Chapter 263

It didn't matter anymore.

As long as her daughter could attend school, she could survive.

Nothing else was important to Sophia.

With that thought, Sophia finally relaxed. After the man left, she sprawled lazily across his bed, rolling around before drifting back to sleep.

When she couldn’t sleep any longer, she decided to take a bath.

His bathtub was enormous—luxuriously equipped with every high-end feature imaginable.

Sophia sank into the warm water, resting on the built-in seat as gentle currents massaged her skin.

It felt like soaking in a private hot spring.

She closed her eyes, savoring the tranquility.

Unbeknownst to her, Ethan was watching from his office.

He hadn’t intended to spy.

He only wanted to check if she was resting properly.

Instead, he was met with this sight.

After half an hour, Sophia stepped out, water droplets glistening on her skin.

Barefoot, she padded across the plush carpet, exploring his bedroom without bothering with a robe or towel.

She moved with quiet curiosity, as if studying every detail.

Then, she opened his wardrobe and slipped into one of his crisp white shirts.

In his office, Ethan let out a low growl.

She had a habit of stealing his shirts.

Yet, she looked effortlessly alluring in them.

He watched as she wandered to the glass sunroom balcony, curling up on the wicker chair, legs swinging idly.

Her expression was serene, like a pampered cat basking in comfort.

Ethan couldn’t bring himself to look away.

Eventually, Sophia returned to the bed, still wearing his shirt, and burrowed under the covers.

By noon, the housekeeper, Margaret, knocked softly.

"Madam, lunch is ready."

Sophia responded with a drowsy hum.

Her damp hair framed her face as she shuffled out in his oversized slippers, looking adorably small.

Margaret smiled. "Sit and eat. I’ll dry your hair afterward. Then you can rest again—I’ll bring your medicine."

"Thank you," Sophia murmured.

The meal was light but flavorful, and she ate heartily before drifting back to sleep.

At four, Nathan arrived to escort her to an exclusive boutique’s VIP room.

Ethan sat waiting, impeccably dressed, flipping through design sketches.

Sophia understood immediately—he was choosing a gown for her.

Approaching him, she asked softly, "Are we meeting someone tonight?"

Her stomach twisted with nerves.

Was this the beginning?

"Have you met Julian?"

Sophia blinked. "The man from your office yesterday?"

The one who had spoken so politely to her.

"Yes," Ethan confirmed.

Sophia hesitated. "He seemed… discerning. Won’t he disapprove of me?"

Ethan’s expression darkened. His grip tightened around her throat. "Never speak of yourself like that again."

She gasped, clawing at his hand until he released her.

Coughing, she nodded weakly.

A knock interrupted them.

"Come in," Ethan called, voice steady.

The boutique’s top stylist entered. "Mr. Blackwood, we’ve prepared the selections based on your specifications. Is this… the lady?"

Sophia flushed under the woman’s assessing gaze.

She knew how this looked—another woman being dressed up for a wealthy man’s event.

Ethan ignored the question. "Take her to change."

The stylist smiled. "Of course. Miss, follow me."

In the fitting room, the woman admired Sophia’s figure. "You’re perfectly proportioned. From your silhouette, I expected you to be thinner, but you’re just right."

Sophia’s cheeks burned hotter.

The stylist continued, "Mr. Blackwood frequents our boutique, but usually for contracted actresses or models. Their gowns are billed to their agencies."

She adjusted the dress’s straps. "You’re the first in six years he’s personally measured. He described your complexion, height, even your temperament."

A secret warmth bloomed in Sophia’s chest.

The stylist stepped back, awed. "This peacock blue mermaid gown—it’s like it was made for you."

Sophia studied her reflection. The dress hugged her curves before flaring into a dramatic train, elongating her already statuesque frame.

"You’re stunning," the stylist breathed. "Mr. Blackwood’s women usually aren’t this exquisite."

Sophia shook her head. "I’m not his woman."

The stylist faltered before recovering. "Well, whoever you are, he’ll be speechless."

Sophia stepped out—careless, effortless, breathtaking.

Just as predicted, Ethan’s gaze locked onto her, unblinking.

Beautiful.