Chapter 309

Something wasn’t right!

Hadn’t people always said that marital disputes never lasted overnight?

Yet here was Nathan Carter, a confirmed bachelor, acting like he understood the intricacies of marriage.

Unless… last night, Madam hadn’t even allowed Master to get close?

As Nathan’s mind spun with scandalous theories, Lily Blackwood fixed him with her big, curious eyes.

"Uncle Nathan," she asked, "who is the madam?"

Nathan blinked. "Your mother, of course."

Then he turned to Ethan Blackwood. "Sir, is Madam still getting ready?"

Women always took forever when preparing to go out.

Before Nathan could finish his sentence, father and daughter spoke in perfect unison.

"She’s not coming to the manor!"

"My badass dad won’t let my mom come!"

Nathan: "…"

Right.

He wisely clamped his mouth shut, opened the car door for them, and slid into the driver’s seat.

The ride was silent.

Instead of heading straight to Blackwood Manor, Ethan made a detour to the boutique he had visited days earlier. The shop had just received a stunning mother-daughter set in vibrant red—exquisite, elegant, and utterly wasted now.

But when Lily emerged in her crimson tutu, Ethan’s eyes gleamed with pride.

She was his daughter, through and through.

That regal, icy demeanor, tinged with mischief—nothing like her mother. If anything, she outshone her.

After the fitting, Ethan bought her an entire wardrobe of casual wear, ensuring she wouldn’t be forced into skirts at the family gathering.

Then they were off to Blackwood Manor.

As they approached the gates, Ethan noticed over thirty luxury cars parked outside.

What was his grandfather planning? A grand introduction of the Blackwood heiress to Harborview City’s elite?

He wasn’t wrong.

Inside the grand hall, William Blackwood held court, boasting to his guests.

"You’ll see—this child is extraordinary. Just like Ethan was at her age. She’ll be here any moment. Let me call him now."

The guests exchanged glances.

Just then, Ethan strode in, Lily’s small hand clasped in his.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Ethan, tall and imposing in his tailored suit, exuded icy dominance. Beside him, Lily was a burst of crimson—festive, playful, and impossibly adorable.

At first glance, she was the picture of innocence.

But a closer look revealed the same stubborn, defiant spark as her father.

Their entrance silenced the room.

Yesterday, William had summoned Harborview’s elite, hinting at Ethan’s scandalous new family. Most had heard the rumors—the woman he’d taken in, the child who mirrored him.

Now, seeing Ethan arrive with only the girl, the message was clear.

Ethan Blackwood, the ruthless empire-builder, would never let his blood slip away.

As for the mother?

A convict. A stain on Harborview’s high society. The woman who’d ruined his wedding.

That was a line even Ethan wouldn’t cross.

The guests’ reactions varied.

Half were those who had scorned Sophia Montgomery publicly. They prayed she’d stay away, sparing them Ethan’s wrath.

The other half? Ambitious socialites who’d long coveted Ethan’s attention.

Once, Isabella Thornton’s engagement to Ethan had seemed unshakable—her family’s ties to the Blackwoods ran deep.

But today changed everything.

The way William doted on Lily signaled her importance. Win the girl’s favor, and Ethan’s heart might follow.

Lily, oblivious to the scheming, scanned the room.

Jeweled women. Smug men. All staring—at her, at her father.

Especially those vixens eyeing Ethan like he was prey.

Was her dad really that handsome?

Lily shot him a sidelong glare.

Not that impressive.

Her mom never even looked at him properly.

But even if Sophia ignored him, Lily wouldn’t let some gold-digger steal him away.