Chapter 469

He remained silent, wrapping his arms around her as they entered the study. From the drawer, he retrieved a card and handed it to her.

"Five million. The password is your birthday."

Sophia hesitated. "Fifty thousand would be enough. I don’t need this much."

"This was always meant for you." The card had been prepared six years ago, after his mother Victoria passed away. Back then, she had refused it.

Compensation?

Was this his way of paying her off after toying with her? Or was it his way of easing his guilt before whatever humiliation he had planned next?

Fine.

As long as she survived, she could take this money and return to her hometown to see her mother.

Sophia snatched the card. "Thanks." She turned to leave.

But his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her back. "No gratitude for such a generous gift?"

She leaned against his chest, her voice light. "Lily is still playing in the toy room. Go check on her. I’ll put this away, and once she’s asleep..."

Her words trailed off, her cheeks flushing.

Ethan smirked, tightening his grip before pressing a quick, possessive kiss to her lips. Then he left to tend to their daughter.

Later, after putting Lily to bed, Sophia checked the parents' group chat.

Emily’s mom: I’ll transfer the 50,000 tomorrow morning. Sorry for the delay—I’ll keep up with the messages.

Closing the app, Sophia headed to the bathroom.

If tomorrow was uncertain, she might as well relax tonight. A long, hot bath and a face mask would help.

Wrapped in a towel afterward, she admired her reflection before stepping out—only to find Ethan waiting outside the door.

That night, he was relentless.

By 6:30 AM, he was already on a flight to Kingsbury. Sophia, exhausted, remained asleep until Lily’s tiny hands pattered against her door.

Groggy and sore, Sophia sat up, realizing Ethan was gone. Lily, grinning mischievously, tugged at her arm.

"Mom, guess what Daddy did?"

Sophia feigned ignorance. "Hmm, I don’t know. Do you?"

Lily beamed. "Of course!"

Just then, Sophia’s phone rang. An unknown number.

"Hello?"

A chillingly familiar voice answered. "Sophia, if you dare show up at work today, I’ll drag you out even if you hide in a mouse hole. Don’t blame me for what happens next."

The threat dripped with arrogance.

Sophia’s stomach twisted. "Cassandra?"

A mocking laugh. "Oh, you recognize me after one meeting? How touching. If you were this good at seducing powerful men six years ago, why bother pretending to be some saint now?"

Cassandra’s insults were creative.

Sophia kept her voice steady. "I’ll be at work on time. We’ll talk then." She hung up, not wanting Lily to overhear.

Kneeling, she smiled at her daughter. "Now, tell me—what did Daddy do?"

Lily bounced excitedly. "He’s coming back in a few days! He told me to take care of you. And he left you car keys!"

She handed them over—the same luxury car Ethan had bought Sophia weeks ago.

Her heart clenched.

Lily added, "Daddy said you’ll drive me to school now! And he’s bringing me new toys from Kingsbury!"

Sophia forced a smile. "That’s wonderful, sweetheart."

After breakfast, Sophia dressed in loose jeans and a cotton shirt—comfort over style today. But when she saw the car, she hesitated.

Every muscle ached. Driving wasn’t safe.

"Let’s take the bus," she decided.

Lily, thrilled, chattered nonstop. At the stop near the school, she spotted Emily and waved wildly.

"Mom, Emily’s my best friend! Can I share my new toys with her?"

Sophia nodded. "Of course, darling."

Seeing Lily’s joy, Sophia resolved to attend the parents' gathering—not to exclude anyone, but to ensure Lily adjusted well.

Still, she refused to participate in bullying.

Approaching Emily’s mother, Sophia smiled. "I brought the 50,000. Should we give it to the group admin?"

Emily’s mother eyed her up and down, lips pursed in silent judgment.