“The doctors aren’t optimistic about her condition,” Lucas replied, his voice heavy with sorrow as he met her tear-filled eyes.

Tears streamed down Isabella’s cheeks. Over the past three years, Lucas had been crucial in helping care for her grandmother, Eleanor. The news felt especially devastating.

“I have to go to her. I need to see Grandma,” Isabella responded, her voice firming with resolve.

Lucas watched her, his expression full of empathy. “Maybe we could bring your grandmother to Geneva,” he suggested.

Isabella’s eyes were red-rimmed as she quickly shook her head. “No, Lucas.”

She took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. “Grandma has spent her entire life in her hometown. She wouldn’t adjust well to the climate change or the time difference here in Geneva.”

She paused, her voice tinged with guilt. “And I’m so swamped with work that I wouldn’t be able to care for her properly.”

Lucas looked at her with deep sympathy, feeling both sorrow and helplessness. “Have you decided, then?” he asked in a low voice. “If you go back, Ethan… he might find you.”

At the mention of that name, Isabella shivered slightly, then pressed her lips together. “I’m not the same Isabella from three years ago,” she declared, her voice sparking with newfound strength. “I have resources and confidence now. I won’t let him control me anymore.”

Lucas felt a wave of relief seeing her determination. “What about your job?” he asked, concern evident in his tone.

Isabella remained calm; she had already planned her next move. “I intend to launch my own brand,” she stated confidently. “After three years at Apex Design Collective, I’ve gained invaluable experience. It’s time.”

Admiration flickered in Lucas’s eyes. He knew exactly what Isabella was capable of. “That’s a brilliant idea,” he expressed his support warmly. “If you need any help, just say the word. I could even invest and become a shareholder,” he added, half-joking to lighten the mood.

Tears welled up in Isabella’s eyes as she looked at him gratefully. “Thank you, Lucas,” she said sincerely. “Without your support, I never would have become the renowned Serena or come this far.”

“Why do you always have to be so formal with me?” Lucas laughed softly. “Once you’re back home, I won’t have to keep traveling back and forth.”

“Hmm?” Isabella seemed to miss his implication.

Lucas’s expression shifted slightly, and he coughed to cover his slip. “Nothing,” he said quickly, feigning ease though his heart was racing.

He regarded Isabella with deep affection. Over the past three years, he had watched her overcome every challenge, growing stronger and more captivating each day.

Without even realizing it, she had stolen his heart. Yet, because of Ethan, Lucas had never been able to confess his feelings, always torn by his attraction to a friend’s wife. But now, he sensed an opportunity might finally be within reach.

The next day, Isabella took a steadying breath to calm her nerves and pushed open the door to the office of Apex Design Collective’s design director. “What’s up, Serena?” Natalie Chen, the design director, asked, setting aside her design draft and looking up.

Isabella approached Natalie’s desk and gently placed a light gray envelope on it. “Natalie,” Isabella’s voice wavered slightly. Over the past three years, she had poured so much effort and passion into her work here, and the thought of leaving filled her with mixed emotions.

Natalie picked up the envelope, slid out the resignation letter inside, and quickly scanned it. Her blue eyes widened in surprise as she looked up at Isabella. “You’re resigning?”

Isabella nodded, managing a small smile. “Yes, Natalie, I am.” She paused, gathering her thoughts. “I want to return to Switzerland to further my career.”