Sophia released Hannah's collar with a sharp jerk.

She wiped her hands as if touching something foul.

Her voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "If you breathe a word of this to anyone..." The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air. Her eyes delivered a clear, chilling warning.

Hannah cowered, shrinking deeper into the hospital bed.

Sophia turned on her heel. Her stilettos clicked sharply against the sterile floor. The ward door slammed shut, obscuring Hannah's terrified expression.

Pure rage burned inside Sophia.

Hannah had completely ruined all her meticulous plans.

She dove into her designer handbag. Her fingers closed around her phone. She quickly dialed Vanessa's number.

The line connected. Vanessa's overly sweet tone filled the phone. "What can I do for you, Miss Reed?"

"Vanessa," Sophia's voice sliced through the air, sharp as glass. "Didn't you promise to send Hannah abroad?!"

A hesitant silence followed. Vanessa replied, noticeably unnerved. "I made those arrangements, Miss Reed, but—"

"But what?!" Sophia's frustration erupted. "She was right in front of me! How do you expect me to handle this now?! You can forget about becoming design director at Aurora Design Collective!"

The line went silent. Only the sound of Vanessa's rapid breathing remained.

"Miss Reed... Miss Reed! Please, hear me out—we still have another option!" Vanessa's voice wavered, laced with desperation.

Sophia's tone was icy. "What option?"

"Aurora Design Collective is tied to Isabella's business through a collaboration. If we pull the right strings, she'll be finished—easily." Vanessa's words dripped with urgency, clinging to this last shred of hope.

"Oh?" Sophia's interest was piqued. "I'm listening."

Vanessa wasted no time. She laid out her plan. Every move was meticulously calculated.

"Isabella's studio is handling a critical project right now. All it takes is one well-placed disruption and..."

Silence stretched between them. Sophia exhaled slowly. Her voice cut through the air like a blade. "Vanessa, this is your final chance. Fail again, and your career is over." The line went dead without another word.

Meanwhile, in Liam's hospital room, Isabella leaned against the headboard. A fairy tale book rested in her hands. Her voice was soft and soothing as she read aloud. She coaxed the restless child in her arms toward sleep.

Liam's cheeks were flushed. His lashes fluttered against his skin. He looked impossibly delicate. His tiny fingers clutched at Isabella's collar. He murmured something incomprehensible. Sleep eluded him. His grip was firm, as if he feared she might vanish.

A gentle knock echoed against the door.

"Come in," Isabella murmured softly.

The door opened. Lucas stepped inside. His tall frame was silhouetted against the dim light. He carried a delicate thermos box.

"Liam's still awake?" he asked quietly. His gaze settled on the small boy nestled in Isabella's arms.

Isabella let out a weary sigh. Her lips curved into a faint, resigned smile. "He just won't settle tonight."

Exhaustion clung to her voice. Her once-vibrant eyes had lost their luster. The pallor of her skin made her seem fragile. Lately, her health had been faltering. She tried to hide it, but the weight of it lingered.

Lucas placed the thermos on the nightstand. "I brought you something to eat. You should have it while it's still warm."