“Isabella, Liam is going to be okay,” Lucas said softly.

She nodded, her eyes shimmering with held-back tears. “Lucas, thank you for staying. I couldn’t have handled this alone.”

“We’re friends. I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Liam means a lot to me, too,” Lucas replied.

Isabella paused, holding back her words. A brief silence lingered before she turned her attention back to Liam.

Outside, Ethan had been sitting in his car near the hospital entrance for what felt like hours. His frustration grew with every minute. The idea that Liam was Isabella and Lucas’s child seemed impossible, yet Isabella’s stubborn refusal to explain left him questioning everything. He needed answers, no matter what.

He started the engine and drove toward the hospital parking lot. The entire way, he couldn't erase the image of Liam’s fragile face or Isabella’s panicked expression from his mind. His hands tightened around the steering wheel, his foot pressing harder on the accelerator as his thoughts spiraled.

Just as Sophia was about to leave the office, Benjamin hurried inside. He stopped when he saw her but quickly hid his surprise.

“Miss Reed, what are you doing here?”

“I’m looking for Ethan. Do you know where he went?”

Benjamin hesitated before answering, “Mr. Blackwood… he’s at the hospital.”

“The hospital? Why?”

Sophia’s heart began to race. A cold unease settled over her.

Benjamin lowered his gaze and stayed silent.

Noticing his reluctance, Sophia grew more suspicious. She didn’t push further. Instead, she turned and hailed a cab straight to the hospital.

Some time later, in the hospital room, Liam began to stir. His eyelids fluttered open, and he saw his mother’s tear-stained face. “Mommy, what happened?” he whispered weakly.

Emotion surged through Isabella when she heard his voice. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pulled him into a gentle hug. “Liam, you’re awake! You had a very high fever, but you’re okay now.”

Liam blinked slowly. “I feel better. Where’s that man?”

Isabella stiffened. She knew exactly who he meant—Ethan. Not wanting to involve him, she replied, “He had to go. Don’t worry, sweetheart. Just rest.”

Confused but obedient, Liam nodded. He snuggled into his mother’s arms and soon fell back asleep.

Isabella carefully laid him down and stepped into the hallway for air. As she reached the end of the corridor, she saw Ethan striding toward her.

“What are you doing here?” Isabella frowned, her expression guarded.

Ethan’s gaze locked onto hers, his tone cold and determined. “I came for answers about the boy.”

“I already told you—it’s none of your business. Leave, and don’t come back.”

She turned to walk away, but Ethan caught her arm firmly. “Isabella, you can’t shut me out like this. I need to know the truth about that child.”

“Let me go!” She tried to pull away. “Ethan, we’re not married anymore. You have no right to interfere in my life.”

Just as tension peaked between them, Sophia arrived at the hospital.

The moment she saw Ethan and Isabella together, her temper flared. “Ethan, what’s going on? Is she bothering you again?” Sophia asked, her tone sweet but laced with irritation.