Chapter 85

Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement.

That was the newest, most high-end drawing tablet on the market—sleek, lightweight, and absolutely stunning. How could she not adore it?

But tablets were even more of a luxury than cameras. She hadn’t planned on buying one for at least the next two years.

"Hi… I mean, I love it." Sophia, usually so composed and distant, couldn’t contain her excitement. Before she could finish speaking, she was practically swallowing her words.

Pathetic.

She scratched her head sheepishly, then pursed her lips into a small, embarrassed smile. "Do I look ridiculous?"

Ethan: "…" He had never seen her like this before—so young, so unguarded, grinning like an idiot. Like a child.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he slid the tablet toward her. "Take it." Then he stood and walked away.

He was wearing a bathrobe, his damp hair falling softly over his forehead, softening the usual sharpness of his features. His usual icy demeanor was absent, replaced by something almost… approachable.

Sophia remembered how, just hours ago, he had shielded her eyes and ears with one hand while using the other to end a man’s life with cold precision.

Yet now, she wasn’t afraid of him.

A small, mischievous smile tugged at her lips. "You look… cute like this."

Before he could react, she snatched up the tablet and bolted into her room.

Ethan stood frozen.

Cute?

He pulled out his phone and dialed. The line connected instantly. "Sir, Miss Montgomery has already gone upstairs."

"What does 'cute' mean?" Ethan demanded.

Nathan: "…Excuse me?"

"A twenty-year-old girl just called me that. What does it imply?"

Nathan hesitated. "Uh… sir, was it in a teasing tone? Or… affectionate?"

Ethan frowned. "The second one. More… playful."

Nathan coughed. "Well… it means she finds you endearing."

Ethan: "…"

Click. He hung up.

Nathan stared at his phone in bewilderment.

Ethan stalked to the full-length mirror in his room, studying his reflection critically.

"Cute?" he muttered. Then he scoffed and went to bed.

The next morning, Sophia knocked on his door, her face glowing with energy.

Ethan blinked.

"The tablet is amazing," she said, beaming. "It’s fast, the software is perfect—it’s even more useful than all the clothes you gave me."

She hesitated, then added softly, "Even without the contract… I’d still marry you. To take care of your mother in her final days."

"Starting today, you don’t have to pretend anymore."

"Thank you."

"I’m heading to work. Oh, and don’t worry about visiting your mother this morning—I’ll take care of her."

Before he could respond, she turned and dashed off.

Ethan: "…"

He had thought her cold, mature beyond her years. But now? She was just a girl who lit up at the smallest kindness.

Still, even if she hadn’t said anything, Ethan wouldn’t have been able to visit his mother. Last night’s incident required follow-up. The men who had attacked them were dead, but their employer remained unknown.

His team had worked through the night. Now, it was time to dismantle the forces behind them.

At the office, his executive director delivered the report.

"Mr. Blackwood, we’ve traced one of the conspirators to a connection with Mr. Thornton of Thornton Holdings."

Ethan’s brow furrowed. "Benjamin Thornton?"

The executive nodded. "The same man who publicly supported your grandfather until the very end—before we discovered it was you who orchestrated the takeover. His daughter is the one who saved your life."

Ethan’s expression darkened. "Call Benjamin. Now."

The executive turned to leave, but Ethan stopped him. "No. I’ll do it myself."

After all, Isabella was set to marry him soon. Benjamin would soon be his father-in-law.

Ethan dialed the landline.

The line rang endlessly before a harried voice answered. "Hello? Who is this?"

"It’s Ethan."

"Ethan? I—I was just about to call you. I didn’t expect—" Benjamin’s voice was strained, background noise drowning his words. Someone was crying.

"What’s going on?" Ethan demanded.

A woman’s voice suddenly shrieked through the line. "Ethan! Please, help me! My parents want me to get rid of the baby! I swear I won’t bother you after this—just let me keep it, please!"

Ethan’s grip tightened on the phone.

"You’re pregnant?"