Chapter 104
“How much longer must I wait?”
Eleanor Blackwood’s voice sliced through the tense silence, her patience fraying like a worn thread. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that Ethan wasn’t taking his condition seriously.
Who knew how long it would take for the elusive Hacker World to reactivate?
In the meantime, you’d better start reaching out to overseas contacts.
Another attack could be fatal.
Though the worst of the pain had subsided, seeing Sophia only deepened her irritation. Sophia’s family wasn’t supposed to have strong international ties—yet here she was, utterly useless. Meanwhile, Isabella Sinclair, of all people—an orphan—was proving far more resourceful.
Sophia felt Eleanor’s piercing stare, knowing exactly what she was thinking. With a practiced, serene smile, she spoke, though her voice barely concealed the frustration simmering beneath.
“Eleanor, I have wonderful news.”
“My parents have cleared their schedules.”
“They’re arriving today from abroad to help us finalize the wedding arrangements.”
“And they’re bringing carefully selected gifts.”
Her tone was honeyed, but the underlying message was razor-sharp. Unlike Isabella—the compliant, orphaned ex-wife—Sophia had the backing of influential parents.
Eleanor’s expression flickered, then softened as realization dawned. Even if Sophia didn’t surpass Isabella in every way, having wealthy in-laws was an undeniable advantage. In the endless battles of love and power, a well-connected daughter-in-law was a formidable weapon.
Ah. I see.
“That’s wonderful,” Eleanor murmured, her voice warm as she took Sophia’s hand, her touch deliberate. “I haven’t been well, and I may have spoken out of turn. You’ve endured so much already.”
“With your parents arriving, I’ll arrange an intimate dinner. The perfect opportunity to finally meet my future family.”
Her gaze flicked to Ethan, who seemed lost in thought—his attention drifting yet again.
He needs a reminder of his priorities.
“As for the medicine,” Eleanor continued smoothly, “you and Sophia needn’t worry. I’ll have someone else handle it. If necessary, I can always rely on William’s connections.”
“Ethan, your focus should be on your future in-laws and finalizing the wedding plans.”
Her unspoken motive was clear: if Sophia’s parents could be persuaded to offer financial support, it would be the ultimate advantage.
Noticing Ethan’s distraction—likely over her—Eleanor nudged him lightly.
“What’s wrong? Already daydreaming about your new family?”
Snapped from his thoughts, Ethan met Sophia’s gaze as she smiled at him.
Thinking about their wedding should have filled him with joy—after all, it was the future he’d envisioned for years. Yet as the day drew closer, an unsettling unease coiled in his chest.
Every time he pictured his future, Isabella’s face surfaced—cold, distant, changed.
The old Isabella would never have been a concern.
But this version of her? Unreadable. Unreachable.
Shoving the thought aside, Ethan forced a neutral expression.
“Of course. I’ll make sure they feel welcome.”
He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Sophia’s ear. She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest.
From a distance, they looked like the perfect couple.
But beneath the surface?
They were both playing very different games.
