Chapter 59

From Ethan Blackwood's vantage point, Sophia Montgomery was engaged in an awkward tug-of-war with Alexander Kensington, her expression torn between politeness and clear discomfort. Ethan's brows furrowed instinctively.

"Nathan…" Nathan Carter murmured in disbelief. "The Kensingtons are known for their strict family values. Alexander has never been one to chase women—he's disciplined, almost rigid. How…?"

He trailed off, glancing at Ethan, who radiated icy displeasure.

The unspoken implication hung heavy: Sophia Montgomery was dangerous. First, she had ensnared Ethan Blackwood. Then, she'd tangled with Mr. Ling. And now, Alexander Kensington—a man of unshakable self-control—was practically begging for her attention.

Nathan wisely kept his thoughts to himself.

Meanwhile, Sophia remained oblivious to Ethan's watchful gaze. She leveled Alexander with a frosty stare. "Mr. Kensington, please leave. Now."

Alexander caught her wrist. "Miss Montgomery, I—I owe you an apology. I was wrong. Forgive me? I just… I want to get to know you properly. Let me make it up to you. Come to the Kensington Estate. It's a sincere invitation."

Sophia arched a brow. "An invitation?"

"Yes." He nodded earnestly.

She laughed, incredulous. "You're inviting me—a woman who couldn't even afford a meal at the Blackwood gala—to dine at the wealthiest estate in Harborview? Why? What's the real reason?"

"To apologize," Alexander insisted.

"I don't need it." Sophia wrenched her arm free. "If you follow me again, I will call the police."

With that, she snatched up her takeout and marched toward Victoria Blackwood's hospital room.

Alexander stood frozen, then dialed a number. "Grandfather… She looks exactly like Aunt Eleanor in that portrait."

A gravelly voice replied, "Bring her home. I need to see her myself. Thirty years… and we still haven't found your aunt."

Alexander hesitated.

"Well?" the old man pressed.

"I'll… convince her," Alexander said weakly.

"She refused?" His grandfather chuckled, oddly pleased. "Spirited. Just like a Kensington. Alexander, you will bring her to me."

"Yes, Grandfather."

Hanging up, Alexander cast one last glance at the corridor where Sophia had vanished before driving away.

The moment his car disappeared, Ethan stepped out of his own vehicle and strode toward his mother's room. Before entering, he heard laughter—bright, unguarded.

"Sophia! Ethan usually visits at noon. What brings you here today?" Victoria asked, delighted.

"Because I hit a little jackpot," Sophia teased.

For her, saving over a thousand dollars was a windfall.

"Did your company give you a bonus?" Victoria asked.

"Better—a side hustle." Sophia grinned. "I noticed this hospital's cafeteria does amazing smoked ribs. Thought we'd have a proper lunch together." She spooned a bite of rice into Victoria's mouth.

Victoria's eyes lit up. "Oh, this is heaven."

Ethan's gourmet meals were nutritious but bland. This? This tasted like home.

"It's a daughter-in-law's love that truly nourishes," Victoria sighed.

"If you like it, I'll bring it every day. My 'jackpot' can cover our lunches just fine," Sophia said, laughing.

Victoria leaned in conspiratorially. "Between us? I'd take your cooking over Ethan's five-star chefs any day. From now on, you're my lunch delivery."

"Deal!" Sophia high-fived her.

Their laughter filled the room—until a deliberate cough cut through it.

Sophia turned. Ethan stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

"Ethan!" She beamed, all sunshine.

His jaw tightened. That smile—so effortless, so fake.

"You're free at noon today?" he asked, tone deceptively light.

"Sophia says she made a small fortune," Victoria chimed in. "Ethan, tell me—did you give her an allowance? Because a thousand dollars is not enough. She needs at least twenty thousand monthly!"

Ethan's eyes darkened.

A small fortune?

From what? Flirting with Alexander Kensington?

They played their roles flawlessly for twenty more minutes—Sophia leaning into him, giggling at nothing, while Victoria watched, satisfied.

But the moment they left the hospital, the act dissolved.

Ethan's demeanor turned glacial. Sophia didn't dare ask why. She simply headed for the bus stop—until his hand clamped around her arm.

"Your acting skills are masterful," he hissed. "Isabella Thornton doesn't stand a chance against you. In fact…" His grip tightened. "I'm starting to think her kidnapping you was your script too."

Sophia recoiled. "What?"

"Stay away from Isabella. She's mine." He released her with a shove, then strode to his car without a backward glance.

Sophia stood rooted, trembling—until her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Sophia." Isabella's voice dripped venom. "We need to talk."