Chapter 401

"Yes." The man's reply was clipped.

Sophia: "..."

Ethan's next words sent chills down her spine. "Unless you want Noah to disappear in a foreign land."

Her eyes flew open, locking onto his. "Noah? My brother—where is he? Will you... will you finally tell me where he is? You—"

"He's alive." Three words. That's all he gave her.

She had been biting back questions about Noah for weeks. Every time the words rose to her lips, she swallowed them, terrified that voicing them might sign his death warrant.

Even now, with her heart pounding, she hadn't dared ask outright.

But he knew. Of course he knew.

If it had been any other man occupying her thoughts, Ethan would have reduced him to ashes. But Noah Whitmore wasn't just any man. For six years, he'd been the only shield between Sophia, Lily, and utter ruin.

Without Noah's sacrifice, Ethan wouldn't have a wife now.

Wouldn't have a daughter.

So he tolerated her concern—but only regarding Noah's survival. Nothing more.

At the mention of her brother, Sophia's composure shattered. Tears welled. "Please... just let him come home. He can't walk, Ethan. He's crippled for life because of me—because of your daughter!"

"Would you prefer him returned in pieces?" Ethan countered.

Her mouth snapped shut.

Wiping her cheeks, she dressed mechanically. Ethan took her hand, his grip unyielding as they stepped out—only to collide with Lily, who'd just finished breakfast. The little girl wrinkled her nose. "Mommy, that dress is ugly."

"You think so too?" Ethan arched a brow.

"Obviously! It looks like a potato sack!"

"See?" He turned to Sophia, the picture of innocence. "I told your mother it was hideous, but she insisted."

Sophia's hands balled into fists. For one reckless moment, she considered clawing that smug expression off his face.

She lunged.

Ethan caught her wrist effortlessly, pulling her flush against him. "Tsk. Throwing tantrums in front of our daughter? Shouldn't you be setting a better example?"

Lily giggled. "I don't mind! Mommy should be spoiled by Daddy. You're his, and he's yours. Actually..." She tilted her head. "That dress is pretty now. I changed my mind—Daddy has bad taste!"

Ethan's eye twitched.

His biological daughter, the traitor.

Eleanor Quinton, their housekeeper, hid a smile. "I rather like the dress, madam. Comfort is important, especially if you're considering another child."

Sophia's face burned.

Ethan's laughter rumbled through her as he crushed her against his chest. "Go pick something stunning for Lily," he murmured into her hair. "We're leaving soon."

Sophia exhaled sharply. "Which version of you is real?"

His lips brushed her temple. "The one that exists when your heart belongs solely to me."

Ridiculous.

Her heart had been his since that fateful night six years ago. But dignity was armor she couldn't discard—not after surviving hell.

She forced a smile. "Right. I'll get Lily ready."

The walk-in closet was a testament to Ethan's obsession. Lily's designer wardrobe dwarfed Sophia's. She selected a blush-pink coat, black leggings, and matching lambskin boots, then styled Lily's hair in a playful side ponytail.

The result? A miniature fashion icon.

Watching Ethan carry their daughter, both radiant under the sunlight, Sophia felt like a shadow. Today's visit to Blackwood Manor would be a battlefield. She'd be lucky if Grace Blackwood didn't cane her off the property.

Lily's chatter pulled her from dark thoughts.

"Mommy, if anyone bullies you at Grandpa's, come find me."

"Mm."

"If they ask who you are, say you're Daddy's woman!"

"Mm."

"And if those two mean ladies from before show up, we'll kick them out together!"

Sophia managed a nod.

As they stepped into the Blackwood estate, heads turned—but not toward her. She was the stain on their perfect portrait.

And she'd endure it. For Lily.