Daniel Brooks returned to his office and immediately picked up the phone.
He dialed a familiar number, connecting with William Carter.
Machinery hummed and distant voices murmured in the background.
William’s tired voice came through the line.
“Daniel? It’s been a while. What’s going on?”
“I have an urgent case,” Daniel stated without preamble. “A young boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He needs a bone marrow donor now.”
William sighed heavily. “You know how long the waiting list is. We’re overwhelmed with critical cases.”
“This child’s condition is deteriorating rapidly. Every hour counts.” Daniel’s voice tightened. “His name is Liam Scott.”
A brief silence followed.
“Send me his files. I’ll see what I can do, but no promises.”
“Thank you, William. I owe you one.”
At Blackwood Enterprises, Ethan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window.
A cigarette burned between his fingers, its glow pulsing like a heartbeat.
Benjamin entered the office, his steps measured.
“Mr. Blackwood, Miss Reed has instructed legal to proceed with the lawsuit against Miss Scott’s studio. The documents are being prepared.”
Ethan didn’t turn.
He continued staring out at the city skyline.
Isabella’s defiant yet vulnerable expression flashed in his mind.
It stirred something restless within him.
The sharp click of heels announced Sophia’s arrival.
She carried an insulated food jar, her smile soft and practiced.
“I made you some soup, Ethan. You should eat while it’s warm.”
She placed the container on his desk.
Ethan finally turned, his gaze cool and assessing.
Sophia felt a prickle of unease but kept her expression serene.
“What’s this about a lawsuit?” His tone was deceptively calm.
Her fingers tightened almost imperceptibly. “It’s standard procedure. I tried to help Isabella, but she refused all compromises. The design team has raised concerns about Timeless Love—"
Ethan cut her off with a dismissive wave.
He stubbed out his cigarette.
“Drop the case against her studio.”
Benjamin nodded swiftly. “Right away, sir.”
Ethan grabbed his coat and strode out without another glance.
Sophia stood frozen, her face paling.
She couldn’t understand his protectiveness toward Isabella.
Everything she had carefully built was crumbling.
Her nails dug into her palms. She would not lose. Not to Isabella.
Ethan drove without conscious direction.
He found himself outside the hospital, engine idling.
Inside, Liam sat quietly on his hospital bed.
A Transformer figure rested in his small hands.
His eyes held a depth that belied his youth.