Chapter 247

Sophia didn’t know how to respond.

Did she owe anything?

Yes.

But would he acknowledge it?

He would never accept Lily as his own. To him, she was nothing but a stain on his reputation, wasn’t she?

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Sophia forced a smile and asked softly, "Lily, sweetheart, where are you right now? Did you have lunch? Was the food okay? Are you scared? Do you miss Mommy?"

Lily pondered for a moment before answering, "Mommy, the bad man isn’t so bad. He gave me yummy steamed eggs and pumpkin balls for lunch—my favorites! I miss you a little. Mommy… are you coming to get me? I’m upstairs in the planning department. Where is this place?"

She turned to the handsome boy she’d been playing with. "Big brother, where are we?"

The boy grinned. "This is the planning department, little princess."

"Mommy, I’m in the planning department!"

Planning department!

Sophia shot to her feet, but before she could take a step, Ethan’s arms wrapped around her from behind. "Do you want my entire company to stop working just because of you?"

Sophia stiffened. "I just want to see my daughter. Is that too much to ask?"

Ethan’s jaw tightened. "Sit down and wait. I’ll call her in."

With that, he strode out, pausing only to glare at Julian. "Why are you still here?"

Julian smirked. "Keeping your little wife company. Wouldn’t want her to feel lonely."

Ethan ignored him and left.

Now alone with Julian, Sophia sat stiffly. Julian was the picture of elegance, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He smiled warmly. "Sophia, I hear you’re in architectural design?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Planning to stick with it?"

Plans?

What plans could she possibly have?

Ethan had her trapped. Her dreams, her future—none of it mattered anymore. The only thing that did was Lily’s safety.

The irony wasn’t lost on her.

These people played with her life like a game, yet addressed her so politely—Mrs. Blackwood, little sister.

Pathetic.

She kept her gaze lowered, refusing to engage.

Julian studied her. "You’re different. Then again, any woman who catches Ethan’s eye would have to be."

Silence stretched between them until, five minutes later, the door burst open.

"Mommy!"

Lily bounded in, and Sophia rushed forward, scooping her into her arms as if she hadn’t seen her in years. Tears welled in her eyes. "You’re okay."

Ethan watched coldly. "She’s my hostage. Of course she’s safe. Your worry is unnecessary."

Julian chuckled. "Tomorrow’s event is a big one. Bring your little family along."

Ethan gave a curt nod. "Fine."

Once Julian left, Sophia clutched Lily tighter and met Ethan’s gaze. "Am I supposed to entertain your guests now?"

His expression darkened. "What did you just say?"

Her heart turned to ice.

She’d run into Isabella the moment she stepped out. The woman’s words had made it clear—Isabella was still his fiancée. Sophia? Just a tool. A debt repayment.

The man earlier—handsome, polished—was undoubtedly one of Ethan’s clients.

And now, she was expected to play hostess.

This was only the beginning. The end? Probably the day she rotted away in some ditch.

The thought made her shudder.

She held Lily close, whispering, "I’ll do whatever you want. Just… let her live. If you don’t want her, send her to an orphanage. Just let her survive."

Ethan’s jaw clenched.

Rage simmered beneath his skin. If not for Lily’s presence, he might’ve strangled her right then.

A knock interrupted them.

"Mr. Blackwood."

"Come in," Ethan bit out.

Nathan entered, then hesitated at the sight before him. "Uh… should I come back later—"

"Now."

Nathan scurried in. "Sir, ma’am… I, uh, came to take the little princess for steak. She mentioned craving beef ribs earlier, so I reserved a table at Le Jardin Étoilé. The meat’s best fresh, so…"

Sophia blinked.

She turned to Ethan, incredulous. "You’re treating your hostage to Michelin-starred meals? Is this motivation for me to work harder?"

Ethan and Nathan exchanged glances.

"Take her," Ethan ordered.

Nathan nodded. "Little princess?"

Lily glanced at Sophia, hope shining in her eyes. She’d grown up in Willowbrook County—fine dining was a fantasy.

But if Mommy said no…

Sophia’s heart ached. She stroked Lily’s hair. "Go ahead, sweetheart. Mommy’s never had steak there. Eat extra for me, okay?"

Lily beamed. "Thank you, Mommy! I’ll go with Uncle Nathan!"

Once they left, silence fell.

Sophia faced Ethan squarely. "Who do you want me to accompany? I’m ready."

She didn’t see the storm brewing in his eyes.

With a violent swipe of his arm, he slammed the door shut. The impact made her jump.

When she looked up, his expression was terrifying.

"W-what are you doing?" She stumbled back, landing hard on the floor.