Chapter 305

Liam Sterling walked out of the building in disgrace, his mood sinking into the depths of despair.

Every time he saw Sophia Montgomery, his heart twisted in agony, as if life itself had become unbearable.

She was calmer now, more indifferent than six years ago—more mature, more captivating.

Yet, she would never return to his side.

Liam knew he had lost to Ethan Blackwood, utterly and completely.

Once, Ethan had been nothing more than a follower, never daring to dream of taking a woman from Liam.

But now?

Ethan had devoted his life to protecting Sophia, while Liam had played with her life like a cruel game.

One man had destroyed her.

The other had saved her.

Their places in her heart could never be the same.

With a heavy sigh, Liam reached his car—only to find Nathan Carter standing in his path.

"Mr. Sterling," Nathan said, his tone respectful but firm.

Liam nodded. "Nathan. What brings you here?"

Nathan studied him. "You're not a stupid man, nor are you truly cruel. So why did you ever think that game was a good idea? Where is that vile woman, Isabella Thornton?"

Some women appeared noble, untouchable—like princesses.

But beneath the surface, they were nothing more than players in a twisted game.

Isabella.

Charlotte Kensington.

They had both reveled in the cruelty.

Then there were women like Sophia—women who looked like they had nothing, who stood alone in the world, battered by life.

Yet they were the ones who could never be toyed with.

Touch them once, and you were doomed.

Liam's eyes burned with unshed tears. "Nathan... it's the greatest regret of my life."

Nathan exhaled sharply. "Sophia never harmed you. She never asked for any of this. Why did you have to destroy her?"

Liam clenched his fists. "Because I was a fool."

"Don't let Mr. Blackwood hear you say that," Nathan warned.

Without another word, Liam got into his car and drove away.

Nathan watched him go, a faint smile touching his lips.

Perhaps, after all this, the young master has finally grown up.

Upstairs, Sophia sat in an internet café, typing out job applications.

Nathan observed her from a distance before slipping into a quiet corner to call Ethan.

"Sir, Mrs. Blackwood is at the internet café, preparing resumes."

Ethan's voice was sharp. "Come back immediately. I have a task for you."

"Yes, sir."

Nathan left without another glance.

By the time Sophia finished printing fifty copies of her resume, it was already past three in the afternoon.

She checked the time—Lily would be out of kindergarten soon.

She took two buses to reach the school, only to find Ethan's sleek black car already parked outside.

Sophia approached cautiously. "You're early."

Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he handed her a thick folder.

Sophia opened it—and froze.

Inside were meticulously forged documents: a university degree, transcripts, even a graduation photo of her younger self.

Her throat tightened. "When did you...?"

Ethan's expression remained unreadable. "I refuse to let my daughter's mother wander around without a degree, begging for jobs."

Sophia bit her lip. "Thank you."

Silence stretched between them.

She knew this wasn’t for her.

It was for Lily.

Ethan had no kindness left for her—only obligation.

Still, it was more than she had ever expected.

She had learned long ago to be grateful for scraps.

When Ethan spoke again, his voice was cold. "Lily will take my surname."

Sophia didn’t argue. "Of course."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "No objections?"

She shook her head. "None."

What good would objections do?

Her opinion had never mattered.

The fact that Ethan had even told her—that he hadn’t simply taken Lily away—was already more mercy than she deserved.

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

Six years ago, she had been distant.

Now, she was ice.

It infuriated him.

Posting resumes in an internet café?

Announcing her prison record to the world?

What company would hire her?

Did she truly believe she could survive on her own?

Foolish woman.

Before he could snap at her, Sophia spoke first.

"Don’t worry. I know my place. I won’t mention our connection. I won’t embarrass you."

Ethan scoffed. "See that you don’t."

Sophia nodded. "I won’t."

She had never been one to cling.

If he wanted distance, she would give him oceans of it.

Just then, the kindergarten doors opened.

Children streamed out in orderly lines.

Sophia rushed forward, reaching the front just as Lily spotted her.

The little girl’s face lit up.

Then she saw Ethan—and her joy doubled.

For the first time, both her parents had come to pick her up.

She bounced between them in the car, grinning like she had won the lottery.

Sophia’s heart ached.

Lily deserved this.

Even if it was just an illusion.

Even if it wouldn’t last.

For now, she would let her daughter have this happiness.