Chapter 197
Outside the research institute, Ethan Blackwood’s expression darkened like a gathering storm.
She certainly has no shortage of male connections, he muttered under his breath, bitterness lacing his words.
Even now, he couldn’t fully process what had just happened. His jaw tightened, teeth grinding as he wondered just how many secrets Isabella Sinclair had kept from him.
Sophia Kensington, on the other hand, felt a quiet satisfaction at not obtaining the medicine. Outwardly, however, her voice remained soft and soothing.
“It’s no surprise Isabella can waltz right into the institute. She’s cunning, Ethan. She’s been hiding her true self for years.”
She tilted her head slightly, feigning concern. “But why did she latch onto you? The way she acted today… she doesn’t seem particularly fond of you.”
“You’re saying she used me?” Ethan’s voice was sharp, disbelief mingling with frustration. “For what?”
Before Sophia could respond, Ethan’s phone rang.
It was Eleanor.
“Did you get the medicine?” she demanded, her voice strained with urgency.
Ethan’s throat tightened as he forced out the dreaded word: “No.”
The sound of shattering glass on the other end of the line pierced his ears, making him flinch.
“What good are you to me, then?” Eleanor shrieked. “Do you want me to suffer and die, just so you can replace me with that harlot? I always knew you were nothing but bad luck!”
Her venomous words struck him like lashes, each one sharper than the last.
Ethan swallowed the surge of anger rising in his chest. He knew she was in pain, and he couldn’t afford to lash out—not now, when she needed him.
After what felt like an eternity, Eleanor’s rage subsided, her voice turning weak and defeated.
“Forget it… My illness doesn’t matter. It’s the company that matters.” She exhaled shakily. “Sophia, when will you get your dowry? We need to reinvest it… for your and Ethan’s future security.”
Eleanor’s exhaustion was palpable. Her illness had dragged on unexpectedly, and her useless brother only ever contacted her for money—never once to ask how she was. Over the years, she had poured so much into supporting her family that her husband had frozen her credit cards, forcing her to sell her jewelry just to survive.
“My parents promised that once I’ve gained enough experience as general manager, they’ll release the funds,” Sophia replied smoothly. “Until then, they’re worried I might squander it and won’t know how to explain it to you, Eleanor.”
Sophia wasn’t naive—she knew Eleanor was desperate for that money.
Her tone sharpened slightly. “Besides, they specifically told me not to let you worry about this. Your health is delicate. They think it’s better for you to focus on mentoring me than stressing over finances.”
For a moment, Eleanor was stunned.
General manager? Such a position wasn’t easy to obtain—and certainly not for someone like Sophia.
Her voice trembled with disbelief. “General manager? Sophia, you can’t be serious!”
“Oh, I’m very serious,” Sophia replied, her voice dripping with false concern. “I’m just worried about your well-being, Eleanor.”
Eleanor saw right through Sophia’s innocent façade.
“And let’s not forget,” Sophia continued sweetly, “only as general manager can I truly lighten Ethan’s burden. Don’t worry—I won’t sit around like Isabella and do nothing.”
Her words struck a nerve, igniting a fire inside Eleanor.
“If you had even half of Isabella’s intelligence, we wouldn’t be having this conversation!” Eleanor spat. “Don’t even think about it! Since you’re part of the Blackwood family now, your dowry belongs here, not with your parents! I don’t care what they promised. Bring me the ten million now! And as for that general manager nonsense—forget it! It’s too ridiculous to even consider!”
Sophia remained unfazed, as if she’d expected this outburst. She blinked rapidly, forcing tears to her eyes before turning to Ethan, her voice trembling.
“Ethan, I only wanted to help…”
Ethan had already suspected his mother’s motives, but he hadn’t expected her to be this blatant. His tone turned icy.
“Mother, what are you trying to say?”
“You know exactly what I mean!” Eleanor snapped.
“Ethan, please, don’t argue with your mother,” Sophia interjected, dabbing at her teary eyes. “She’s only thinking of you. You’re still young. She’s trying to protect you from unnecessary pain…”
Ethan’s anger finally erupted.
“Mother, the Blackwood family is under my control now,” he said through gritted teeth. “I’m making Sophia the general manager, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”
“You—!” Eleanor’s voice rose, but before she could unleash another tirade, Ethan hung up.
A shadow crossed his face. Ever since his messy divorce and impulsive remarriage, life had felt like an endless battlefield—one disaster after another.
Sophia, sensing his turmoil, slipped her arms around his waist, her voice soft as silk.
“Ethan, I’m sure Eleanor will come around. She’s your mother, after all. No grudge lasts forever.”
Ethan sighed, running his fingers through her hair. “You’re too kind, Sophia. But we can’t ignore her illness. If the research institute won’t help, we’ll have to turn to Hackers World. Hopefully, it goes live soon. Maybe finding a cure will ease her temper too.”
Sophia pressed closer, her lips forming a subtle pout.
“If only Isabella were willing to help, we wouldn’t be in this mess. But I can’t help but wonder… if she doesn’t care about saving your mother’s life, why did she stay by your side all these years?”
Her words carried an unspoken implication.
Ethan’s chest tightened as memories of his failed marriage resurfaced.
Three years. He hadn’t treated Isabella well after their wedding—that much was true. But Sophia was right. Why would someone as enigmatic as Isabella—a woman with so many hidden facets—stay with him for so long?
What was she really after?
