Chapter 325

Lily had always been fearless.

For two years in Willowbrook County's kindergarten, she'd gotten into more fights than anyone could count.

Every single time, it was because some brat mocked her for not having a father.

Or worse—insulted her mother right to her face.

And every single time, Lily fought back fiercely.

But today?

She had escalated from scrapping with kids to provoking adults.

Sophia felt a cold sweat break down her spine.

The adult world was far too dangerous for a five-year-old to navigate. No matter how brave Lily was, she was still just a child.

Sophia’s priority was her daughter’s safety.

She snapped into the phone, "Lily Blackwood! If I ever catch you messing with adults again, I swear I’ll—"

Lily’s voice wobbled. "Mommy, I just wanted to help you…"

"I don’t need your help!" Sophia’s tone was sharp. She had always been strict with discipline.

"But those women were trying to—"

"Enough!" Sophia cut her off. "You listen to me—if you pull another stunt like this, I will—"

"Don’t you dare threaten my daughter!"

Ethan’s icy voice sliced through the call before Sophia could finish.

Sophia froze.

Ethan’s tone was lethal. "Why shouldn’t she provoke them? Those women deserved it. Are you telling my daughter to just take their insults? What kind of mother are you?"

What infuriated him most was Sophia’s rejection.

Lily had been defending her.

And Sophia had dismissed it like it meant nothing.

Like he meant nothing.

Before Sophia could respond, the line went dead.

Her chest tightened.

She had been worried about Lily going to the Blackwood estate.

Now?

She was terrified.

She had planned to grab lunch, then head to the bookstore for architecture references.

But now?

All she wanted was to get home.

The elevator doors opened.

Sophia rushed out—

And collided hard with someone.

Papers scattered everywhere.

"I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!"

She dropped to her knees, scrambling to gather the documents.

The man she’d crashed into knelt beside her. "It’s fine. Let me help."

His voice was warm.

Sophia handed him the stack she’d collected—

And froze.

"Alexander?"

Six years had matured him.

But his kindness hadn’t changed.

He was the one who had helped her escape Harborview City.

The one who had stood between her and Ethan back then.

Her gaze softened with gratitude.

Alexander studied her. "Sophia… are you okay? I heard Ethan took you back. I wanted to reach out, but—"

"I’m fine," she said simply.

Two words.

No elaboration.

Even when grateful, Sophia kept her emotions guarded.

Alexander exhaled in relief. "Looking for work?"

She nodded. "Montgomery Designs. They hired me as an architect."

His eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Why?" She tilted her head.

"That’s my friend’s firm," he admitted. "I can ask them to—"

"No." Sophia shook her head firmly. "I earn my place on my own."

Alexander smiled. "I believe in you."

From the moment they met, he’d seen the resemblance between her and his late aunt.

It was uncanny.

Yet his grandfather had declared Isabella as his aunt’s daughter.

Alexander had never trusted her.

But without proof, he couldn’t challenge it.

Now, seeing Sophia again, he had to know.

"Sophia… do you have time for coffee?"

She tensed. "If you have questions, ask me here."

She didn’t want unnecessary contact.

Alexander understood.

After everything the elite had put her through, her walls were high.

He hesitated, then asked quietly, "What’s your connection to the Thornton family?"

Sophia went still.

"Is it… a secret?"

Her fingers curled into her palms.

"No," she finally said. "But some answers come with a price."

And she wasn’t sure she was ready to pay it.