Ethan ignored everything else.

He jumped from the Maybach and rushed to Isabella, who lay motionless on the ground.

He scooped her up into his arms.

"Isabella! Isabella!" he called out, his voice tight with panic.

Her face was ghostly pale.

The gash on her forehead bled freely.

A heavy dread settled in Ethan's chest.

"To the hospital! Now!" he commanded, carrying her back to the car.

The driver, visibly shaken, sped towards the nearest medical center.

Ethan burst through the hospital doors, Isabella cradled against him.

The sharp scent of antiseptic filled his nostrils.

Harsh fluorescent lights glared down from the ceiling.

He paced anxiously outside the emergency room.

Every second felt like an eternity.

Finally, the doctor emerged.

Ethan rushed forward. "How is she? What's her condition?"

The doctor removed his mask calmly. "She's stable. The injuries are minor. The fainting was caused by shock and fear. We've treated the head wound. She needs rest now."

Relief flooded through Ethan. "Thank you, doctor."

He entered the quiet hospital room.

He stood by her bedside, watching her sleep.

Her breathing was shallow but steady.

"Lucas..." she murmured faintly in her sleep.

Ethan's expression darkened instantly.

His hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles turning white.

He turned and left the room without another word.

He stopped in the hallway, taking a deep breath.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Benjamin.

"Benjamin, handle the accident scene. Keep it out of the press. No leaks," he instructed, his voice cold. "And I want a full report on Isabella's recent activities. Everything."

"Understood, Mr. Blackwood," Benjamin's respectful reply came through.

Ethan ended the call.

He walked out of the hospital, not glancing back.

Inside the room, Isabella's eyelids fluttered open.

"Water..." she croaked, her throat dry.

A gentle voice responded near her. "You're awake, Isabella."

She blinked, her vision clearing to focus on Lucas's concerned face.

"Lucas... you saved me?" she asked weakly, her eyes filling with gratitude as she reached for his hand.

Lucas hesitated, recalling the sight of Ethan's retreating figure when he'd arrived.

He took her hand. "I'm just glad you're safe..."

Meanwhile, Sophia paced her office, consumed with worry.

She was furious at Julian's stupidity.

A simple car accident, and he got himself killed.

She had only wanted him to discredit Isabella.

She never imagined it would cost him his life.

"This might be for the best," she whispered to herself, a cold smile touching her lips. "Dead men tell no tales."

She couldn't let this be traced back to her.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

Benjamin stood at her door, his posture formal. "Miss Reed—Mr. Blackwood requests your presence immediately."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

She schooled her features into a mask of calm. "Of course," she replied smoothly.

She took a steadying breath, quelling her rising panic.

She followed Benjamin to Ethan's office.

He was seated on the sofa, swirling a glass of red wine thoughtfully.

His expression was unreadable.