Isabella sat in the car Olivia Sterling had arranged for her.

Her thoughts were consumed by her upcoming design project.

A notification chimed from her phone.

It was a message from the kindergarten teacher.

The school was having an open day.

Parents could pick up their children early.

Isabella checked the time.

She asked the driver to hurry.

The car navigated the winding mountain road.

It headed straight for Sunny Meadows Kindergarten.

A group of children gathered at the entrance.

They chattered noisily while waiting for their parents.

Isabella immediately spotted Liam in the crowd.

He stood obediently next to the teacher.

His eyes scanned his surroundings.

“Liam!” Isabella called out.

The boy turned toward her voice.

His face lit up with a huge smile.

He dashed over and threw himself into her arms.

“Mommy!”

Isabella held him tightly.

Warmth filled her chest.

No matter how difficult things became, Liam’s smile made everything worthwhile.

“Mommy, my teacher praised my drawing today!” he said proudly.

His lips stretched into a wide grin.

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Isabella smiled and ruffled his hair.

She held his hand as they walked home.

They chatted and laughed together.

Passing by the supermarket near their apartment, Isabella decided to grab some groceries.

She gently guided Liam inside.

“Isabella!” a familiar voice called from behind.

She turned to see Lucas Grant standing a few feet away.

Concern was written across his face.

“Lucas?” She blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He rushed over.

His eyes scanned her body as if checking for injuries.

After a moment, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“I was worried, so I came to check on you.” Lucas chose not to mention that he had heard Ethan and Sophia were also at Silverwood Estate.

Isabella couldn’t help but smile. “I’m fine. Sorry to make you worry.”

Just then, Lucas’s phone buzzed.

His expression changed when he saw the caller ID.

“Excuse me. I need to take this.” He gave her an apologetic smile before stepping away.

Isabella nodded and took Liam into the supermarket.

From Lucas’s reaction, she guessed something urgent had come up.

A faint sense of foreboding washed over her.

She brushed it aside as Liam continued his lively chatter.

“Mommy, what are we having for dinner today?” the little boy asked.

His eyes were eager and hopeful.

“What would you like to eat?”

“I want glazed chicken!” Liam answered without hesitation.

“All right, glazed chicken it is!” Isabella declared, playfully pinching his cheek.

Lucas’s call didn’t take long.

Soon he was jogging back to her side.