Daniel Brooks rushed toward her, his expression tight with urgency.

“Isabella, we have a problem. You need to hear this immediately.”

A cold dread seized her heart. “What is it, Dr. Brooks?”

He hesitated, clearly struggling to deliver the news. “The donor… has withdrawn.”

“What?” Disbelief washed over her. Her voice rose sharply.

A ringing started in her ears. The world around her blurred into meaningless shapes.

Why now?

They were so close. What could have made the donor back out at this critical moment?

Isabella’s face went pale. Her lips trembled, but no words came out.

Liam, sensing her distress, looked up with worried eyes. “Mommy? What’s wrong?”

She forced a weak smile, fighting back tears. “It’s nothing, sweetheart. Just a small delay. Mommy will handle it.”

She guided Daniel into the hallway, away from Liam’s hearing.

“Isabella, I promise you, we are doing everything to find another match,” Daniel said, trying to reassure her.

Desperation clawed at her. “Can I speak to the donor? Please. Maybe I can persuade them. We’re running out of time.”

His face was full of sympathy, but he shook his head. “I’m so sorry. I can’t disclose that. It’s strictly against protocol.”

Her legs felt weak. She nearly lost her balance.

She thanked him, clinging to her composure.

Once steady, she returned to Liam’s room.

“Mommy, you look sad,” Liam whispered, his voice small.

She forced another smile, gently stroking his hair. “Just tired, my love. Don’t worry about me.”

Night had fallen. Liam’s fever spiked again. His cheeks were flushed with heat. His small hands clutched her shirt tightly.

“Mom… Pizza…”

Each word was a knife to her heart. A storm of fear and worry clouded her mind. She softly caressed his burning forehead, her voice a calm murmur.

“Hold on, Liam. Mommy will get it for you right now.”

A pizzeria was nearby. She moved quickly, buying his favorite slice. She hurried back, her steps swift and determined.

As she turned the corner near the hospital’s garden, she heard voices.

Sophia and Vanessa were talking just ahead.

Isabella instinctively hid behind a tree heavy with fragrant blossoms.

“Brilliant plan, Sophia! That woman’s child won’t last much longer,” Vanessa said, her voice dripping with vile satisfaction.

Sophia’s reply was sharp. “Quiet! Just take the money and keep your mouth shut.”

Peering through the leaves, Isabella watched Sophia hand a thick envelope of cash to Vanessa.

A greedy smile spread across Vanessa’s face as she took it, nodding eagerly. “You can count on me, Sophia. My lips are sealed.”

Isabella pressed a hand over her mouth, stifling any sound. A cold realization shot through her. She knew she had to uncover the truth.