Chapter 481

"Don't even dream of harming her if you can't prevent that pregnancy!" Zoe Montgomery hissed, deliberately provoking Margaret Thorne. "And you can kiss my investment goodbye if you fail!"

Margaret's eyes gleamed with sudden interest. "How much more can you squeeze from Dominic Blackwood?"

Zoe lifted her chin confidently. "At least another hundred fifty-five million."

"Consider it done!" Margaret declared. "That child will never take its first breath!"

When Evelyn Thorne returned home that evening, an unfamiliar car sat parked at the Mooncrest Manor gates. Were they expecting visitors?

She parked her vehicle and stepped out.

Her two children and Sophia Blackwood emerged together from the grand entrance.

"Mommy!" Lily squealed.

Michael Sterling scooped up the excited girl as she rushed toward Evelyn.

"Why is Sophia here?" Michael asked quietly.

Sophia approached with a gentle smile. "I'm heading home now, Evelyn!" she announced before departing.

Evelyn glanced at Lily. "When did Sophia arrive, sweetheart?"

"She was waiting at the gates when Henry and I got home from school," Lily explained, brows furrowed. "She told Henry a secret but won't share it with me."

Evelyn's gaze shifted to her son.

A secret?

What could Henry and Sophia possibly share?

"Didn't you say you were starving, Evelyn? Let's eat!" Michael interjected, carrying Lily inside.

Henry kept his secret, and Evelyn respected his privacy by not pressing further.

The next day, the National Youth Coding Olympiad finals commenced at the city's Science Hall.

Over sixty child prodigies competed for the top honor.

Sophia sat in the audience, her unwavering focus fixed on Henry.

She'd convinced him to participate after learning the champion would gain direct admission to the nation's elite university program for gifted youths.

After ninety intense minutes, the judges awarded Henry a perfect score unanimously.

When the announcer declared "Henry Thorne - Champion!" Sophia's heart raced with exhilaration.

During the award ceremony, she rushed onstage with a vibrant bouquet.

"Henry! I knew you'd win!" she exclaimed, lifting him in an exuberant spin.

"Put me down!" Henry protested, discomfort flashing across his face.

Sophia released him and turned to the host. "May we leave? We have celebrating to do!"

Several older competitors who'd placed behind Henry exchanged dark looks.

"Isn't that the crazy woman Dominic Blackwood spent millions searching for last year?" one boy sneered.

"No wonder Henry Thorne skipped straight to finals and won!" another jeered. "Blackwood connections at work!"

The crowd's mocking stares and cruel whispers made Henry's body tense with pain.

He hadn't used Dominic's influence!

With burning eyes, he hurled his trophy across the room.