Chapter 405

The moment Sophia stepped into the grand foyer of Blackwood Manor, memories came flooding back.

She barely had time to steady herself when two maids approached, their expressions shifting from curiosity to recognition, then to outright disdain.

"Margaret, what's wrong? Why are you making such a scene?" The younger maid, Abigail, whispered urgently. "The mistress hasn't been in a good mood lately, and we have guests today."

Margaret scoffed, her lips curling in disgust. "Abigail, don’t you recognize her? This is that filthy woman Ethan dragged back from prison six years ago. Remember? We were the ones who had to bathe her—reeking of sweat and covered in scars from men’s hands."

Abigail’s eyes widened. "Her?"

"Yes, her!" Margaret sneered. "She looks slightly more presentable now, but still pathetic. How did she even get in? Probably sneaked past the guards while they were napping. Trash like her always finds a way."

Abigail’s laughter was sharp. "Or maybe she’s here to meet one of the older male servants. Old Gregory’s been unusually cheerful lately—maybe he’s taken a liking to her."

Margaret cackled. "Oh, that’s rich! A sixty-year-old man and this ex-convict? What a pair!"

Abigail turned to Sophia, mockingly sweet. "Tell me, prisoner, is it true? Are you and Gregory involved? He’s old enough to be your father, you know. If you’re into men his age, I could introduce you to plenty."

Sophia stood frozen, her fingers tightening around her phone.

She had already dialed Nathan’s number.

He was listening.

Every vile word.

Margaret wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "Oh, stop standing there like a dumb statue! Can’t you hear us talking about you? Or are you too stupid to understand?"

Abigail suddenly gasped. "Wait—didn’t Ethan bring her back from abroad? Why would she be messing around with our servants?"

Margaret clapped her hands. "Ah! Of course! He must have brought her here to punish her. You know how ruthless Ethan can be. Maybe he’s already had her passed around to a few men. That would explain why she’s so quiet—probably broken."

Sophia’s vision blurred for a second.

Then cleared.

She had endured humiliation before.

But not like this.

Not from people who thought they could strip her dignity without consequence.

Her phone vibrated—Nathan was close.

Sophia exhaled.

Then, without warning, she stepped forward and slapped both women—once, twice—so fast they barely had time to react.

Margaret staggered back, clutching her cheek. "You—you dare hit me?!"

Sophia’s voice was ice. "Consider it done."

Margaret’s face twisted in fury. "Abigail! Call the others! Today, we’ll strip this bitch naked and let the entire household see what she really is!"

Abigail turned to run—

"Stop."

Nathan’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

The maids froze.

When they saw him, their faces paled.

"Mr. Carter!" Margaret forced a shaky smile. "This woman—she attacked us! She’s the one from six years ago—"

"Apologize to Mrs. Blackwood," Nathan commanded. "Now."

Margaret’s mouth dropped open. "Mrs… what?"

"You heard me." Nathan’s glare was lethal. "If Ethan finds out about this, you know what will happen."

Mrs. Blackwood?

This woman was Ethan’s wife?

The maids’ legs trembled. Margaret fell to her knees. "M-Mrs. Blackwood, I—I didn’t recognize you! Please, forgive me!"

Abigail followed, tears streaming. "We didn’t know! Please, spare us!"

Sophia looked at them, her expression unreadable. "You insulted me. I hit you. We’re even. Now get out of my sight."

The maids gaped.

That was it?

No punishment?

Nathan frowned. "Madam?"

Sophia shook her head. "It’s over."

She had no interest in dragging this out.

Not here.

Not when Lily was inside.

Nathan hesitated, then nodded.

As the maids scrambled away, Sophia exhaled, her shoulders sagging slightly.

"Madam," Nathan said gently, "why don’t you go inside?"

Sophia’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"Six years ago," she murmured, "in this very hall, the elite of Harborview City cornered me. They called me a gold-digger. A whore. They wanted me dead."

Nathan’s chest tightened.

"Now, standing here again…" Sophia laughed softly, bitterly. "I thought I was stronger. But some wounds never heal."

Nathan didn’t know what to say.

Sophia straightened, forcing a smile. "Don’t worry. I won’t run. I know you’re just doing your job."

Then she stepped forward—

Into the lion’s den.