"Exactly! The sapphire is valuable, but it's nothing compared to the Rosalia Pink Diamond!"

The surrounding group murmured in agreement. Isabella had only been half-listening, but the mention of the "Rosalia Pink Diamond" made her frown. She remembered Lucas approaching her, requesting a necklace for a special friend. A cold dread washed over her.

She carefully placed her champagne glass on a passing tray. She quietly excused herself from the conversation and left the banquet hall. Her mind was racing. She immediately called her team, instructing them to investigate everything about Vanessa and the missing Rosalia Pink Diamond. The answer came back quickly.

"Mrs. Grant, our investigation confirms Vanessa Croft was indeed involved in a design project for Sterling Industries. Before its completion, the Rosalia Pink Diamond vanished. It was replaced with a sapphire. We also discovered that during that period, Mr. Grant's personal assistant visited Vanessa's studio, apparently to deliver an item."

Isabella felt a sharp jolt. Could Lucas's 'important friend' be this Vanessa? And... Croft?

The surname felt vaguely familiar, but her memory was hazy, blurred by time.

"Dig deeper! I need a complete dossier on this woman," she commanded firmly.

Isabella returned to her apartment after a long, difficult day. She walked over to Liam and gently ruffled his soft hair.

"Liam, would you like to visit Great-Grandma today?" she asked softly.

Liam nodded, his small hand clutching her shirt. She took his hand and led him to the door. As she opened it to leave, she was surprised to find a poised, elegant woman standing there.

Isabella paused, startled, and instinctively took a step back.

Eleanor Grant's eyes fell on the child holding Isabella's hand. Her expression shifted through a complex mix of emotions. After a long silence, she let out a soft sigh. "You are Isabella, correct?"

Isabella looked puzzled but remained polite. "Yes, I am. And you are?"

"I'm Lucas's mother," Eleanor stated.

The revelation made Isabella blink in surprise.

Lucas's mother? Why was she here?

Eleanor assessed Isabella carefully, choosing her words. Her gaze flickered to Liam, then back to Isabella. "Perhaps we could speak more privately downstairs in the cafe? It's best not to have this discussion in front of the child."

Isabella hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"Please go ahead, Mrs. Grant. I'll just be a moment with my son and will join you shortly," she replied softly.

With a slight, regal nod, Eleanor turned and left.

As Eleanor walked away, a deep unease settled in Isabella's stomach. She returned inside and went to a drawer, pulling out a specific jewelry box—the one delivered by Lucas's assistant. After asking Liam to stay and play quietly for a bit, she took the box and headed for the cafe.

There, Eleanor was seated by the window. Her posture was impeccably elegant as she sipped her coffee, her attention seemingly absorbed by the world outside.