Chapter 45

"Dead," Sophia stated flatly.

Ethan froze for a split second, clearly not anticipating such a blunt response.

Then, his lips curled into a smirk. "Get the seeds first, then kill? You're more ruthless than I imagined."

Sophia didn't bother replying.

In the face of power, explanations were just cowardice. Silence was her only weapon.

She lifted her chin. "Are you still planning to stay here and comfort your mother?"

"Don't tell me you want to back out of the contract?" Ethan countered.

"My scam's been exposed. I thought you'd—"

He cut her off with a cold laugh. "The contract's signed. You'll stay by my mother's side until she passes. Your little scheme? Let's see if it outlasts my patience."

Sophia clenched her fists.

As Ethan turned to leave, she called out, "Wait."

He glanced back, his expression unreadable.

"Give me two thousand dollars," she demanded.

"I'm not funding the child in your stomach." With that, he walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Sophia hugged her knees to her chest, sinking into the hospital bed.

Being broke was unbearable. She had no idea how to return the rented camera. A desperate part of her wished Alexander would call—maybe offer to lend her the money.

But her phone remained silent all afternoon.

By evening, her fever hadn’t returned. The doctor prescribed some medication, and Sophia decided to discharge herself.

Ethan had covered the medical bills, but she couldn’t afford to lose her job. Without it, she’d be truly desperate.

As she packed her things, her phone rang. She answered without checking the caller ID, hope flaring in her chest. "Hello?"

She expected Alexander’s voice.

Instead, Victoria’s gentle tone greeted her. "Sophia."

"Mom, I—I’m sorry—"

"It’s alright, dear." Victoria didn’t let her finish. "Ethan told me you were exhausted from last night’s event. That dress was too thin, and you caught a fever. This is my fault. I forgot you were still recovering from the kidnapping. Rest well. Don’t worry about me—Ethan’s here."

"Mom..." Sophia’s eyes burned.

Even though this "mother" wasn’t real, Victoria was the only light in her life.

"Mom, about the photos..." Sophia hesitated. "I—I was too busy last night, and then I fell ill. I didn’t get to take pictures of Blackwood Manor."

A pause. Then Victoria’s voice softened. "It’s fine, child. Your health matters more. There will be other chances."

But Sophia heard the quiet despair beneath her words. Victoria didn’t believe she’d live long enough to see it.

"Promise me something," Victoria whispered. "Don’t tell Ethan I wanted to see inside the manor. Please."

Sophia frowned. "Why?"