Lucas wasn't deceived for a second. He saw right through her courageous mask, his worry deepening with every passing moment.

Isabella couldn't bear to increase his concerns. She smoothly changed the subject. "What brings you here?"

"Just passing through," Lucas answered, though his gaze never left her face. "How's Liam? Did you meet someone?" His voice carried both curiosity and apprehension.

She looked away, falling silent. The unspoken words created a heavy atmosphere between them.

Lucas studied her intently, torn between demanding answers and honoring her silence.

He knew she was hiding something important, yet he resisted pressing further.

After all, he had witnessed her encounter with Sophia, and the puzzle pieces were gradually fitting together in his mind.

Isabella sharply adjusted her coat, turning to leave. Suddenly, Lucas's voice cut through the cold air. "Isabella!" he called out, desperation coloring his tone.

She froze mid-step, her back still turned to him, tension evident in her posture.

"No matter what happens, I'll always stand by your side." His words hung heavily between them.

For a brief moment, her resolve faltered. Her shoulders tightened under the weight of his promise.

She understood his feelings perfectly, but couldn't allow herself to reciprocate.

Her mind was completely occupied with Liam's safety; there was simply no space left for her own desires.

With silent determination, she continued walking forward, her silhouette gradually disappearing around the corner.

Lucas watched her fading figure, emotions churning within him.

He drew a deep breath to steady himself before pushing open the cafe's glass door.

Inside, Sophia's eyes sparkled with knowing amusement as she spotted him. A sly smile touched her lips.

"Mr. Grant, what brings you here? Looking for Isabella?" she teased, her voice dripping with curiosity. "Unfortunately, she just left. Why are you so concerned about Isabella?"

Lucas sat across from her, his gaze sharp as he went straight to the point. "What did you say to her?" he demanded, his tone firm.

Sophia gently set down her coffee spoon, the metallic clink echoing sharply in the quiet cafe.

She raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with amusement and challenge. "What's this, Mr. Grant? Are you interrogating me now?"

Lucas leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "What exactly did you say to make her that upset?"

A light, mocking laugh escaped Sophia. "Oh, Mr. Grant, aren't you the clever one? Can't you see? I'm actually doing you a favor."

Lucas's brows furrowed deeper, confusion and suspicion mixing in his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

Sophia's smirk widened. "You really think I'm blind to how you feel about Isabella?"

Lucas's face showed a fleeting mix of surprise and resignation that he didn't bother to conceal.

Sophia noted his reaction with a glint of triumph in her eyes. "All I'm doing is showing her the truth—making her walk away from Ethan. When she finally does, won't that clear the path for you?"

Lucas's grip on the table tightened, his knuckles whitening as a storm brewed within him.