Chapter 427

Nathan Carter cleared his throat. "Madam, I..."

He hesitated, then spoke bluntly. "Madam, the truth is, Mr. Blackwood takes you very seriously."

"Don’t let his words from yesterday fool you. He only said those things because certain people were provoking him. You know how he is—cold, detached, turning self-deprecation into something lethal."

"He didn’t take you to Blackwood Manor just for Lily. He wanted you to see where he comes from."

Sophia Montgomery remained silent.

She didn’t bother dissecting Nathan’s words. While she trusted him, she knew he was Ethan Blackwood’s most loyal man.

She offered a polite smile. "I understand."

That was all she said.

Sophia had mastered the art of silence. Even if Nathan pried with pliers, he wouldn’t get another word out of her.

Seeing her withdraw, Nathan sighed inwardly. Madam is back, but why do Master and Liam Sterling talk so much?

Two men. What could they possibly have to discuss?

His gaze flicked to the rearview mirror. Sophia sat in the backseat, her head slightly bowed, a faint smile playing on her lips.

At first glance, it seemed she was scrolling through her phone.

But she wasn’t.

Sophia was silently observing the chat in the Harborview Elite Kindergarten group.

Since this was an unofficial group formed by wealthy mothers, the conversations were unfiltered—especially when discussing their husbands.

The things these women said would make anyone blush.

Sophia stifled a laugh.

These polished, elegant women spoke with such shameless humor.

She was both amused and embarrassed.

It was entertaining to watch, though. She had no intention of joining in.

Just as she thought that—

@Sophia Montgomery

Emily’s Mom: @Sophia Montgomery, what’s your man like?

Sophia froze.

Victoria Thompson: @Sophia Montgomery, come on, you joined today. Show us a picture of your husband. We all know he’s… impressive.

Olivia Kensington: Yes, let’s see!

Emily’s Mom: Full-body shot, please.

Sophia’s fingers hovered over the screen. Then—

Lily’s Mom: Sorry, I’m not comfortable discussing this. I have to go.

She exited the chat immediately.

Closing the app, she turned her gaze out the window, her thoughts drifting.

What exactly are Ethan and Liam talking about?

Harborview Coffee

Two men sat across from each other.

Liam Sterling fidgeted, sweat beading on his forehead.

Ethan Blackwood lounged back, sipping his espresso with effortless calm.

"You’re my cousin," Ethan said, his voice smooth. "If you have something to discuss, you come to me. Not my wife."

Liam exhaled sharply. "Fine. Then let’s talk."

He leaned forward. "Ethan, Sophia has done nothing wrong. She gave you a daughter. Stop tormenting her. She can’t handle your games."

Ethan’s gaze sharpened. "Do you love her?"

Liam didn’t deny it. "Yes. But back then—"

"You were an idiot." Ethan smirked. "You had something precious and threw it away. Now you regret it."

Liam’s jaw tightened. "Don’t act like you’re any better. You’ve hurt her too."

"That’s why I kept her." Ethan’s voice turned icy. "You? You lost your chance."

Liam stared at him, desperation creeping in. "Ethan, I’m begging you. If you don’t love her—"

Ethan cut him off. "Liam, my patience is thin. The only family I care about is my mother. You? You’re expendable."

His voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "If you want to fight me for her, ask yourself—are you strong enough?"

"You had your chance. You lost. Now she’s mine."

Ethan stood, adjusting his suit. "Focus on running Sterling Holdings. That’s your role."

He turned to leave.

Liam shot up, grabbing his arm. "Ethan, listen to me!"

His voice cracked. "I know I’m nothing to you. I know my mother means even less. I know you could kill me right now."

He swallowed hard. "But I can’t let this go. Not with Sophia."

"Name your price. Take my life. Just let her go."

Ethan studied him, silent.

Then, almost amused, he tilted his head. "You’d die for her?"

Liam smiled bitterly. "I should’ve died at twenty-four. Vincent Holloway would’ve killed me if not for her."

"Ethan, she’s suffered enough. Let her go."

For a long moment, Ethan said nothing.

Then he patted Liam’s shoulder. "You lost her. That’s your fault."

His grip tightened. "But I won’t."

With that, he walked out.

Liam stood there, hollow.

What did Ethan mean? Did he love her? Or was this just possession?

His phone buzzed.

William Blackwood.

Liam answered, forcing cheer into his voice. "Grandfather."

The old man’s voice was warm. "Liam, how is your uncle?"

Liam hesitated. "Grandfather, Ethan brought... that woman to Blackwood Manor. She met Grandmother, Uncle Richard, and Aunt Elizabeth."

He couldn’t bring himself to say her name.