes, she wondered if death would be easier.

Right now, she could only pray that Ethan would show them mercy.

Sophia, Ethan, and Nathan all watched as the bald, pot-bellied man eagerly laid out his plan.

His voice trembled with barely contained excitement. "Mr. Blackwood, this woman is a born seductress. She lured one man after another—first Daniel, then William Thornton, and even tried to sabotage your wedding to Isabella. Since she loves to flaunt herself, why not let her do it properly?"

Gregory licked his lips. "I'd be happy to take care of her. I'll make sure she's obedient and submissive. And when I'm done with her, I'll throw her into the filthiest brothel in the city. That way, she'll suffer and make you money."

Sophia's blood boiled. "You disgusting old pig! I hope you rot in hell!"

This vile creature had heard the rumors about her and assumed Ethan had dragged her back for revenge. He thought he could curry favor by offering to "handle" her—enjoying her body while claiming it was for Ethan's benefit.

The audacity.

Before the old man could react, Nathan shoved him hard. The two-hundred-pound man toppled like a sack of potatoes, his flabby body quivering as he hit the ground.

Before he could get up, Ethan gave Nathan a look, and the bodyguard immediately hauled the man away.

"Mr. Blackwood! You—you don't want my help?" His voice faded into the distance.

Ethan's expression was glacial.

So cold that Sophia didn't dare speak.

He picked Lily up, carried her to the car, then turned to Sophia. "Get in."

She obeyed silently.

She had no interest in admiring how much Harborview City had changed in six years. But she soon realized Ethan was driving them to the same penthouse where they had once lived.

Thirty minutes later, the car stopped.

Ethan got out, still holding Lily.

Sophia noticed that while he hadn't spoken the entire ride, Lily wasn't afraid of him at all. She even had her arms wrapped around his neck.

Sophia followed them into the elevator and up to the penthouse.

The door opened to reveal a middle-aged housekeeper. "Master, you're back. As you instructed, I've prepared the white fungus and lotus seed soup, as well as the desserts children love."

Then she spotted Lily and gasped. "Oh! The little princess is home!"

Lily blinked up at Ethan. "Aren’t you going to kill Mommy and me? Why are you being so nice?"

Ethan’s voice was flat. "I will. But you're too skinny. I'll fatten you up first."

Sophia: "..."

"Sit. Eat," he ordered.

"I... I'm not hungry," Sophia said warily.

"Fine. The ten million you owe me starts accruing interest now."

"...I'll eat."

She had no choice.

She watched as Lily dug in happily.

The journey had taken hours—first the car ride, then the flight, then the hospital. The little girl was starving and ate with gusto.

Sophia barely touched her food.

She couldn’t let her guard down around Ethan.

But Lily’s wariness faded by the minute. Children were so easily swayed. After just a few hours, she no longer feared him.

By the time she finished eating, she was nodding off.

Ethan carried her to the guest bedroom.

The moment Sophia stepped out, she collided with his chest.

His arms wrapped around her.

She stiffened. "Wh-what are you doing?"