The Billionaire CEO's Bought Secret Baby

Chapter 10

Sophia, still inexperienced, had endured Tobias’s relentless demands for the past three days, leaving her pale and exhausted. Coupled with being unable to see her mother, Violet, her mood had deteriorated further.

During breakfast, she appeared listless and drained.

Halfway through her sandwich, Sophia was absentmindedly poking at her plate with a fork, her thoughts elsewhere.

Tobias narrowed his eyes at her, his voice cold as he ordered, "Drink your milk."

"Oh," Sophia snapped out of her daze, quickly picking up the glass and draining it.

"Finish your food. I don’t tolerate waste," he added.

Sophia stared at the half-eaten breakfast on her plate, then silently began to eat, forcing it down.

Tobias, having finished his own meal, watched her closely, exuding a dangerous energy. He didn’t move until she finished. Then, as if nothing had happened, he stood up and casually said to Evelyn, "Get her something to build up her strength. She’s so pale, it’s making me lose my appetite." With that, he left the dining room.

Sophia flinched at his words, sitting frozen in her chair.

"Come here," Tobias’s voice called from the entryway. "Help me with my shoes."

Sophia turned her head in shock, unable to believe what she’d heard. He’s asking me to help him put on shoes? Isn’t it enough that I warm his bed? Now I’m a servant too?

Tobias, seated on the bench near the front door, couldn’t see her astonished expression from the dining room. His tone remained calm but commanding. "Come here," he repeated, more sternly.

Sophia shot up from her seat, her footsteps echoing as she walked over to him and stood in front of him, unmoving.

He glanced up at her. "Put my shoes on."

Her lips parted as if to protest, but she quickly closed them, saying nothing as she knelt down, opening the shoe cabinet. Inside were several pairs of polished leather shoes. Hesitantly, she asked, "Which ones would you like to wear?"

Tobias looked at her and replied, "You tell me."

Sophia paused for a moment, taking in his navy suit. She chose a pair of black leather shoes and held them up.

"Will these work?"

Tobias remained silent, and she took it as a sign of approval.

With one injured hand, she struggled to lift his foot but found it impossible. Startled, she looked up at him, her eyes pleading for help.

Tobias noticed and lifted his foot for her. She hurriedly removed his slippers and slid the shoe onto his foot. When it came to the second shoe, Tobias took matters into his own hands and put it on himself, surprising her.

He leaned down, gently lifting her chin and placing a firm kiss on her lips. "You’ve been obedient today," he said, his voice softer than before. "As a reward, once your hand heals, I’ll let you go back to school."

"Really?" Sophia asked, her eyes widening as she looked at him.

Tobias smiled. "Of course."

After he left, Sophia sat in the living room, staring at her bandaged hand. She wished desperately for it to heal quickly. If not for Vivienne, she would already be back in school, back to her routine, and able to see her mother after classes.

As she was lost in thought, Evelyn came out of the kitchen, holding her purse and keys, clearly preparing to leave.

Sophia’s mind raced, and she quickly asked, "Evelyn, are you heading out?"

"I’m going to buy groceries," Evelyn replied. "Is there anything you’d like for lunch?"

"I’m not sure. How about I come with you? We can pick something together."

Evelyn hesitated, clearly conflicted. "I don’t know... Mr. Tobias seems to keep a close eye on you. Are you allowed to go out?"

Just then, Rourke walked in and said, "Miss, Mr. Tobias has given strict instructions that you're not allowed to leave without permission. Evelyn, you can go by yourself. Damien is outside, he'll drive you."

"Thank you," Evelyn replied, relieved, and quickly made her way out.

Sophia shot an angry look at Rourke, then sat on the sofa, picking up a newspaper, pretending to read.

Rourke approached her, carefully holding a box in both hands. "Miss, Mr. Tobias had this watch made for you."

Sophia paused, lowering the newspaper as she glanced at the box. The emblem on it resembled a four-leaf clover, with the name "Vachestantin" written underneath.

Vacheron... A luxury brand, known for its watches costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"This is a custom-made piece from Vacheron," Rourke explained. "Mr. Tobias originally planned to gift it to his sister for her birthday in a couple of months. But after seeing your simple watch yesterday, he instructed me to pick this up for you instead."

Sophia hesitated, feeling uncomfortable. "I don’t know if I should accept it."

"Miss, there’s no need to hesitate. It’s Mr. Tobias’s request."

Sophia knew better than to refuse anything Tobias ordered. Without a word, she reached for the box, opened it, and was momentarily blinded by the brilliance of the diamonds encrusting the watch.

She blinked a few times, taking a closer look. Despite the numerous small diamonds, it wasn’t overly flashy. The watch exuded elegance, luxurious but tasteful—something anyone would admire.

"It’s beautiful. I... I like it," she said, her voice a bit stiff, unsure of how else to react.

"I’ll leave you to it then, Miss," Rourke said, turning to leave. As he reached the door, his phone rang.

Glancing at the screen, he noticed it wasn’t Tobias calling, but the number from The Aetheris Mansion. His instincts told him something was wrong. That household rarely reached out unless there was an issue.

"Hello?" Rourke answered.

"Rourke, what is Tobias up to these days?" The voice belonged to Ophelia, Tobias’s mother.

"Mr. Tobias has been diligently working, ma’am."

"Don’t lie to me," Ophelia snapped. "Since when does ‘working’ involve early morning shopping trips? Who’s the woman with him?"

Rourke froze for a second, realizing what had happened. It must be from yesterday—Tobias and Sophia must have been photographed while shopping. Clearly, Ophelia had seen the tabloid reports.

Recently, the mansion had been growing more anxious about Tobias’s future. Several high-society young women had been introduced to him, but Tobias had refused to entertain any of them, not even agreeing to simple dinners. His coldness had offended quite a few families. Since then, whenever Tobias was spotted with an actress or a model, it became headline news, and Ophelia would call to interrogate him.

"I’m sorry, ma’am. I don’t know the details."

"You don’t know?" Ophelia’s voice rose, clearly frustrated. "Everyone knows you and Damien are his loyal dogs! You probably know more about his life than God himself. Am I wrong?"

"I really don’t know," Rourke replied helplessly.

"Fine," Ophelia spat, her anger palpable through the phone. "But one day I’ll catch you both, and when I do, we’ll see how you’re dealt with."

The call abruptly ended, leaving Rourke tense. Without wasting another moment, he immediately dialed Tobias. "Mr. Tobias," he said, his voice careful.