Isabella's fingers trembled violently at the word "worker," her chopsticks clattering onto the table.

She forced composure as she bent to retrieve them, only to find her palms slick with cold sweat.

Ethan cast her a casual glance before instructing the person on the phone, "Bring him to the manor."

After hanging up, he leisurely ladled soup into Sophia's bowl.

Isabella stared at the bowl, her throat tightening.

"Ethan, why summon a worker?" Victor frowned.

The corner of Ethan's lips curled slightly. "You'll find out soon."

Isabella forced a smile. "Uncle Victor, Ethan must have work matters to handle."

Before she finished speaking, Ethan handed the plate she had touched to a servant. "Bring a fresh one."

Isabella's face drained of color.

Victor immediately placed a rib on her plate. "Eat more, Isabella. You've lost weight lately."

"Thank you, Uncle Victor." Her voice shook.

Eleanor snorted and ordered a servant, "Give those ribs to Sophia. I prepared them especially for my granddaughter-in-law."

The servant obeyed.

Sophia smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Grandma."

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes.

Victor's expression darkened. "Mother, Isabella saved Ethan. How can you—"

"Saved Ethan?" Eleanor scoffed. "Without Sophia, would he even be standing? Some people cling to others the moment they recover, thinking everyone else is blind."

Isabella suddenly looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. "Grandma, I truly love Ethan!"

"Love?" Eleanor mocked. "Where were you when he was in a wheelchair?"

Victor slammed the table. "Mother! Isabella was forced away by her mother!"

Eleanor stood her ground. "Then why is she back now?"

Sophia glanced at Ethan, who wore a cold smile. Beneath the table, he took her hand and traced words into her palm: Watch the show.

Just then, the door opened.

An assistant escorted a man in work clothes inside.

Isabella paled instantly upon recognizing him.

The worker stood nervously, his eyes darting around.

Ethan rose slowly, his voice icy. "Tell us. Who ordered you to sabotage the construction site that day?"

The worker dropped to his knees, pointing at Isabella. "Her father paid me fifty thousand to keep quiet!"

Gasps filled the room.

Isabella trembled, shrieking, "You're lying!"

Ethan smirked and tossed a stack of bank records onto the table. "These are the transfer records from your father to him."

Isabella collapsed into her chair, her lips quivering wordlessly.

Victor stared in disbelief. "Isabella, what—"

Eleanor slammed her hand on the table. "So the so-called savior was just staging a performance!"

Sophia watched in shock, finally understanding Ethan's "show."

Ethan stepped toward Isabella, looking down at her. "Now, what do you have to say?"

Isabella suddenly lunged at the worker like a madwoman. "How dare you betray me after taking the money!"

The worker scrambled backward in fear.

Victor grabbed her, his face livid. "Isabella! What is going on?"

She broke down sobbing. "Uncle Victor, I... I just loved Ethan too much..."

"Love?" Ethan's gaze turned sharp. "Your love involves scheming, framing, and sowing discord?"

He turned and took Sophia's hand, his voice softening. "Sophia, I'm sorry you had to endure this."

Sophia shook her head, her eyes glistening.

Eleanor stamped her foot in fury. "Victor! Is this the person you insisted on bringing into our home?"

Victor's face cycled through shades of anger before he finally spoke with difficulty. "Ethan, about this matter—"

"Dad," Ethan interrupted, "I hope this is the last time."

With that, he stood, leading Sophia away. "Let's go."

Outside the manor, Sophia exhaled deeply.

Ethan pulled her into his arms, murmuring in her ear, "No one will hurt you again."

She leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, and softly replied, "Mm."

In the night, their silhouettes slowly merged into one.