Chapter 483

The thought brought tears to Sophia's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. Rushing to the bathroom, she examined her reflection in the mirror. After four hours of illness, her face had swollen noticeably, though the worst of the purple bruising had faded. Still, the marks left her looking ghastly.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips as she adjusted her mask. Then, her gaze fell on the jewelry box tucked away in her drawer—the one Ethan had given her long ago. Inside lay the pair of heirloom amber bracelets, gifted by Grace Blackwood herself.

The memory surfaced vividly: Grace's frail voice echoing in the grand halls of Blackwood Manor. "These were meant for your mother, but she left us too soon. Now, they belong to you."

Sophia's chest tightened. She thought of Victoria Blackwood's desperate ambition to claim the Blackwood name.

Wrapping the bracelets hastily, she headed straight for Victoria's grave.

The cemetery was serene, surrounded by blooming flowers—a peaceful resting place. At least Victoria wasn't alone here, buried beside her parents and sister. The thought eased Sophia's heart slightly.

Kneeling before the tombstone, she whispered, "Mom... I might be joining you soon. A place like this—elegant, beautiful—is beyond my means. I don’t even know if I’ll have someone to bury me." Her voice cracked. "I’m afraid I won’t find you. So, I’m giving these to you now."

She placed the amber bracelets gently on the stone. "I never got to give you anything while you were alive. Consider this my first gift." A tear slipped free. "If you can hear me... please watch over Lily. Keep her safe."

With that, she pressed her forehead to the ground three times in reverence.

Then, carefully, she opened the small compartment beside Victoria’s urn. Inside lay the emerald bracelet Victoria had once given her—hidden here for six years, untouched and unknown to anyone.

Now, Sophia placed the amber bracelets beside it, sealing them together.

After tidying the grave, she lingered a moment longer before forcing herself to leave.

By the time she exited the cemetery, dusk was approaching. She checked her reflection again—the swelling had subsided enough to go unnoticed unless scrutinized. It was time to fetch Lily from kindergarten.

She hailed a cab.

At the school gates, Lily burst out of her classroom, her face lighting up at the sight of Sophia. But then she frowned. "Mommy, why are you wearing a mask?"

Sophia hesitated. "Oh, just a little cold. I don’t want you catching it."

Lily pouted but nodded sagely. "You look pale. Daddy’s always saying you work too hard." She crossed her arms. "Maybe I should tell him to stop traveling. Who needs new toys? He should stay home and take care of you."

Sophia’s lips twitched.

Before she could reply, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Sophia!"

She turned to see a woman she vaguely recognized—expensive clothes, haughty demeanor.

Sophia kept her tone neutral. "Can I help you?"

The woman scoffed. "Don’t play dumb! My daughter’s toys? The ones your child keeps taking?"

Ah. Emily’s mother.

Sophia recalled now—Emily often shared toys with Lily, but her mother insisted Lily was stealing them. Sophia had returned them without fuss, barely registering the woman’s face.

With her own face still tender, Sophia had no patience for drama. "Is there a problem?"

Lily tugged her sleeve. "Mom, she looks mean. But don’t worry—I’ll protect you!"

Sophia squeezed her hand. "Lily, no fighting."

Emily’s mother smirked, examining her manicure. "I heard your group paid the 50,000-fee. Funny, I haven’t seen your car lately. Did you sell everything just to scrape it together?" Her eyes gleamed with malice. "And that man who used to drive you? Fired him, did you?"

Sophia stiffened.

But Lily piped up, sweetly innocent. "Auntie, you watch too many soap operas."

Emily’s mother blinked. "What?"

Lily beamed. "In soap operas, the mean ladies always try to stop the princess from marrying the prince. Just like you!"

Sophia choked back a laugh.

Emily’s mother gaped.

(Lily, of course, had no idea what soap operas were. She’d overheard Uncle Nathan joking about it last weekend.)

Nathan had told her, "Your dad’s busy, so I’m taking you out today."

And now, Lily was weaponizing his words brilliantly.

Sophia bit her lip. This child...