Chapter 367

As Sophia reminisced about the past, the car continued moving forward. When she finally snapped out of her thoughts, she turned to Ethan in surprise. "What are you doing? I thought we were just picking up Lily?"

"Getting you a car," he replied calmly.

Her eyes widened. "But… I don’t know how to drive."

Ethan didn’t even glance at her, his tone steady. "Did you know how to walk when you were born?"

Sophia blinked.

A chuckle came from the front seat. Nathan, Ethan’s ever-loyal assistant, couldn’t help but laugh.

Ever since Mr. Blackwood had brought Sophia back from Willowbrook County, Nathan had been force-fed dog food at the most unexpected moments.

And Ethan’s way of doing it was… unique.

Most men spoiled their women with sweet words and grand gestures. But Ethan? He delivered his affection like a command—sharp, direct, and impossible to refuse.

Who in the world bought a woman a car and then asked her like that?

Only Ethan Blackwood.

Sophia bit her lip, suppressing a smile. "No… I couldn’t walk."

She hesitated before adding, "But you should at least wait until I get my license. Maybe… three months from now?"

Truthfully, she didn’t even want a car.

She hadn’t even found a stable job yet. What did she need a car for? The maintenance alone would be a headache.

But arguing with Ethan was futile.

The man remained silent.

The car soon arrived at the dealership, a gleaming showroom filled with luxury vehicles. Sophia’s head spun—she knew nothing about cars.

Ethan pointed at one without hesitation. "This one."

She didn’t recognize the brand, but the sales staff practically bowed as they processed the paperwork. Within minutes, Ethan was behind the wheel of the new car, driving Sophia to Lily’s kindergarten.

Left standing in the parking lot, Nathan sighed.

Was he… fired?

Before he could ask, Ethan had already driven off with Sophia, leaving no trace behind.

They were half an hour late picking up Lily.

The little girl pouted, crossing her arms. When she saw her parents, she directed her glare at Ethan. "Daddy, you’re bad. Were you too busy at work? Did Mommy have to wait for you again?"

Ethan didn’t explain. "It won’t happen anymore."

Lily tilted her head. "Why?"

"Because your mother will have her own car now. She’ll be responsible for picking you up. If she’s late, it’s not my fault."

Sophia: "…"

Lily gasped, bouncing on her toes. "Wait—you bought Mommy a car? Where is it? Show me!"

She grabbed Sophia’s hand and dragged her outside.

When she saw the sleek new vehicle, Lily squealed, circling it like an excited puppy. Then she tugged Ethan’s sleeve, making him crouch down.

Leaning close, she whispered, "Daddy, I have a secret to tell you."

Ethan raised a brow.

Despite calling him "bad," Lily’s attitude toward him had softened considerably since their reunion. She cupped her hands around his ear and whispered, "I heard Mommy talking in her sleep."

Ethan’s gaze flicked to Sophia, who was watching them curiously.

Lily continued, "She said she doesn’t want to like you. But I know what that really means—it means she likes you a lot!"

Ethan exhaled sharply.

This little schemer.

At just five years old, Lily was already frighteningly perceptive. She understood her mother’s unspoken feelings better than Sophia herself did. No wonder she’d orchestrated that dramatic scene at Blackwood Manor—securing her mother’s place in one bold move.

Sophia crossed her arms. "What are you two whispering about? Lily, did you get into trouble at school again?"

She didn’t even notice she’d referred to Ethan as "your dad." But he did.

A smirk tugged at his lips. "You raised quite the daughter. One who fights for her mother’s rights without hesitation."

Sophia flushed.

"Get in the car," Ethan ordered.

The ride home was livelier than usual. With just the three of them, Lily chattered nonstop, pointing at every passing landmark.

Before, Nathan had always driven her to school. Even if her parents were in the backseat, it hadn’t felt the same.

Now, for the first time, Lily felt like the other kids—picked up by her real mom and dad.

"Can you both pick me up every day from now on?" she asked hopefully.

Sophia hesitated.

Ethan answered for her. "If you behave—finish your toys, eat properly, and sleep on time—then maybe."

"Deal!" Lily agreed instantly.

Sophia marveled at how effortlessly Ethan handled their daughter. Despite having no prior experience with children, he had an innate ability to command obedience without raising his voice.

Under his guidance, parenting felt… surprisingly easy.

That evening, Lily ate her dinner without complaint—meat, vegetables, everything. Afterward, she and Ethan disappeared into the playroom.

The room was a child’s paradise, packed with every toy imaginable—dolls, action figures, miniature kitchens, even a tiny race track.

Watching them from the doorway, Sophia smiled before retreating to her room.

She had job applications to prepare.

After losing her last position so abruptly, she’d learned one thing—office work might not be for her.

For years in Willowbrook County, she’d labored on construction sites, then cared for Victoria in the hospital. She was used to doing, not sitting behind a desk.

Maybe it was time to embrace that.