Chapter 353

He ruled the entire family, dominated the city, and became its undisputed king.

Yet, he was utterly wrapped around his daughter’s little finger.

People were such fascinating creatures. Sophia couldn’t bring herself to interrupt the father-daughter moment, because Lily had never been this happy before. It wasn’t until nearly half past nine, when Lily was finally exhausted from playing, that Sophia carried her to wash up and dressed her in adorable Pikachu pajamas. Tucked into her princess bed, Lily still murmured sleepily, "Mommy... I want Daddy... to tell me a story."

Sophia hesitated. Before she could refuse, Ethan appeared behind her.

The way Ethan told stories was nothing like Sophia’s gentle, soothing tales. His were firm, layered with hardship and resilience, yet strangely captivating. He painted vivid pictures of struggle and triumph, and Lily listened with rapt attention. Only when she finally drifted off did his voice soften into a lullaby, coaxing her into deep slumber.

Watching Ethan put so much effort into soothing their daughter, Sophia fell silent.

She quietly slipped away to the bathroom to freshen up.

After all, she had work tomorrow. She needed to sleep early and wake up refreshed.

But when she stepped into the bathroom, she froze.

Just yesterday, the counter had been bare. Now, it was lined with an array of luxury skincare—top-tier brands known for their purity, free from synthetic additives. Sophia recognized them instantly.

These weren’t mass-produced products hawked by influencers. They were niche, high-end formulations that relied solely on quality to maintain their prestige. Back in Willowbrook County, Lucas Grayson had once gifted her a basic three-piece set as a reward for saving a project.

At the time, she’d assumed it was just a decent brand. Only later did she realize that simple trio cost nearly ten thousand dollars.

She had been too frugal to use it, selling it instead.

Now, staring at the vanity, she saw not just three pieces—but dozens. Full sets, advanced serums, even high-end makeup collections.

How much had he spent?

Dazed, she washed her face and followed the elaborate skincare routine. The difference was undeniable. Her skin drank in the products, leaving it plump, dewy, and radiant.

Then, in the mirror, she saw Ethan standing behind her.

Her cheeks flushed. She turned, murmuring, "Thank you."

"For what?" His voice was low.

"The clothes. And... all this." She hesitated. Part of her wanted to ask about Noah—her brother. She was worried.

But she bit back the question. Pushing Ethan’s temper wasn’t wise.

She still couldn’t read him.

His gaze lingered on her pinkened face. Without a word, he scooped her up and carried her to bed.

Next Morning

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, rousing Sophia from sleep. The space beside her was empty—Ethan was always punctual.

But she was exhausted, her body heavy with lingering fatigue.

Last night had been... intense.

The aftermath left her legs unsteady. The first few steps were wobbly, forcing her to brace against the wall.

Ethan emerged from the bathroom, frowning. "What’s wrong?"

Her face burned. "What do you think is wrong? It’s your fault!"

He blinked.

Sophia huffed. She hadn’t meant to sound so... petulant. Like some newlywed complaining to her husband.

Mortified, she ignored him, shuffling to the dining room while clinging to the wall.

Breakfast passed in silence.

Then, as she entered the walk-in closet to change, Ethan and Lily waited outside.

"Mommy, you should dress prettier today," Lily announced, mimicking an adult’s tone.

Sophia raised a brow. "Why?"

"So I can show off in kindergarten!"

Ah. Right. Yesterday, one of the snobbier mothers had sneered at Sophia’s plain outfit, embarrassing Lily.

Sighing, Sophia browsed the overwhelming selection. Finally, she chose an off-white polka-dot blouse with a bow-tie collar, pairing it with a sleek black blazer.

For the bottom, she opted for fitted pencil trousers that elongated her legs impossibly. Strappy heels completed the look.

Lily gasped.

Ethan’s expression mirrored their daughter’s.

He’d always known Sophia was beautiful—in that cool, untouchable way. But this outfit added mischief to her elegance, blending playfulness with professionalism.

She looked like a urban enchantress.

And those eyes—still as innocent as a fawn’s, despite everything.

It was absurd. Six years had passed, yet she hadn’t aged a day.

Yesterday, her conservative outfit had still drawn praise from Julian.

Today?

"Change," Ethan ordered gruffly.

"What?"

"Yesterday’s outfit was better."

Sophia rolled her eyes. Men.