Chapter 307

After laughing, Lily asked again: "Mommy, Daddy, tomorrow is Sunday. Can we all go out together?"

Sophia hesitated. This wasn’t her decision to make.

She gently stroked Lily’s hair. "Sweetheart, your father is very busy with work. If you want to go out, Mommy will take you."

Lily’s smile faded. She pouted and turned her hopeful gaze toward Ethan.

Just then, Ethan’s phone rang. He answered curtly. "Yes?"

On the other end, William Blackwood’s voice boomed. "Ethan! Tomorrow is Sunday. Bring my precious granddaughter to the manor!"

Ethan replied coolly, "Fine."

The old man’s excitement was palpable. "What time will you arrive? I’ll have the staff prepare everything—her favorite foods, toys, anything she wants! I’ll send someone to—"

Ethan cut him off. "We’ll be there in the morning. That’s all."

He had little attachment to Blackwood Manor, or even to his father. But as the heir to Blackwood Enterprises, these assets would one day belong to Lily.

Seeing his grandfather’s frailty, Ethan felt a reluctant softening. Blood ties were undeniable.

Besides, he had already claimed what was rightfully his. His mother’s suffering couldn’t be undone.

Hanging up, he turned to Lily. "Tomorrow, we’re visiting your grandfather and grandmother."

Lily tilted her head. "The old man I beat at chess?"

Ethan nodded. "Behave. You’re a young lady now."

Lily sighed dramatically. "Fine."

Before Ethan could speak, Sophia interjected, "I know this is Blackwood family business. Don’t worry—I won’t interfere. I have no interest in setting foot in that house."

Ethan gripped her wrist. "You think it’s beneath you?"

Sophia met his gaze evenly.

Was it?

Just days ago, she’d believed Ethan had sold her out to settle a debt. Back then, survival was all that mattered.

Now, everything had changed.

But she knew her place.

Aunt Victoria, Ethan’s mother, had been kind yet never accepted by the Blackwoods. If even she hadn’t been acknowledged until her deathbed, why would Sophia dare hope for more?

Some dreams weren’t worth chasing.

She looked away, her voice icy. "I won’t repeat Aunt Victoria’s mistakes. I’ll never step into Blackwood Manor."

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

Up front, Nathan Carter glanced at Sophia’s composed profile through the rearview mirror. He could practically feel Ethan’s simmering rage.

Mrs. Blackwood, you’re playing with fire.

Sure enough, that night, the moment Lily fell asleep, Ethan cornered Sophia in the hallway.

She pressed a hand to his chest, flustered. "What are you—?"

His voice was steel. "You’re coming tomorrow."

Sophia blinked. "Why? So your family can humiliate me again?" She laughed bitterly. "That honor isn’t mine to claim. I’d rather spare myself the disgrace."

Her calm defiance infuriated him.

Ethan released her abruptly, and Sophia fled to her room.

Blackwood Manor.

She’d been there twice—first when Ethan took her after her release from prison, then when William summoned her before she fled Harborview City. Both times had left scars.

She’d rather walk through fire than return.

All she wanted was to rebuild her life.

Settling at her desk, Sophia reviewed the resumes Ethan had prepared. She was grateful, truly. Tomorrow, she’d submit them online and start fresh.

At dawn, Sophia dressed quietly.

She tiptoed into Lily’s room. "Sweetheart, Daddy’s taking you to see Grandpa today. Be good, okay?"

Lily rubbed her eyes. "You’re not coming?"

Sophia shook her head. "Mommy has job interviews. You want me to be strong, right?"

Lily nodded sleepily.

"Then listen to Daddy." After one last kiss, Sophia slipped out with her files.

Ethan’s computer sat untouched—she wouldn’t risk asking to use it. Better to visit an internet café.

When Ethan woke, he found Lily glaring up at him. "Did you make Mommy leave? She’s gone!"

Ethan’s expression darkened. "Your mother chooses not to be a Blackwood. That’s her decision."

Lily crossed her arms. "I’m not a Blackwood either!"

"You’re my blood. Those people are your family." His tone brooked no argument.

Breakfast was a silent battle. Lily mirrored Ethan’s every move—gulping milk, wiping her mouth—with deliberate defiance.

Nathan watched the pair approach the car, baffled. "Sir… where’s Mrs. Blackwood? Isn’t she joining us?"

Had last night’s argument really lasted till morning?

They were legally married. Shouldn’t this visit include wedding plans?

Ethan ignored him. Lily climbed in, scowling.

Nathan sighed. This is going to be a long day.