Sophia’s stomach tightened into a hard knot.

She never imagined things would spiral this far out of control.

Isabella hadn't just shown up at the estate with her son. Now Victoria was actively seeking proof of the boy’s true parentage.

“Where is Mrs. Blackwood at the moment?” Sophia kept her voice even, a stark contrast to the chaos churning inside her.

“She is walking in the gardens, ma’am,” the butler answered with a respectful bow of his head.

“Very well. You may return to your duties.” She dismissed him with a faint wave.

He gave a slight nod and retreated silently.

Sophia stood frozen, her gaze locked on the forgotten toys scattered across the lawn.

Had all her careful planning been for nothing?

If Victoria confirmed the boy was Ethan’s, what power would Sophia have left?

Victoria had always longed for a grandchild. The moment she verified Liam’s bloodline, she would move heaven and earth to secure his place in the Blackwood family.

No.

Sophia’s hands clenched into fists at her sides. She would not let that happen.

Outside, the gardens were a riot of color and fragrance, but the beauty did nothing to soothe her rising panic.

Victoria sat in a wrought-iron chair, absently twisting the bracelet on her wrist. Her gaze was distant, lost in thought. She didn't notice Sophia’s approach.

“Victoria,” Sophia called softly.

There was no reaction.

She tried again, louder this time. “Victoria?”

Finally, the older woman stirred, her eyes focusing slowly. “Oh, Sophia. I didn’t see you there.”

Sophia forced her lips into a pleasant smile. “Is everything alright? You seem troubled.”

Victoria let out a heavy sigh and massaged her temples.

A cold dread wrapped around Sophia’s heart. She chose her next words carefully. “Is it… because of the boy?”

Another weary sigh escaped Victoria’s lips. She wasn’t surprised Sophia knew.

She met Sophia’s gaze directly, her tone firm and resolute. “Let me be perfectly clear. If that child is my grandson, he will be brought back to this family where he belongs. But do not worry, Sophia. You are still the woman I have chosen for Ethan. That will not change.” She paused, her expression softening slightly. “When the time comes, I will ensure Isabella leaves. She will be compensated generously. But the boy stays. And he will be raised by you.”

The air left Sophia’s lungs. A crushing weight settled on her chest.

Raise Isabella’s child? Her?

Every move she had made was to secure her position as Ethan’s wife, the future lady of Blackwood Estate. Not to become a nursemaid for her rival’s son.

“Well, I…” Sophia struggled to find her voice, to form a coherent response.

Victoria didn’t let her finish. “I know you have a good heart, Sophia. And I know how much you’ve wanted a child of your own. Consider this a favor to me. I am not getting any younger. All I want is to hold my grandchild.”

Sophia swallowed the bitter resentment rising in her throat. She forced a smile that felt like shards of glass in her soul. “Of course. I will do as you wish.”

Pleased, Victoria patted Sophia’s hand. “That’s my girl. I knew you would understand.”

Sophia lowered her eyes, hiding the storm of fury raging within her. She would not go down without a fight.

She strode out of Blackwood Estate and headed straight for a sleek black Mercedes idling at the curb.

The driver immediately stepped out and opened the rear door. “Miss Reed.”