Chapter 46

The sun cast long shadows as I stood by the hospital window, listening to Victoria Blackwood's quiet confession. Her voice trembled with regret.

"Because the path our mothers walked was never easy. To save him, I endured hardships he could never imagine. And the sacrifices he made for me—those were things I, as a mother, never wished for him to bear."

She sighed. "Ethan has made enemies to get where he is today. If he knew how much I still long for the old Blackwood Manor, he would tear down every barrier to give it to me. But I don’t want him fighting my battles anymore."

Her words carried the weight of a lifetime of loneliness.

Victoria Blackwood had never worn a wedding dress. Never been acknowledged by the Blackwood family. Even now, with her son holding power, she remained trapped by her own fears.

Her fate mirrored mine in a way—both of us bound by circumstances, destined for solitude. The thought made my chest ache.

"Mom," I said softly into the phone, forcing a smile into my voice. "I’ll visit you tomorrow. I’ll bring your favorite fish porridge. Wait for me in the morning."

After hanging up, I dug through my bag until my fingers closed around Alexander Kensington’s business card. I dialed the number, my pulse quickening.

The line rang. And rang.

Finally, a polished female voice answered. "Hello, may I ask who’s calling?"

I swallowed. "Is this Mr. Kensington’s phone?"

"Yes, President Kensington is currently in a meeting. I’m his secretary. May I help you with something?"

"No. Thank you." I ended the call before she could say more.

Of course he was avoiding me.

The business card, the charming smiles at the banquet—all just part of the game rich men played. But asking for money outright? That was enough to send any aristocrat running.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and stepped out of the ward. At the hospital entrance, I froze.

Nathan Carter stood there, expression unreadable.

I didn’t flatter myself into thinking he was here for me. Ignoring him, I walked past, heading straight for the bus stop.

Nathan’s voice stopped me.

"Miss Montgomery."

I turned.

"Mr. Blackwood sent me to bring you home." His tone was softer than I expected. "Please, get in the car."

I didn’t argue.

The ride was silent. I kept my gaze fixed on the passing cityscape, refusing to speak. When we arrived at Ethan’s penthouse, I didn’t thank Nathan. What was there to say?

The elevator doors slid open. Before I could even toe off my shoes, a sickeningly sweet voice drifted from the living room.

"Ethan… can I stay here tonight?"

I peered around the corner.

Isabella Thornton sat perched on the sofa, her fingers brushing Ethan’s arm.