Chapter 313

"Come here, sweetheart. This will be your home from now on. Let Auntie show you around the manor."

Victoria Sullivan thought herself incredibly clever—smooth, understanding, and effortlessly diffusing Ethan Blackwood's awkward situation. She was far superior to Isabella Thornton, who hadn’t even bothered to show up today.

With that, Victoria reached for Lily’s tiny hand.

Lily recoiled in disgust. How could this woman, who clung to her father like a shadow, be worse than the kindergarten boys who constantly teased her? She quickly hid her hand behind her back and ducked behind her intimidating father.

Victoria’s smile stiffened.

A few guests couldn’t help but snicker.

What a spectacle. Ethan Blackwood already had a fiancée, though she was late today. Once Mr. Thornton arrived with his newly acknowledged granddaughter—the one he’d only known for six years—everyone would see how this woman would be put in her place.

The muffled laughter grated on Victoria’s nerves.

So what if the girl was illegitimate?

She was the child of that convict woman! If it weren’t for old Mrs. Blackwood’s favor, even Ethan might not want her.

Forcing a smile, Victoria cooed, "Fine, Auntie won’t hold your hand. But another auntie will be here soon, and she’ll sit right next to your father. You’ll be pushed aside. Don’t cry when that happens."

The "auntie" she referred to was Isabella.

Right now, she just needed to use Isabella as a shield. And her tactic worked—Lily immediately stepped out from behind Ethan and offered her hand. "Okay, Auntie. Take me to play."

Victoria was stunned—then thrilled.

Eleanor Blackwood, standing nearby, chimed in, "Victoria, take Lily around, but don’t be too long. Her grandfather will miss her soon."

Victoria nodded eagerly. "Of course, Aunt Eleanor."

Before leaving, she cast a glance at Ethan. "Don’t worry, cousin. I’ll take good care of her."

Just one chance—that was all she needed. If she could win this child over, Ethan would surely consider her as a stepmother first. Once she married him and had her own legitimate child, she could deal with this brat later.

Victoria led Lily out into the sprawling courtyard.

The estate was massive—lush gardens, towering trees, a swimming pool larger than a public park. Lily darted around excitedly, her little legs carrying her faster than Victoria could keep up in her heels.

"Sweetheart, slow down!" Victoria gasped, nearly tripping.

Lily turned back with an innocent smile. "Auntie, do you like my daddy a lot?"

Victoria froze.

"Auntie, come here." Lily beckoned with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Victoria limped over. "What is it, princess?"

"I can help you get my daddy," Lily declared.

Victoria nearly choked on her own breath. "W-What did you say?"

The little girl tilted her head. "Daddy needs to marry someone. You’re nice to me, pretty, and gentle. Why don’t you marry him? Then you can always be nice to me, right?"

Victoria’s heart raced. This was her golden opportunity.

"Exactly! Think about it—who your father marries is very important for you. What if he brings home a mean woman who hurts you?" She leaned in, feigning concern.

Lily blinked up at her. "So, Auntie, I want to help you."

Victoria could barely contain her excitement. "Tell me what to do. I’ll listen to you. From now on, I’ll treat you like my own."

(Of course, the moment she bore Ethan’s child, she’d toss this convict’s daughter into the gutter.)

Lily clasped her hands together. "Auntie, can you get me a big drawing paper?"

Victoria frowned. Drawing paper?

"There’s plenty in the manor. I’ll get it for you right away."

"And colored pencils. Lots of green ones."

Victoria flagged down a maid, slipping her a bill. "Buy the best set. And make sure there’s extra green."

Lily added, "Oh, and scissors. And a stapler."

The maid nodded and hurried off.

Victoria eyed Lily curiously. "What are you planning, sweetheart?"

Lily beamed. "Grandfather loves me. If I tell him how nice you are, he’ll make Daddy marry you. I’ll make him a special craft and say you helped me. Okay?"

Victoria nearly collapsed in delight. This child was sharper than she’d thought.

Kneeling, she asked, "Why are you so clever, princess?"

Lily’s smile dimmed. "Because I know Daddy didn’t want me at first."

Victoria’s eyes gleamed. "Does he love you now?"

Lily shook her head. "No."

Perfect.

Victoria’s grin widened. This was going even better than she’d hoped.