The study at Hawthorne Residence was bathed in a cold, blue light from the computer screen.

Ethan’s finger tapped the mouse repeatedly, a sharp, impatient rhythm.

The surveillance footage froze.

There she was—Isabella, slender and vulnerable, being pulled into a black sedan.

The dim streetlights stretched long, distorted shadows across the wet pavement.

His chest tightened.

Breath caught in his throat as dread wrapped around him like a chain.

The video continued playing.

A man stepped out from the driver’s side.

He wore a hat and a mask, hiding his identity.

But Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

He knew.

It was Caleb.

Caleb moved with purpose, closing the distance between them.

He bent down and spoke quietly, his words lost to the recording.

Even through the grainy footage, Ethan could sense the arrogance in Caleb’s posture.

The satisfaction.

“Damn it.”

Ethan’s fist slammed onto the mahogany desk.

The sound cracked through the tense silence.

His knuckles turned white from the force.

Suddenly, the screen flickered and went black.

The room plunged into darkness.

He struck the coffee table again.

A guttural roar tore from his throat.

Veins bulged at his temples.

His jaw was clenched so tight it ached.

“What happened to the rest of the footage? Why did it cut? Where is she? Any news?” His questions shot through the quiet room.

Ethan stood abruptly.

His tall frame cast a long, menacing shadow.

Benjamin stood nearby, trembling slightly.

He held his breath.

“Mr. Blackwood, there’s still no word about Mrs. Blackwood. The surveillance… it was tampered with. The tech team says it’s irreparable,” he stammered, voice thin with fear.

Ethan’s expression darkened.

A storm gathered in his steel-gray eyes.

“Where is Sophia?”

“Miss Reed is at the hospital. She… was hoping you would visit,” Benjamin replied, eyes darting nervously.

He braced for the explosion.

“Find Caleb. Now. Bring him to me,” Ethan commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

It was a promise of vengeance.

“This time, he won’t get away.”

His tone was final, sealing Caleb’s fate.

Meanwhile, in a private room at the city hospital, Sophia lay still.

Her face was pale, delicate.

She looked fragile.

The door opened softly.

She lifted her head immediately.

Tears welled in her eyes when she saw Ethan standing there.

“Ethan… you came…”

Her voice was weak, laced with subtle hurt.

As if he’d abandoned her.

Ethan approached the bed.

His expression was stern.

His eyes were cold.

Sophia’s heart fluttered nervously under his gaze.

She tried to sit up, her body trembling.

“It hurts so much…” she whispered, clutching his hand.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Did you really have an episode last night?”

Ethan’s tone shifted abruptly.

Sophia’s eyes widened.

The little color left in her face drained completely.