Chapter 201

The evening was peaceful. Sophia picked up a lantern to review her architectural blueprints, while Noah entertained little Lily with bedtime stories. Their laughter filled the small cottage, warm and comforting. Sophia glanced over her shoulder, a soft smile playing on her lips.

The next morning, after breakfast, Sophia discussed their plans with Noah. "I'll visit Willowbrook Kindergarten to finalize Lily's transfer. We need to stay away from people like Oliver Dawson. Men like him have power and connections—we can't afford to cross them. It's safer to disappear."

Noah nodded. "Understood."

Just as Sophia was about to leave, two sharply dressed men appeared outside their fence, briefcases in hand.

"Can I help you?" Sophia asked, opening the door cautiously.

"Miss Montgomery?" one of them inquired.

Sophia confirmed with a nod.

"We're from Crestwood Legal. We're here regarding Mr. Ethan Dawson's fall injury. Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation—the total compensation required is five million dollars."

Sophia's eyes widened. "Five million? That's extortion!"

The lawyer remained impassive. "Miss Montgomery, we're merely conveying Mr. Dawson's terms. If you dispute them, you're welcome to hire representation or negotiate directly with him."

Sophia clenched her fists. "Fine. I'll talk to him myself."

The moment the lawyers left, she dialed Lucas Grayson, her voice trembling. "Lucas… I need your help."

It was the first time she had ever asked him for anything.

When Lucas heard the situation, his anger was palpable. "I’ll meet you at the hospital. Five million? That bastard’s gone too far."

Within the hour, Lucas arrived, driving Sophia to Grandview Medical Center.

Oliver Dawson lounged in a private ward, groaning dramatically. The moment Sophia and Lucas entered, his lips curled into a smug smirk.

"Lucas Grayson, you think you can challenge me? I wouldn’t demand five million if I wasn’t prepared for your interference." His tone was far more aggressive than before.

Sophia stiffened.

Oliver leaned back, gloating. "You fancy yourself a real estate mogul? Well, my connections are about to take over half the city’s developments. You’ll be bankrupt soon—too broke to play hero for this little gold-digger."

His son, Mason, sneered at Sophia. "You and that brat Lily better kneel and beg! Bark like dogs, or my dad’s friends will make sure you disappear!"

Oliver’s wife, Elizabeth, chimed in coldly. "Kneel. Apologize. Pay up. Or we’ll take everything—including your house."

Sophia’s nails dug into her palms.

Mason smirked. "My dad’s friend is coming soon. If you don’t kneel now, he’ll blow your heads off!"

As if on cue, a deep voice resonated from the doorway. "Who’s threatening my godson?"

Sophia’s breath hitched. Her lips barely moved as she whispered, "Ethan…?"

The man who entered exuded icy dominance, his presence suffocating. Six years had only sharpened his ruthless aura.

Oliver and Elizabeth immediately bowed, their arrogance vanishing. "Mr. Blackwood! You—you didn’t have to come personally!"

Mason, oblivious, pointed at Sophia triumphantly. "Uncle Ethan! Make this woman kneel!"

Ethan’s gaze flickered to Sophia, then to Lucas. "And you are?"

Lucas swallowed hard. "Lucas Grayson."

Ethan’s lips curled derisively. "Ah. The small-time developer." He turned to his assistant. "Nathan, acquire Mr. Grayson’s company. Consolidate all underperforming real estate in Willowbrook."

Lucas paled. "What? On what grounds?"

"Efficiency," Ethan replied coolly.

Nathan swiftly escorted Lucas out, leaving Sophia alone with the Blackwood heir.

Ethan’s eyes bore into her. "Miss Montgomery."

Her pulse raced.

"Do you know how much my associates earn daily?"

Sophia couldn’t speak. Her mind screamed only one thought: Run.

But Noah was paralyzed. Lily was just a child.

And Ethan Blackwood had finally found them.