Chapter 311

Lily Blackwood's big, innocent eyes sparkled with mischief as she hatched a devious plan.

"Come here, my precious granddaughter," William Blackwood beckoned warmly, his aged face lighting up at the sight of the little girl. "Let your grandfather take a good look at you."

Beside him, Grace Blackwood cooed, her gaze softening as she studied the child. "Richard, look at her. Even though she's a girl, she has your features. The resemblance is uncanny."

Richard Blackwood, a dignified man in his sixties, flushed slightly at his mother's words. "She's Ethan's daughter. Naturally, she takes after him."

Grace scoffed. "And isn't Ethan your son?"

Richard sighed.

"Eleanor," Grace called to her daughter-in-law. "Give this to Lily. It's a family heirloom, passed down through generations. She deserves it."

Eleanor Blackwood nodded gracefully, accepting the ornate golden locket encrusted with precious stones. "Of course, Mother." She turned to Lily with a practiced smile. "Come here, darling. Let Grandma put this on you."

Lily hesitated, eyeing the jewelry with suspicion. The locket looked old-fashioned, but the gems glittered enticingly.

She tilted her head. "Really? It's mine?"

Grace chuckled. "Of course, child. You're the only granddaughter of the Blackwood family. Who else would we give it to?"

Lily snatched the locket eagerly. She didn't care for its design, but if it was valuable, it could help her mother pay off debts.

Eleanor's smile tightened imperceptibly, a flicker of resentment flashing in her eyes before vanishing.

This child was a Blackwood—but not hers.

Her own sons were gone, leaving her powerless despite her position. If the family accepted Lily, she had no choice but to play along.

But she would ensure the Blackwood legacy remained under her control.

Her gaze slid toward the elegant woman seated nearby, watching Ethan with calculated interest.

The woman caught Eleanor's silent cue and immediately chimed in, her voice honeyed. "Ethan, your daughter is absolutely enchanting. She has your striking looks and that same spirited charm. Truly, she's a treasure."

Ethan remained impassive, his cold gaze fixed ahead.

Lily wrinkled her nose at the woman. "You smell weird."

The woman stiffened. "Excuse me?"

Lily pouted. "Stay away from Daddy. If you make him stink too, Mommy will make us both kneel when we get home."

The woman's face darkened, but she forced a laugh.

Eleanor intervened sharply. "Victoria, don't frighten the child."

Victoria Sullivan—Eleanor's distant niece—bit back her fury. She had been carefully groomed for this moment, chosen to secure Eleanor's influence.

But this brat was ruining everything.

Ethan, however, remained silent, his lips twitching in amusement.

Lily was proving to be far more entertaining than he anticipated.

Victoria plastered on another smile. "Sweetheart, you shouldn't say such things about your father. You're still new here. You don't understand how things work yet."

Lily crossed her arms. "I understand enough to know you're trouble."

Victoria's smile faltered.

Ethan exhaled, his patience thinning.

This was going to be a long day.