Chapter 493

Sophia Kensington sighed deeply. "Cassandra, you and I both know the truth. Father's political influence is dwindling by the day. The most powerful figure in the Kensington family now is Julian Montgomery, and he's not on our side. In fact, he's closely aligned with Ethan Blackwood. You haven't been in Harborview City long enough to see it. My husband and I are focused on expanding our influence here. We can't afford to antagonize Ethan, yet you're targeting the woman by his side?"

Cassandra Montgomery clenched her teeth. "Sophia! Even you can see it—Ethan isn't just keeping Sophia Montgomery as a prisoner, is he? He's fallen for her!"

Sophia's expression darkened with concern. "That's exactly why I'm telling you to stop. Julian from Kingsbury is already enough trouble for Father. Add Ethan to the mix, and none of us—not you, not Father, not even me—will survive this."

"Since when are you so afraid?" Cassandra sneered. "I have a plan."

Sophia frowned. "What plan?"

Cassandra's lips curled into a cold smile. "Isabella Thornton—that idiot! Who does she think she is? The Thornton family's precious granddaughter? Old Man Thornton dotes on her like she's some kind of princess? She's the one who ordered me to come here and deal with Sophia Montgomery. Her grandfather controls Father's career. I had no choice but to obey. So, if Ethan ever seeks revenge, it'll be Isabella who pays the price. Not me."

She leaned in closer, her voice dripping with malice. "And that woman we just met? She's desperate to climb the social ladder. She won't betray us. Fools like her are meant to be used."

Her eyes gleamed with ruthless determination. "I won't just destroy Sophia Montgomery—I'll make sure she suffers for eternity. Ethan belongs to me, Cassandra Montgomery. No other woman will ever get close to him. And when I'm done with Sophia, I'll take down Isabella too. I'll make sure the Thornton family crumbles, easing Father's burdens. Three birds with one stone. And if I marry Ethan? You and your husband will rule Harborview City. Four birds with one stone, sister."

Sophia fell silent, her face pale with unease.

Cassandra, oblivious to her sister's worry, turned to the hotel manager. "We'll be hosting a banquet here in the next few days. Reserve the largest hall for us."

"Of course, Miss Montgomery," the manager replied respectfully.

As they left the hotel, Cassandra smirked at her sister. "I'm giving you a chance for revenge too. That so-called 'international star,' Ava Sinclair, who humiliated you? She won't get away with it."

Sophia's expression twisted with hatred at the memory of Ava pouring wine over her two months ago. "That wretched woman won't escape unscathed. Since Sophia is just Ethan's prisoner, we'll make sure she suffers."

Cassandra grinned. "Exactly, sister."

The two sisters drove off, their moods light with anticipation.

Meanwhile, Sophia Montgomery had brought Lily Blackwood home. The little girl was unusually quiet, her small face troubled.

"Mommy, I don’t want to leave my kindergarten," Lily murmured, her voice small.

Sophia stroked her daughter's hair gently. "Sweetheart, trust me. You won’t have to leave."

Lily nodded, her faith in her mother unwavering. "Okay!"

After tucking Lily into bed, Sophia picked up her phone and dialed Ethan.

He answered almost immediately. "Yes?"

"Are you at the Kensington residence?" she asked softly.

Ethan ignored her question. "How’s Lily?"

"She just fell asleep."

"I’ll be back soon," he said, his voice warm. "Tell her I’m bringing her a truckload of toys."

Sophia exhaled. "Alright."

There was a pause before Ethan spoke again. "Did you need something?"

Why was she calling so late?

He had just checked the surveillance feed from home. Lily had been her usual sweet self, fussing over her mother like a little adult. The sight had amused him—she had his stubbornness.

He had watched until Sophia tucked Lily in, then switched off the feed when Old Man Thornton called him back into the hospital room.

The elderly man smiled weakly as Ethan entered. "Ethan, I appreciate you flying all the way from Harborview City to see this old man."

He was pleased. At least Ethan still respected him.

But before he could speak further, Ethan's phone rang.

The moment Ethan saw the caller ID, his expression softened. His voice was tender as he answered, "Yes?"

Old Man Thornton’s face darkened. He recognized that tone. It was Sophia.

Ethan stepped out of the room, not wanting the old man to overhear.

On the other end, Sophia hesitated. Hearing Ethan promise Lily a truck of toys had stolen her words.

He loved their daughter deeply.

And if he loved Lily, then Sophia... what right did she have to complain?

He had made his expectations clear. She was to behave. To never mention Cassandra.

Perhaps this was just another form of punishment. After all, she still owed him ten million.

"It’s nothing," she finally said. "I just..."

She couldn’t think of an excuse.

Ethan’s low chuckle sent a shiver down her spine. "Miss me?"

Sophia’s breath hitched.

How could he say something like that now?

A sudden wave of sorrow crashed over her.

To him, she might just be a passing amusement.

But to her, he was everything.