Chapter 243

"Why do you insist on being friends with me, Mr. Sterling?" Sophia's voice trembled with exhaustion.

"No! Don't say that about yourself!" Liam's heart ached at her words.

"You're purer than any woman I've ever known. Don't degrade yourself like this, Sophia." His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"But it's the truth." Her voice was hollow, the light in her eyes dimming. "I never wanted anything to do with your world. Yet for two months, I was nothing but a pawn in your games. A homeless ex-convict with a child in her womb—what power do I have against people like you?"

She let out a bitter laugh. "I was a fool, dancing in circles you drew for me. And when you grew bored, you branded me with every shameful label imaginable."

A tear slipped down her cheek. "I don't care about myself anymore. But my daughter—she's only five! Liam, please, drive faster. I need to find her!"

Her composure shattered, desperation clawing at her chest.

"Sophia, breathe. I'll get you there." Liam's voice was steady, though his knuckles whitened. "And don’t worry about your brother. I’ll find him. I’ll make sure he gets the best treatment for his injuries. Noah was my friend once, after all."

"Thank you." She leaned back, closing her eyes, too drained to speak further.

The car glided smoothly through the city, stopping at last before the towering Blackwood Enterprises building. Sophia craned her neck, but the summit was lost in the clouds.

"Sophia," Liam hesitated. "I won’t go up with you. Ethan doesn’t like family interfering in company matters. Will you be alright alone?"

She nodded silently and stepped out.

"Sophia!" he called after her.

She turned, exhaustion lining her face. "Yes?"

"Memorize my number. If you need anything—anything at all—call me. I’ll come."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "No. Just help me find my brother. You can reach me through Ethan’s landline. And whatever compensation you want... I’ll comply."

Without another word, she walked into the glass fortress.

Liam stood frozen, the wind biting at his skin. The pain in his chest was unbearable—was it regret? Guilt?

Inside, Sophia approached the reception desk, her confidence wavering under the opulence. The receptionist eyed her skeptically.

"Miss, who are you here to see?"

"My daughter."

"This is a corporate office. No children here. Please leave."

Sophia clenched her fists. "Then I need to see Ethan Blackwood."

"You dare call him by his first name?" A sharp voice cut through the air. A regal woman in her fifties strode forward, her gaze piercing.

Sophia ignored her, dialing Ethan’s number. "I’m at your reception. Where’s Lily?"

His voice was ice. "I told you to rest."

"Where. Is. My. Daughter?"

The line went dead. Moments later, the receptionist’s phone rang. Her eyes widened. "M-Miss Montgomery? Mr. Blackwood requests your presence immediately."

The older woman’s jaw dropped. "You’re Sophia?"

Sophia smirked. "Do I owe you an introduction?"

The woman bristled. "How dare—"

"Lead the way," Sophia interrupted the flustered receptionist.

Behind her, the older woman—Eleanor Blackwood—snatched her phone. "Nathaniel, come to the conference room. Now."

Ethan’s voice crackled through the receiver. "Mother, I’ve warned you about interfering. If there’s a meeting, it’ll be in my office."

Eleanor’s lips thinned. Once, she had mourned her three sons, lost to Ethan’s ruthlessness. Now, she had no choice but to play the doting aunt. Adjusting her silk scarf, she marched toward his office.

Inside, Ethan lounged in his chair, discussing land acquisitions with Julian Montgomery.

"If we secure the northern plot, what’s your take?" Ethan asked.

Julian toyed with his jade ring. "Business isn’t my forte. I only expedited the deal as a favor."

"Appreciated."

Julian smirked. "Aren’t you going to introduce me to the woman you’ve been hiding? The one who bore that wild child of yours?"

Ethan’s glare could freeze hell. "Leave."

Just then, the door burst open. Sophia stormed in, her eyes blazing. "Ethan Blackwood! Where is she?"

Julian chuckled. "Ah, speak of the devil."

The receptionist stammered apologies. "She—she didn’t let me announce—"

Julian waved her off. "No harm done." His gaze raked over Sophia. "So this is the infamous Sophia Montgomery."

Sophia ignored him, her focus solely on Ethan. "Where’s Lily?"

Ethan’s expression darkened. "You shouldn’t be here."

"I’m not leaving without my daughter."

Julian leaned back, thoroughly entertained. "Well, well. The plot thickens."