"I'm so sorry, my love, for causing you such worry. I give you my word, I will never leave you again."

Lucas watched the tender exchange, a pang of sorrow tightening in his chest. He had already completed all the necessary discharge paperwork.

"Isabella, the doctor has cleared you. You're free to go home. I've arranged for our car."

"Thank you, Lucas."

"Of course, Isabella." Lucas offered a warm smile as he gently lifted Liam. "Come on, little man. Let's get Mommy home."

The drive was quiet. Isabella held Liam close, leaning back against the plush seat. Exhaustion clung to her, but it was overshadowed by a profound sense of relief.

The moment the car turned into her driveway, her phone buzzed.

"Miss Scott, I have incredible news!" Oliver Davies, her assistant, sounded breathless with excitement. "The online rumors have vanished. Completely. Public opinion has shifted entirely. Julian Blackwood is now seen as the sole culprit. Our name has been cleared."

A powerful wave of relief washed over Isabella, finally releasing the tension that had coiled within her.

"Our partnerships? Have they been reinstated?"

"Not just reinstated," Oliver continued, his voice brimming with energy. "Mr. Sterling from Sterling Industries called personally. He apologized profusely for the misunderstanding and emphasized his desire to strengthen our collaboration. And that's not all. Several other major firms that were previously hesitant are now aggressively pursuing deals with us. Your perseverance has truly paid off, Miss Scott!"

Isabella's hand shook slightly as she held the phone, overwhelmed by the sudden, positive turn of events.

She knew the resolution wasn't just due to Julian's exposure.

Someone had clearly been pulling strings behind the scenes.

Her gaze instinctively found Lucas's. Her eyes conveyed a depth of gratitude words couldn't express. "Thank you, Lucas. For everything."

Lucas cleared his throat, his smile a touch awkward. "It was nothing, really."

Her suspicions confirmed, her appreciation swelled. "Lucas, please, come upstairs for dinner. Let me cook something simple. It's the least I can do to thank you."

After a brief pause, he nodded. "Alright."

The three of them went up together.

After dinner, Lucas left. Once Liam was safely tucked in bed, Isabella lay down, but sleep remained elusive.

The next morning, Isabella arrived at the studio early.

"Good morning, Miss Scott." Oliver greeted her with undiminished enthusiasm. "More excellent news! I finalized all our partnership agreements last night. Contracts are signed. We begin coordination today."

"Thank you for your hard work, Oliver," Isabella said, her voice filled with genuine relief.

"It's my job, and my pleasure," Oliver replied, clapping his hands together softly. "This was a true team victory."

His excited demeanor then shifted. A hint of hesitation appeared. "Miss Scott, there is one more matter…"

"What is it?"

"It concerns Blackwood Enterprises…" Oliver said carefully. "They've specifically requested that you personally handle the negotiations…"

Isabella's smile faded.

Blackwood Enterprises. Ethan.

"Why would… Why do they…" Her voice trailed off. She picked up the collaboration proposal. Her fingers quickly flipped through the pages until they landed on the document emblazoned with "Blackwood Enterprises."