Isabella watched Lucas prepare to leave, a persistent doubt forming in her thoughts.

Lucas halted but didn't turn. "I'm going out for a while," he answered, his voice distant.

"At this time? You're not going to the office. Where are you heading? And without even telling your mother?" Eleanor's tone carried subtle disapproval as she attempted to inject maternal worry, her words soft yet purposeful, aiming to deter his departure.

She rose from her seat, leaning heavily on the table, pretending to sway unsteadily. "Oh, I feel so lightheaded..." she murmured, her voice tinged with feigned discomfort.

Hearing her strained tone, Lucas instinctively turned back. The sight of Eleanor's pale face and deeply creased brow clearly conveyed her distress.

Concern gripped him, urging him swiftly to her side. "What's wrong, Mother? You don't look well," he asked, his voice laden with worry.

With a trembling hand pressed to her forehead, Eleanor clutched his arm with her other hand, leaning on him as if he were her only support.

"I'm just a bit dizzy... It might be my blood pressure acting up again," she said, her voice shaking, suggesting severe discomfort.

Lucas's determination to leave dissolved seeing her weakened state. He gently guided her to the sofa, his tone filled with urgent concern. "I'm calling the doctor immediately," he declared, reaching for his phone.

But Eleanor, with a weak yet firm grip, caught his hand and slowly shook her head. "That's not necessary. It's an old issue. I just need to rest a bit. Stay with me, just for a little while?" Her eyes pleaded more earnestly than her words.

Torn, Lucas paused, the weight of his mother's plea anchoring him firmly beside her. Softly patting her hand, he relented with a gentle smile. "Alright, I'll stay. Just rest."

The tension in the room thickened to an almost tangible fog, interrupted only by Eleanor's uneven, slightly labored breathing. The air felt heavy, pressing down like an invisible burden.

As noon arrived, Sophia entered Ethan's office, dressed in a sharply tailored business suit that accentuated her graceful figure. She settled onto the luxurious leather sofa, crossing her legs with deliberate elegance, her lips curved into a poised, confident smile.

"Ethan, how about dinner together tonight? There's a new place that just opened—I've heard the food is exceptional."

Ethan remained behind his desk, his long fingers absently tapping the surface.

He seemed engrossed in the documents spread before him, apparently oblivious to her invitation.

The office was unnervingly quiet, the relentless ticking of the wall clock cutting through the silence sharply.

Sophia's smile faltered briefly, a shadow of disappointment crossing her features. She quickly composed herself, clearing her throat gently. "Ethan?" This time, Ethan lifted his gaze, his deep eyes locking onto hers.

His voice was flat, almost dismissive. "I have plans tonight."

Sophia's heart sank, but her resolve held firm.