Chapter 333

Ethan Blackwood: "..." Oh, I recall now.

He immediately instructed Nathan Carter: "Nathan, hold on. I'll send them to you right away."

"Get over here!" Ethan commanded.

Nathan hesitated: "Sir, what do you mean?"

"In person. Now."

Nathan: "..."

After a brief pause, realization struck him: "You want me to come to your place and show the photos directly to little Lily on my phone?"

What Nathan really wanted to say was to show them to Lily's mother, Sophia, but he feared Ethan might tear him limb from limb, so he kept that thought to himself.

The line went silent as Ethan hung up without another word. Nathan turned on his heel and hurried out.

Ten minutes later, he pulled up outside Ethan's penthouse, parked, took the elevator up, and rang the bell.

The housekeeper, Eleanor Quinton, greeted him at the door.

She led him straight to the dining area, where Sophia and Lily were still enjoying Eleanor's perfectly fried eggs with a side of delicate seaweed egg drop soup. Ethan was nowhere in sight.

"Uncle Nathan!" Lily's face lit up with excitement as she spotted him. She hopped down from her high chair and dashed over. "Show Mommy the pictures of Isabella! I want her to see that nasty woman looking like a squashed pumpkin!"

Nathan obliged, pulling out his phone and displaying the multiple angles he'd captured of Isabella Thornton's humiliation.

Sophia, usually so composed, couldn't suppress a laugh at the sight.

She despised the Thorntons, especially Isabella. Sophia had vowed never to let her off easy if given the chance, but she hadn’t expected her nemesis to be humiliated without her lifting a finger.

She only wished she’d been there to witness it firsthand.

Seeing Sophia’s rare, unrestrained laughter, Nathan grinned. "Madam, your daughter is sharp as a tack. That two-shot move she pulled? Even more ruthless than the boss himself."

"Mom, did I do good?" Lily puffed out her little chest proudly. "I won’t let any woman talk bad about Daddy to you!"

A flicker of worry crossed Sophia’s mind—concern for Lily’s safety if these women sought revenge.

But seeing her daughter’s fierce protectiveness and Isabella’s disheveled, bloodied face in the photos, her heart swelled with satisfaction.

She pulled Lily into a tight hug. "You’re my brave girl, and I’m so proud of you. Together, we’re unstoppable."

Nathan watched the tender moment, warmth spreading through him.

Then he spotted Ethan lingering in the hallway outside the study, observing silently. Amused, Nathan—never one to resist teasing—sent a quick text.

Boss, smooth move, making your wife and daughter this happy. Playing it cool while winning her over? Masterful.

Ethan: "..."

Him? Chasing her?

Absolutely not.

Yet, as the sounds of Lily’s giggles, Sophia’s soft murmurs, and Nathan’s chuckles filled the penthouse, Ethan felt something unfamiliar—a warmth in the space he’d occupied alone for years.

He was a man accustomed to solitude. The housekeepers now present were only hired after Sophia and Lily moved in.

For the first time, the stark emptiness of his home felt… different.

Quietly, he stepped into the dining area. All three were still engrossed in the photos on Nathan’s phone.

Nathan noticed him first, his smile freezing. "S-Sir."

"Stay," Ethan ordered.

Nathan: "..."

He’d barely been here three minutes!

Desperate, he turned to Lily. "Princess, you’ve seen the pictures. I should really—"

"No! I want to see them again!" Lily pouted.

Nathan glanced between Ethan, Lily, and Sophia. "Madam, how about I send them to you directly? Give me your number."

Sophia nodded. They exchanged contacts, and Nathan swiftly forwarded the photos before making a hasty retreat.

Ethan had allowed him in, but his temper was unpredictable. One second he was permitted entry; the next, he might lose his head.

Nathan counted himself lucky as he slipped out, humming cheerfully.

But his mood lifted further when Sophia’s message popped up as soon as he got into his car.

Thank you, Nathan. Her words carried warmth.

He replied eagerly: Just showing you some photos—no need for thanks. It was my pleasure.

Sophia responded quickly: Isabella is someone I loathe. Seeing her like this made my day. Thank you.

Nathan’s chest tightened.

Six years later, Sophia remained the same—grateful for even the smallest kindness.

A woman like her… she could melt even Ethan’s icy heart.

After a pause, he typed: Madam, the boss… he cares deeply for you and Lily. He’s spent his life surrounded by danger, so he’s hardened. But beneath that cold exterior, he’s—

He stopped, unsure if she’d understand.

Sophia never replied.

She’d read Nathan’s words. She knew what he meant. These past days, Ethan had dragged her back under the pretense of repayment, yet he’d done none of what he threatened.

Instead, he’d remarried her. He doted on Lily.

But what about Noah Whitmore’s exile?

What about the years of relentless pursuit, forcing her, Noah, and Lily into hiding?

Those scars ran deep.