Chapter 477

"Sophia, if you ever discover I'm not who you think I am—if I turn out to be someone terrible—would you... would you forgive me?" William's voice was unsteady.

"Why ask that now? I already knew you were shady." Sophia crossed her arms. "But it depends on what 'terrible' means. Hurt me, and I'll decide based on how bad it is. Hurt my best friend, though? Unforgivable. Vivian comes first. Always. Cross that line, and we're done. Understand?"

To her and her brother, Vivian wasn't just a friend. She was the one who'd saved them when they had nothing. Their loyalty to her was absolute.

William's face went pale. He stayed silent for a long moment before speaking again.

"Fine. I get it. I know what I have to do."

Sophia frowned. "What's that supposed to mean? Stop being cryptic. Are you helping me or not?"

"I can't." His voice cracked. "If this means we're over, then... so be it." His eyes glistened. "I'm a monster. A fool. I don't deserve to live. But meeting you? Loving you? No regrets. Thank you for saving me. Goodbye, Sophia."

"William, wait—"

The line went dead before she could finish.

Tears streamed down his face.

Sophia's words made it clear—if he returned Adrian to Vivian now, there might still be hope for them. But if he delivered the boy to Crimson Emporium? That would be the end.

He loved her too much to risk her safety. The owner of Crimson Emporium wasn't someone to cross. If they targeted Sophia because of him...

Better to let her go.

"Sorry, kid." William turned to Adrian, guilt heavy in his chest. "I don’t want to do this, but if I don’t, the woman I love gets hurt. I just hope Quentin Blackthorn actually wants you for good reasons."

Despite his crimes, William wasn’t heartless. He’d already planned his redemption—after delivering Adrian, he’d confess everything.

The car pulled into a gas station.

Needing air, William stepped out to smoke.

Just as Cassandra had promised, Adrian remained asleep, drugged by the laced milk.

Or so William thought.

The moment he walked away, Adrian's eyes snapped open.

He’d switched the glasses when Cassandra wasn’t looking. Every word between her and William? He’d heard it all.

This "Quentin Blackthorn" intrigued him. If the man was as powerful as they claimed, maybe he could be convinced to work for Mommy. She could always use more allies.

But Cassandra? She’d pay for hurting Mommy and trying to sell him.

Adrian pulled out his phone and dialed 911.

"Help! I’ve been kidnapped by Cassandra Delacroix. She’s at the Grand Marquis Hotel right now. Arrest her. And send someone to save me—fast. My name is Adrian Lockhart. My mom is Vivian Lockhart. My dad is Nathaniel Blackwood. Oh no—he’s coming back!"

He hung up just as William turned toward the car.