Lucas stood still, lost in thought for a moment.

“So what if they withdraw? Do you think I’m afraid of Ethan?” His voice was calm but firm. “Isabella and Liam need me. I won’t abandon them.”

His assistant looked at him with newfound respect. Lucas often seemed detached, but beneath that exterior lay a man fiercely loyal to those he cared about.

At the hospital, the elevator doors slid open. The sharp scent of disinfectant hit Isabella as she stepped into the hallway, making her chest feel heavier. The corridor was crowded with people. She pulled her coat tighter and quickened her pace toward Liam’s room. Under the harsh hospital lights, her slender frame looked even more fragile.

She focused on steadying her breathing. She couldn’t let Liam see how shaken she was.

Just as she neared the pediatric ward, a familiar voice called her name.

She looked up and saw Daniel approaching.

He wore a white coat and held a patient chart. His expression was gentle but concerned.

“Dr. Brooks,” Isabella greeted with a strained smile.

She didn’t want him to see how vulnerable she felt.

But he noticed the exhaustion in her eyes and the forced smile. His brow furrowed slightly. “You’re here again? Are you okay?”

“It’s Liam… He’s not well. He was admitted.”

Daniel’s face turned serious. “What’s wrong? Is it serious?”

“The doctors diagnosed him with acute lymphoblastic leukemia…” Her voice trembled, fading to a whisper.

Daniel was stunned. He knew exactly what that meant.

Isabella was taken aback by his reaction.

She lowered her head, her voice rough. “Dr. Brooks, I know.”

Daniel studied her carefully. He knew she was intelligent—there was no way she was unaware.

“You do?” he asked.

Isabella lifted her chin and met his concerned gaze. A bitter smile touched her lips. “Of course I do. But… I just can’t go through with it.”

Daniel’s confusion deepened. “Why not?”

Isabella let out a heavy sigh.

If Ethan discovered the truth about Liam, everything would spiral out of control.

Three years ago, he had abandoned her and their unborn child without a second thought. Why would he change now?

She couldn’t take that risk. It wasn’t an option.

“Some things are too complicated to explain right now,” she murmured, avoiding his eyes.

Daniel watched her hesitation, a thought forming in his mind.

Isabella grew more uneasy under his scrutiny.

“Dr. Brooks, I appreciate your concern for Liam. I’ll do everything I can to find a suitable bone marrow donor as soon as possible.” With that, she turned and walked toward Liam’s room.

Daniel watched her retreating figure, emotions swirling inside him. He wanted to say more, to convince her, but the words wouldn’t come.

With a heavy heart, he turned and left the hallway.

Isabella was always like this—fragile yet incredibly strong.

And for some reason, that only made him want to help her even more.