Chapter 253

"I'm looking for my mother," Lily declared boldly as she stood outside the door.

The door swung open abruptly.

Nathan Carter hastily retreated, disappearing down the hallway.

Lily stepped inside and found her mother resting in the inner room. Tilting her head, she asked, "Mommy, why are you sleeping again?"

Sophia Montgomery gave a weak smile. "Mommy just isn't feeling well today, sweetheart. Did you eat enough?"

"Mm! Uncle Nathan told me so many fun stories!" Lily chirped, her earlier resentment toward the "bad guy" fading. If not for her mother's fear of Ethan, she might have already started calling him Daddy.

"Mommy, are you sick? Do you have a fever?" Lily pressed a small hand to Sophia's forehead.

Guilt laced Sophia's whisper. "Mommy just... almost forgot about you and Uncle Nathan. I'm so sorry, my love."

"Lily, your mother needs rest. Come here," Ethan Blackwood commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Lily hesitated but obeyed, letting Ethan lead her out by the hand.

"Stinky bad guy!" she huffed, glaring at him from across the room. "If Mommy's sick, you better take care of her!"

"She's not sick."

"Liar! Then why is she so tired?" Lily demanded, tiny fists on her hips.

Ethan arched a brow. "Because she was worried sick about you running off. She rushed here without resting."

Lily's eyes widened. "So... it's my fault?"

"Obviously. So don't disturb her again."

"Okay..." The five-year-old pouted, easily swayed.

Listening to their exchange, Sophia's heart ached. For a fleeting moment, it felt like they were a real family—Ethan working, her resting, their child weaving between them with innocent chatter.

It was a dream too beautiful to last.

Exhaustion pulled her under, and she drifted into sleep.

When she awoke hours later, dusk had fallen. The room was quiet, Lily nowhere in sight. A new outfit lay folded beside the bed—soft cashmere, elegant yet understated.

Sophia dressed slowly, studying her reflection. The cream sweater draped perfectly over the marks Ethan had left, its asymmetrical neckline revealing one smooth shoulder. A slim leather belt cinched her waist, accentuating her curves, while the tailored trousers and heels elongated her legs impossibly.

She barely recognized herself.

The door creaked open.

"Wow! Mommy, you're so pretty!" Lily burst in, eyes shining. "Who bought you this? It's magic!"

Sophia flushed. "I..."

Ethan's gaze burned into her. "They fit," he said simply.

Then, softer: "You're awake."

Sophia nodded.

"Come." He extended a hand. When she took it, he clasped Lily's small fingers with his other hand. Only then did Sophia notice their matching outfits—Lily in a pink sweater dress and glittery boots, a miniature reflection of her own ensemble.

"Lily, when did you—?"

"While you slept!" Lily beamed. "The bad guy took me shopping!"

Sophia's throat tightened. She met Ethan's eyes, gratitude shining through.

He scoffed. "Three hours of peace was worth the expense. But remember—" His voice turned businesslike. "Every cent comes out of your debt."

Sophia bit back a smile. "Noted."

With Lily between them, Ethan led them through the executive floor. Employees gaped as the trio passed—the notoriously ruthless CEO flanked by two stunning beauties, one a tiny replica of himself.

Behind them, Nathan carried Ethan's briefcase, the picture of discretion.

Whispers erupted in their wake:

"—since when does the Blackwood Prince hold hands?"

"—that little girl has his exact hair! She's the one who came for child support!"

"—so the woman must be..."

A collective gasp.

"The future Mrs. Blackwood?"

Someone choked. "The CEO... whipped?"