Chapter 245

The receptionist quickly bowed. "Thank you, Mr. Montgomery." After expressing her gratitude, she turned and hurried away.

Julian studied the woman standing before him with an unreadable expression, though he detected a flicker of suppressed fury beneath her composed exterior. He leaned back casually. "Well, well, Sophia. Finally decided to show yourself? I was beginning to think Ethan had locked you away in some gilded cage forever."

Sophia's cheeks flushed. "I'm not here for games. I came for my daughter."

Her gaze snapped to Ethan. "Lily just arrived in Harborview. She's not used to the food or the environment here. It's already past noon—tell me where she is. Now."

Before Ethan could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

"Ethan, is this the infamous Sophia Montgomery?" Eleanor Blackwood strode in, her tone dripping with disdain as she glared at Sophia.

"Aunt Eleanor." Julian rose slightly, offering a polite nod.

"Hmph." Eleanor's expression softened marginally. "Julian Montgomery. I heard you were recently promoted. General now, isn't it?"

Julian's lips curved into an easy smile. "Not many still call me 'young master' these days. It's refreshing to hear."

Eleanor didn’t return the smile. "Everyone knows you're a wolf in sheep's clothing. When you strike, the whole city trembles."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Auntie." Julian chuckled.

Eleanor ignored him, turning her sharp gaze back to Ethan. "Ethan! Is this the woman who turned Harborview upside down six years ago? The one who entangled herself with Vincent Holloway, ruined Noah Whitmore, and nearly destroyed the Thornton family?"

Her voice turned venomous. "She's poison. You are the face of Blackwood Enterprises. Your reputation is everything. Even if you're just playing around, she isn't worthy of touching you!"

Sophia clenched her fists but remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.

What could she say?

Six years ago, she had been powerless. Nothing had changed.

Ethan's voice was ice. "Aunt Eleanor, company policy prohibits family interference in business matters. You retired years ago. You don’t belong here."

"This isn’t about business!" Eleanor snapped. "This is about family! You may not be my blood, but I’ve raised you as my own. You know how your brothers died. You're the last heir of the Blackwood name. Your father, your grandparents—the entire family depends on you. Do you understand that?"

Ethan didn’t flinch. "My mother taught me everything I need to know. If this is a family matter, we’ll discuss it at home."

He pressed a button on his desk. "Abigail, escort Mrs. Blackwood out."

"Yes, sir." Abigail Carter stepped in smoothly. "Madam, this way."

Eleanor's face darkened, but she had no choice. With a final glare, she stormed out.

The office fell silent, leaving only Sophia, Ethan, and Julian.

"Mr. Blackwood," Sophia said coolly. "Where is my daughter? I want to see her. Now."

"Are your injuries healed?" Ethan asked abruptly.

Sophia blinked. "What injuries?"

Ethan exhaled sharply.

This infuriatingly oblivious woman.

"Six years without me, and suddenly I overfed you. Did the wounds from stretching reopen?" he clarified bluntly.

Julian burst out laughing. "Damn, Ethan. You’re built like a tank, and Sophia’s so delicate. You really need to learn restraint."

Sophia’s face burned. She covered it with her hands, as if that would hide her embarrassment.

"Women who blush this easily are practically extinct," Julian mused. "No wonder you’ve been hiding her. The real world would corrupt her innocence."

He glanced at Ethan, who was focused on his computer. A projection flickered to life on the opposite wall.

"What are you—" Julian started, but then the image sharpened.

A little girl pranced around a spacious office, surrounded by young professionals. She held a handful of slime, which she promptly smeared onto an unsuspecting man’s face.

"Ahhh!" The man feigned horror.

Lily collapsed into giggles. "Hahaha! So funny!"

"Lily!" Sophia lunged forward without thinking, her hands pressing against the projection.

"There," Ethan said gruffly.

Sophia whirled around, rushing to his desk. Before he could stop her, she slid into his chair. His arms caged her in as he adjusted the screen, pulling up a live feed.

"Lily!" Sophia called, trembling.

"Mommy?" Lily’s face lit up. "Where are you? How can I see you?"

"I’m with your—" Sophia hesitated. "With Ethan. Where are you, sweetheart?"

Lily blinked. "So you admit he’s my daddy?"

Sophia faltered. "What?"

Lily grinned. "The bad man brought me to his huge company today. It’s bigger than my kindergarten! And bigger than the playground!"

She leaned closer to the screen. "But everyone here keeps saying the same thing."

"What?" Sophia asked warily.

"They all ask, 'Did this kid come to the CEO for child support?'"

Sophia froze.

Julian choked on his laughter.

"Mommy," Lily continued, her tiny brows furrowing. "Does the bad man owe us money? If he does, does that mean we don’t have to pay him back?"

The logic of a five-year-old was flawless.