Chapter 456

Henry's question left Sophia deep in thought. "What kind of proof do you need?"

To Sophia, there was no reason to prove her connection to Dominic. He was her brother, and she was his sister—that had always been the truth.

Henry voiced his doubts. "If you're really Dominic's sister, why isn't your name in the Blackwood family records? Do you even have an ID? Show it to me."

Sophia wasn’t sure if she had one, but she could ask Dominic for it.

"I’ll get you the proof!" she insisted. "I am your aunt."

Sophia believed every word Mrs. Pembroke had told her. When the woman had said she and Dominic shared the same mother, Dominic himself had confirmed it.

If they had the same mother, they were undeniably siblings.

"I won’t accept it until you show me proof," Henry snapped coldly before walking away, tea in hand.

Sophia watched him leave, frustration bubbling inside her. If only Dominic were here—she could’ve gotten the proof immediately.

Henry returned to Michael, who raised an eyebrow. "What did Sophia say? I thought Dominic wasn’t coming, but if she’s here, maybe he’s planning to show up after all."

Henry’s expression darkened. "She didn’t say much."

Michael softened when he noticed Sophia still watching them. "We don’t have to be so harsh on someone who’s… you know."

"She’s not as slow as she used to be," Henry muttered.

"Ah. Well, I never doubted your mom’s skills."

A flicker of pride crossed Henry’s face.

"Your mom, though… she’s been acting strange lately. You’ve seen it. She barely eats, she’s gotten so thin… If Dominic tries to take her again, he won’t even need to use force. It’s bad enough she won’t exercise, but giving up like this?"

Henry’s jaw tightened. "We could check her phone. See what’s really going on."

Michael hesitated. "You’re not scared?"

"Of course I am! She’s your mom, not mine. If you mess up, she’ll just scold you. If I mess up, she’ll kick me out!"

Michael considered it, then grinned. "Alright, Big H. Let’s do it. If she finds out, we take the blame together, deal?"

Henry nodded.

After breakfast, Michael left to grab his laptop while Henry and Lily waited in the event hall.

The moment Michael was gone, Sophia approached them.

"I brought gifts for you two." She pulled a sparkling prism from her purse. "Lily, this is for you. It’s a rainbow maker! Hang it by your window, and when the sun hits it, your whole room will glow with colors!"

Lily’s eyes lit up. "Sophia… thank you! Even though Henry said not to talk to you, I love this!"

Sophia frowned at Henry. "Why would you tell her that? I’m your aunt—"

"Proof!" Henry cut in sharply.

Sophia beamed. "I will show you."

"Even if you do, I’m not calling you Auntie. I don’t want Dominic as my father. I don’t accept him!"

Sophia’s throat tightened. "You don’t have to accept him… but you have to accept me. I’ve never done anything bad to either of you!"

Henry fell silent. As strange as her logic was, she wasn’t wrong.