Lucas’s brow creased with deep concern. “What did she want now?”

“The same old games. Trying to cause trouble.” Isabella’s voice was steady, almost detached, but a faint tension betrayed the irritation brewing underneath. “Lucas, do you believe she’ll tell Ethan about me?”

He offered her a reassuring glance. “It’s unlikely. She isn’t that foolish. But Sophia remains a genuine threat. I suspect she was behind the car accident three years ago. Think about it. Besides us, she was the only one who knew you planned to leave the banquet early.”

Isabella’s face went pale, her eyes widening with a flash of fear. “Are you suggesting…”

“I’ll investigate it,” Lucas stated, his voice firm with resolve. “Don’t worry. I will protect you, your grandmother, and Liam.”

After saying goodbye to Isabella, Lucas drove back to his apartment.

The moment he unlocked the door, the sharp smell of alcohol assaulted him. He stepped into the living room to find Ethan collapsed on the sofa, clutching an empty bottle, his gaze distant and unfocused.

“You’re back,” Ethan mumbled, his voice rough and slurred from drink.

A sudden tightness gripped Lucas’s chest, a wave of foreboding washing over him. “Why are you here? And why have you had so much to drink?”

Ethan let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh. “What, am I not allowed to be here?”

“That’s not it,” Lucas replied, sitting down opposite him and reaching for the bottle on the coffee table to pour himself a drink. “I’m just surprised you found the time to visit today.”

“It’s been three years, Lucas. You’ve been difficult to track down,” Ethan said, his piercing gaze fixed on Lucas. “What exactly have you been so busy with overseas? So secretive.”

Lucas took a slow sip of his drink, keeping his tone casual. “Just the usual business matters.”

“Business?” Ethan scoffed. “What kind of business requires constant international travel?”

Lucas’s eyes flickered for just a second, but he quickly regained his composure. “You know how it is. Global expansion is part of the strategy.”

After a heavy pause, Ethan’s gaze turned icy. “Lucas, be honest with me. Are you hiding Isabella abroad?”

Lucas’s heart stuttered, but his expression remained neutral. “What are you talking about? Isabella left a long time ago. I have no idea where she is.”

Ethan studied his face intently, searching for any hint of deception. “Really? Your recent travel patterns seem highly suspicious.”

Lucas averted his eyes and changed the subject. “When are you planning to marry Sophia?”

Ethan’s expression darkened instantly. He fell completely silent, as if lost in deep thought. Seeing this, Lucas also said nothing more. The two men sat there, each holding their drink, enveloped in a thick, uncomfortable silence.

Suddenly, a phone rang, shattering the quiet. Ethan glanced at it, noticing the caller ID showed a single letter “I.” He moved to answer it.

But Lucas was faster. He snatched the phone and stepped out into the hallway. “I’ll get this.”

Outside, he answered. “Hello, Isabella.”

“Lucas, I… I want to launch my own brand. I was hoping you could introduce me to some professionals in the industry. Would that be alright?” Isabella’s voice was hesitant.

“Of course. It’s no problem at all,” Lucas responded immediately. “I’m free tomorrow. We can discuss the details then.”

“Thank you, Lucas.”

Ending the call, Lucas walked back into the living room to find Ethan staring at him, his expression cold and hard.

“Who was on the phone?” Ethan asked, his voice like ice.