Chapter 437

Sophia's cheeks flushed crimson, resembling a perfectly ripened strawberry.

At the same time, frustration bubbled inside her. "It's you! Every single time we go to bed, you insist on stripping completely. Even if we don't do anything, you still take everything off. I—I was so flustered I forgot! I hate this!"

Without waiting for his response, she grabbed the shirt he had just put on. Before Ethan could fasten the buttons, she yanked it off him with two sharp tugs. Without hesitation, she pulled it over her own head, hastily buttoning it in a messy rush before darting out of the room, her face burning with embarrassment.

Ethan: "..."

If anyone called her a thief, they wouldn’t be wrong.

She really did have an obsession with stealing his shirts.

Perhaps he should order more in the future.

With a sigh, Ethan retrieved another shirt from the closet, dressed himself meticulously, and emerged fully suited. Sophia and Lily were already seated at the breakfast table.

The family of three ate in comfortable silence before gathering their belongings—Ethan with his briefcase, Lily with her backpack—and hurrying downstairs.

Behind them, the two housekeepers, Margaret and Eleanor, exchanged knowing smiles.

"Look at Master Ethan now—so much more human. Before, he was like a storm cloud all day. I wouldn’t dare speak to him."

"Exactly. Ever since Sophia and little Lily returned, he’s started acting like a normal person."

"I always thought he was ruthless. Who knew he could be this gentle with his wife and daughter?"

Margaret chuckled. "You weren’t here when things were worse. People in Harborview City thought he had no heart, but that’s not true. He carries deep emotions inside."

She lowered her voice. "There was a maid, Eleanor, who served his late mother. Years after her passing, Eleanor fell seriously ill..."

"Really?" Eleanor’s eyes widened.

Margaret nodded. "Of course. Master Ethan is a good man at heart. I hope their little family stays happy."

By then, the trio had arrived at Lily’s kindergarten. After dropping her off, Sophia noticed Ethan’s car still idling by the curb. She slid into the passenger seat and asked hesitantly, "Can I still go to work today?"

After Liam Sterling’s visit yesterday, she had assumed Ethan would forbid her from returning to the office. She couldn’t catch a break—just one week into her new job, and trouble had already found her.

When would she ever hold a stable position long enough to save up? Even a year would be enough. Then she could finally visit her mother’s grave in her hometown after nearly two decades.

Sophia bit her lip, waiting for Ethan’s verdict.

Would he allow it or not?

The decision rested entirely with him.

"Why wouldn’t you go to work?" he asked.

"Liam came to see me yesterday. I thought you might not want me going back."

"Since when does a thief ask for permission?" he retorted dryly.

Sophia: "..."

"Pfft—" Nathan, the driver, nearly choked on his laughter. What had happened last night? Since when had Master Ethan started calling his wife "thief"?

What exactly had Sophia stolen to earn that nickname? And why did the usually unshakable Ethan sound so wronged?

Nathan glanced at Sophia with newfound admiration.

Her voice softened. "I understand."

"Understand what?" Ethan scoffed. "Understand that Liam is your cousin’s uncle? That you’re his cousin’s sister-in-law? That I won’t stop you from maintaining family ties? Or that you’re treating your husband like some unreasonable thief?"

Sophia blinked in surprise. "You... still want me to work?"

"I’m not as illogical as you." With that, he leaned back and closed his eyes.

Sophia: "..." A small smile tugged at her lips.

She rarely smiled.

At least, Nathan hadn’t seen her do so in years. But when she did, it was just as radiant as six years ago—sweet and pure.

Beneath her calm exterior, she was still that same girl who carried sunshine in her soul.

"Shall I take you to the office, ma’am?" Nathan asked.

Sophia nodded. "Yes, thank you, Nathan."

"My pleasure." He turned the car toward Montgomery Designs.

They arrived with ten minutes to spare.

Stepping out, Sophia tilted her face toward the golden morning light, her smile widening.

Everything was still alright.

She hadn’t lost her job.

She could still save up.

In fact, just one more month’s salary, and she’d have enough to visit her mother’s grave.

With lighter steps, she entered the building.

Just before the elevator doors closed, a familiar voice called out. "Sophia!"

Galia hurried in, breathless.

Sophia’s mood brightened further. Galia was a good friend—loyal and discreet. Despite knowing about the tension between Sophia and Olivia Kensington, Galia had kept it from Nathan.

Otherwise, Ethan would have found out long ago.

"Galia, let me treat you to lunch. What are you craving?" Sophia asked.

Galia grinned. "What’s the occasion?"

Sophia shrugged. "I thought I’d lost this job, but it turns out I haven’t. Work means everything to me—I need stability. So I’m happy. Really happy."

She paused. "But don’t pick anything too expensive. I’ve only got a few hundred to my name. How about a buffet under two hundred?"

Galia studied her seriously. "Sophia, is this about Mr. Sterling visiting you yesterday?"

Sophia stiffened. "You know about that?"

Galia nodded. "Two employees saw him talking to you in the hallway. Word spread fast. The rumors are... ugly. They’re saying you’re the mistress Olivia’s brother-in-law keeps on the side."

Sophia: "..."