They all bowed their heads and quickly left the studio.

Isabella Scott was left standing alone in the suddenly empty space.

It felt surreal.

The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly.

Each second stretched into an eternity.

She noticed the time.

Liam would be out of school soon.

She gathered her strength and grabbed her car keys.

She headed out the door.

Isabella drove mechanically.

Her mind was a chaotic whirlwind.

She reached the vicinity of the kindergarten.

She parked her car and walked toward the entrance, lost in thought.

A sharp horn blared.

She jolted back to the present.

A truck was barreling straight toward her.

She froze, trying to stop.

It was too late.

A strong arm yanked her back forcefully.

She was saved in the nick of time.

Her heart hammered against her ribs.

She staggered backward, nearly losing her balance.

She lifted her gaze.

Chloe Ramirez’s familiar face came into view.

“Are you out of your mind, Isabella? What were you thinking?” Chloe’s eyes were wide with concern.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

Isabella could only stare back, dazed.

Her mind was completely blank.

The fear of death had gripped her just moments before.

“Chloe, I owe you my life,” Isabella said, her voice trembling.

Her complexion was pale as she clutched her chest.

Chloe looked exhausted.

She rubbed her sore eyes.

“How could you be so careless, Isabella? You frightened me to death. I’ve been working so much overtime I can barely stand. I finally have a day off, and I nearly end up planning your funeral.”

A faint smile crossed Isabella’s lips.

“I’m really sorry, Chloe. I’ve just been… out of sorts.”

“That’s quite clear,” Chloe responded, pursing her lips.

She gave Isabella a worried once-over.

“Are you okay? What’s going on with you? You look awful. Those dark circles? They might as well be bruises.”

Isabella sighed deeply.

“My studio’s in chaos. Everyone quit. I can’t get in touch with Lucas.”

“Your design studio?” Chloe’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“What? How did that happen? You secured the Starlight Gala project recently, right?”

“Yeah. That was before everything fell apart,” Isabella murmured.

Her expression grew more somber.

“And what brings you here, anyway?” Chloe’s gaze swept their surroundings.

Her tone was laced with curiosity.

Isabella pointed toward the nearby kindergarten.

“I’m here to pick up Liam from school.”

“Ah, that explains it,” Chloe said.

A light of understanding dawned in her eyes.

“I actually live nearby. And, by the way…” she whispered, leaning closer.

“I’ve heard something interesting. It appears Blackwood Enterprises is planning to take over the Grant Group.”