Chapter 315

Victoria Sullivan couldn't suppress a cold smirk.

Hurt?

A child born to a convict! How could she possibly hurt you!

With that thought, Victoria's inner monologue grew louder. She reached out to pat Lily's head. "Auntie will help you with the craft."

Lily shook her head firmly. "No, Auntie. This has to be done by me alone. Only then will it show my sincerity."

Victoria's smile stiffened.

This little brat was truly insufferable.

Once she married Ethan, the first thing she'd do was get rid of this nuisance.

"Alright, Auntie will respect your wishes," Victoria said sweetly.

The colored markers were quickly purchased. Money made everything easy—the maid returned with an entire bag of supplies for just five hundred yuan, including a dozen green markers. Lily carefully selected her tools: scissors, paper, and began working with intense focus.

Victoria tried peeking several times, but Lily shielded her work protectively. "It's a secret! No looking!"

Eleanor Blackwood scoffed and turned away.

She couldn't care less about what this illegitimate child was making. Her only goal was to win the girl over. If the gift turned out poorly, Victoria could easily blame Lily for it.

Lily's nimble fingers moved swiftly. In no time, she finished her creation—but instead of showing Victoria, she folded it neatly and clutched it in her tiny hand.

"I'm done, Auntie," Lily chirped. "Now, take me to see Grandpa!"

"Let's go!" Victoria reached for Lily's hand, but the girl immediately pulled away.

"What's wrong?" Victoria asked, feigning concern.

Lily blinked innocently. "Mommy said there are lots of bad people outside."

Victoria smirked. "Did anyone ever tell you that your mommy is one of those bad people?"

Lily nodded solemnly. "Daddy said that. Auntie, is Mommy really bad?"

Victoria's smile widened. "Your daddy is absolutely right, sweetheart. Your mommy isn't just bad—she's the worst kind of person. So, don't ever mention her in front of Daddy again, okay? Instead, talk about me more."

Lily beamed. "Okay, Auntie! You're so nice. Let's go now!"

"Of course!" Victoria replied, delighted.

Lily skipped ahead as Victoria followed, returning to the grand hall where more guests had gathered—including William Thornton and his granddaughter, Isabella.

The moment Isabella spotted Lily, her blood boiled. This was Sophia's daughter—the living proof of Ethan's past with that wretched woman.

Isabella's grip on Ethan's arm tightened possessively. "Darling," she cooed, "is this... the child from that convict?"

Ethan remained silent, his cold gaze fixed on Lily.

Lily approached Isabella with a sweet smile. "Auntie, are you Daddy's fiancée?"

"Yes!" Isabella snapped.

Lily's grin widened. "I made a gift for you!"

Victoria, standing behind her, stiffened.

What?

This little traitor! She had promised to give it to the old lady!

Victoria clenched her fists in frustration.

Lily held out her folded creation. "Auntie, squat down!"

Isabella rolled her eyes but reluctantly bent down. In one swift motion, Lily unfolded her handmade masterpiece and placed it atop Isabella's head.

Gasps filled the room.

Perched on Isabella's perfectly styled hair was a paper hat—bright green, painted with a cartoon turtle.

Lily clapped her hands in delight. "Wow, Auntie! You weren't pretty before, but now you look amazing with your new ninja turtle hat!"

Isabella's face twisted in fury. "What. Did. You. Just. Say?"

She could already tell from the horrified expressions around her that this wasn't just any hat.

A green turtle?

That little brat was calling her a cuckold!

Who dared try to steal Ethan from her?

No woman in Harborview City had the audacity!

"I said your turtle hat is beautiful!" Lily chirped innocently.

At just five years old, Lily understood exactly what a green hat symbolized.

During their years moving from place to place, strangers often mistook Lucas for her father. When they saw his wheelchair, they'd sneer, "Paralyzed man, your wife is so pretty. Aren't you afraid she'll cheat on you?"

Lucas would always flush angrily. "She's my sister! Don't insult her!"

Over time, Lily learned exactly what those taunts meant.

Now, as Isabella's face turned purple with rage, Lily maintained her angelic smile.

The whispers in the room grew louder.

"Isabella's really unlucky. Six years waiting for Ethan, and now his daughter humiliates her like this."

"Please. Without William Thornton backing her, the Thornton family would be nothing."

Isabella heard every word.

She tore the hat off her head, crumpling it violently.

"Who put you up to this?" she hissed.

No five-year-old could come up with this on their own. Someone was behind it—some woman trying to steal Ethan from her.

And when she found out who—

She'd destroy them.