"Miss Reed, it's done." Julian's voice attempted confidence but betrayed his underlying anxiety. "I'm in. But Isabella insists on a one-month probation before signing the contract. She seems to trust me."

"Julian, I hope you're not playing games with me. If I discover any deception..." Sophia's voice trailed off in clear warning.

"Never! How could I possibly?" Julian interrupted hastily, sweat beading on his forehead. "Miss Reed, please be assured. You can trust me completely. I'll begin immediately and obtain her design drafts as soon as possible."

"Excellent," Sophia's tone softened slightly. "Remember, I want her reputation completely destroyed. She must never recover from this."

"Understood, Miss Reed," Julian responded instantly.

"You'll be handsomely rewarded upon completion," Sophia stated before ending the call.

Julian exhaled heavily as the call disconnected.

His phone chimed moments later. A notification displayed a transferred amount of one hundred thousand dollars. A greedy smile spread across Julian's face as he stared at the substantial sum.

Meanwhile, Isabella remained deeply focused in her studio, preparing for the upcoming project.

The sudden ring of her phone shattered the silence.

"Isabella speaking," she answered, her voice weary.

"Miss Scott, it's Liam... He's developed a sudden high fever. It's very serious, and he won't stop crying..." Emily's voice trembled with urgency and tears.

Isabella's heart clenched with worry. The documents in her hand fell onto the desk.

"A fever? How high? How is he now?" she asked, her voice thick with concern.

"I took his temperature—it's already 40 degrees. I... I don't know what to do..." Emily replied, her panic evident.

"I'm coming immediately. Use warm water to sponge him down and ensure he drinks plenty of fluids," Isabella instructed hurriedly, grabbing her coat and rushing out.

"How's Grandma? Is she alright?" Isabella remembered Eleanor as she reached the door, her anxiety deepening.

"Eleanor's fine, just worried about Liam. I've asked her to stay in her room while I care for him," Emily responded, sounding slightly calmer.

"Good. Take care of both Liam and Grandma. I'll be there soon," Isabella said, ending the call and sprinting to the parking lot. She started her car and sped toward home.

Her heart raced throughout the drive.

Liam meant everything to her. The thought of anything happening to him was unbearable.

Isabella rushed into the room upon arriving home.

Seeing Liam's flushed face filled her with dread. "Liam... Liam, Mommy's here. Everything will be alright."

"He's still burning up. We need to get him to the hospital immediately," Isabella said, quickly gathering Liam into her arms.

"I'll drive," Emily said, following them swiftly.

At the hospital, the doctor examined Liam and administered a fever-reducing injection.

"Doctor, how is he?" Isabella asked, her voice filled with apprehension.

"He'll be fine. It's just a reaction to the new environment and recent weather changes that caused the fever. The injection will help, and he should recover quickly with proper rest," the doctor explained.

Relief washed over Isabella at the doctor's words.

"Thank you, doctor," she expressed with genuine gratitude.

"You're welcome. It's my duty," the doctor replied with a smile before leaving the room.