Chapter 251

The young assistant hesitated before pushing the door open—only to freeze in shock.

There, seated in his imposing executive chair, was the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises.

And perched on his lap was a woman.

She was draped in his tailored suit jacket, her dark, tousled hair spilling over his broad shoulders. Her arms were wrapped around his neck in an intimate embrace.

The assistant wasn’t naive.

Though she couldn’t see the woman’s face, the closeness between them spoke volumes.

In her three years at Blackwood Enterprises, she had never once seen a woman in Ethan Blackwood’s office—let alone one clinging to him like this.

Her face flushed as she stammered, "I—I’m so sorry, Mr. Blackwood! I didn’t realize your wife was—"

She didn’t dare assume, but who else could it be?

Ethan Blackwood was known for his ruthless professionalism. With over 100,000 employees under his command, not a single one had ever witnessed him show interest in a woman.

Until today.

First, he had brought his daughter, Lily, to the office, proudly introducing her to the entire company as his heir.

And now, barely hours later, here was a woman in his arms.

It had to be his wife.

The mother of his child.

"Mm." Ethan didn’t even glance up. "Your salary will increase by five thousand next month."

The assistant’s eyes widened. "Th-thank you, Mr. Blackwood!"

"The contract," he said coolly.

"Wh-what?"

"You came here for me to sign something, didn’t you?"

"Oh! Yes, of course!" She hurried forward, placing the documents on his desk with trembling hands.

Despite the woman in his lap, his signature was swift and precise.

The assistant could only stare in awe.

She had never seen a man so composed—so effortlessly in control—while holding a woman like that.

She couldn’t help but envy the mystery woman.

How had she managed to thaw Ethan Blackwood’s icy heart?

The assistant wanted to ask for tips—maybe then she could finally catch the attention of that cute junior executive in accounting.

But she didn’t dare linger.

Because while Ethan remained unreadable, the woman in his arms was trembling violently, her breath shallow.

She must be shy.

The assistant smiled to herself.

The wife was clearly a delicate, refined lady—too embarrassed to even lift her head.

With one last respectful nod, she fled the office, closing the door behind her.

Then, she did something bold.

She hung a sign outside:

"CEO in private meeting. Do not disturb."

For the rest of the afternoon, executives approached with contracts and proposals—only to see the sign and exchange knowing glances.

After all, if Lily was here, her mother couldn’t be far behind.

Sophia Montgomery didn’t wake until the cool evening breeze brushed her skin.

She was no longer in the office chair.

They had moved to the floor-to-ceiling windows of the private suite attached to Ethan’s office.

The view stretched across Harborview City, the skyline glittering beneath the setting sun.

And she—

She had never felt more exposed.

More ashamed.

With a gasp, she tried to pull away, but Ethan’s grip tightened.

"Let me go!" she choked out. "I’d rather jump from this building than—"

His hands locked around her waist, hauling her back against him.

"You came to me," he reminded her, voice dark.

Sophia had no retort.

She had come for Lily.

Not for this.

But now, she couldn’t even stand. Her legs gave out the moment she tried to walk.

Ethan caught her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed in the adjoining room.

He dressed her in one of his shirts before tossing her onto the mattress.

"Rest," he ordered, then left without another word.

Alone, Sophia buried her face in the pillows, fighting tears.

She had lost count of how many times he had replaced her clothes today.

It was humiliating.

When Lily finally returned with Nathan, bearing a box of grilled shrimp and toast, Sophia couldn’t bring herself to eat.

Nathan, ever perceptive, didn’t enter.

Instead, he knelt to Lily’s height.

"Your parents need privacy, little princess," he said gently. "Knock and give this to your mother yourself, okay?"

Lily beamed. "Of course! Uncle Nathan shouldn’t interrupt our family time!"

Nathan sighed.

As if anyone could interrupt those two.

He knocked.

A sharp voice answered.

"Who?"

The fury in that single word made even Nathan hesitate.