The night had fully settled by the time Isabella left the agency. Apartment hunting was utterly draining.

Ethan sat in his large office chair, his long fingers drumming a steady rhythm on the polished desk. Benjamin knocked and entered. “Mr. Blackwood, we’ve found her. Miss Scott visited multiple real estate agencies today. It seems she is searching for an apartment.”

Ethan’s fingers stilled. “Which properties did she view?”

Benjamin handed over a compiled file. “All the information is here, sir.” Ethan quickly scanned the documents. Every single apartment was far from Hawthorne Residence.

“Have someone take care of this,” he instructed.

Benjamin, momentarily taken aback, quickly nodded in comprehension. “Right away, sir!”

“Finally!” Isabella let out a deep sigh, a wave of relief washing over her. After days of relentless searching, she had finally secured a three-bedroom apartment. Its location was perfect—close to the city center and a well-regarded public kindergarten. Most importantly, it fit her budget.

“Miss Scott, please review the contract. If everything is acceptable, you can sign here,” the agent said, handing her the document with a bright, professional smile.

Isabella meticulously examined each clause. Satisfied, she signed her name neatly on the designated line.

“You’re very decisive!” the agent remarked as he collected the signed papers. “Just to be clear, I am only the agent. The landlord is another party, but you can contact me directly for any issues.”

“Thank you,” Isabella replied, committing the information to memory.

With Liam’s school documents in hand, she took his small hand and walked to the nearby public kindergarten.

Liam, dressed in a crisp blue shirt, looked around with wide, curious eyes. He held Isabella’s hand tightly, a hint of nervousness on his little face.

The kindergarten teachers were immediately charmed by the bright young boy who had recently returned from abroad. They were eager to learn more about his unique background.

Liam, with his natural fluency in a foreign language and his cheerful, outgoing demeanor, quickly won them over. The enrollment process proceeded smoothly, and Liam was officially accepted.

Isabella watched his radiant smile and felt a deep sense of comfort and fulfillment.

Leaving the kindergarten, Isabella held Liam’s hand as they strolled along the tree-shaded pathways of their new neighborhood.

Once inside their new home, Liam looked up at her, his eyes wide. “Mommy, are we staying here now?” he asked in his soft, melodic voice.

“Yes, sweetheart. This is our home from now on,” Isabella reassured him, gently running her fingers through his hair. Her voice was calm and certain.

Liam’s face broke into a delighted grin, his small teeth showing.

Golden morning light poured through the sheer curtains.

Isabella stretched lazily before pushing herself up in bed.

Moving was no simple task. She had taken the day off specifically to handle the relocation.

Her first call was to Emily.

“Emily, I’m moving today. Could you come over and help me pack?”

“Of course, Isabella! I’ll be there right away,” Emily responded with eager enthusiasm.

Isabella got up and went to the window, drawing back the curtains.

Sunlight flooded the room, bathing everything in warmth. She took a slow, deep breath.

A new home. A fresh start full of possibilities.

Isabella walked to Eleanor’s room and knocked lightly on the door. “Grandma, are you awake?”