Ethan blocked his path. “Why this sudden interest in Isabella? Are you hiding something from me?”

Daniel avoided a direct answer. His eyes shifted to Sophia, still seated. With a meaningful look, he challenged, “How long do you plan to continue this pretense? Is it truly entertaining to have all three of you living under one roof here at Hawthorne Residence?”

Ethan’s expression hardened. “Stay out of my business.”

Daniel shrugged casually. “It’s of no concern to me.” He moved past Ethan and ascended the stairs, leaving Ethan standing silently in the living room.

Daniel knocked gently on the bedroom door, the sound almost inaudible.

“Come in.” Isabella’s voice came from inside, hoarse and weak.

As Daniel opened the door, he saw Isabella sitting on the edge of the bed, her face slightly pale.

“What happened last night? Why did you cancel the plan?” Daniel approached her, his voice filled with concern, his brow furrowed with confusion.

“It was too dangerous to proceed,” Isabella whispered, shaking her head as exhaustion seemed to overwhelm her. “I can’t risk making things more complicated.”

She looked up, her eyes hardening with resolve. “I need to find a way to leave in the next few days.”

“Leave?” Daniel frowned slightly. “Where do you intend to go?”

“Anywhere but here,” Isabella stated, her voice trembling as she gripped the blanket, her knuckles turning white.

“There’s no chance Ethan will let you leave alone,” Daniel pointed out.

“I know,” Isabella sighed deeply, her expression filled with determination. “That’s why I need your help. Could you possibly talk to Ethan?”

She looked at Daniel, desperation flashing in her eyes. “Tell him I have work to handle. If business partners can’t reach me, they’ll become suspicious.”

Daniel held her gaze, a silent moment passing between them before he nodded, his expression serious. “I’ll do what I can,” he assured her.

“Thank you, Daniel,” Isabella said, her voice filled with gratitude as a warm smile brightened her face.

“Don’t worry about it,” Daniel replied, his voice softening as he met her eyes. “I’ll do my best to help you.”

He hesitated, his concern evident. “Just make sure you’re eating properly and getting enough rest. It’s not just about you anymore; the baby needs it too.”

“I know, I know,” Isabella murmured, her gaze drifting away thoughtfully.

Daniel’s expression was complex as he watched her, wanting to say more but ultimately holding back.

With quiet resolve, he turned and left the room, closing the door gently behind him before descending the stairs.

Ethan remained by the vast floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, lost in thought.

As Daniel’s footsteps echoed softly, Ethan turned, his gaze intense and heavy with unspoken questions.

“What were you and Isabella discussing?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.

“Nothing,” Daniel answered, stopping to face him, his posture tense.

“But you were in there for a long time,” Ethan pressed, skepticism sharpening his tone.

“Just some things about her health,” Daniel replied, shifting uncomfortably. “Isabella… she’s not doing well.”

He took a deep breath, steeling himself before adding, “Ethan, this isn’t working. You can’t keep going on like this.”

Ethan’s frown deepened, a shadow falling over his features.