"It's personal," he stated flatly, offering no further explanation.

Isabella's chest constricted. She swallowed her irritation, maintaining the fragile facade. "I see." She let out another weak cough, her complexion turning ghostly pale. "I... I should go see the doctor now."

She turned unsteadily, beginning to walk away. The moment her eyes flickered toward Sophia, a venomous glint flashed within them.

Her steps were so unsteady she seemed moments from collapsing.

Biting her lip, she forced a fragile smile. Her voice trembled as if she were on the verge of tears.

"Ethan... I feel so dizzy. I... I can't walk by myself."

Her words were a mere whisper, almost carried away by the still air.

She shot a discreet, triumphant glance toward Sophia.

She was utterly certain—Ethan would abandon everything to escort her personally.

Isabella's heart squeezed painfully.

She lowered her gaze, her long lashes veiling the storm of emotions beneath.

To her, Sophia was Ethan's clear priority. He would never leave her side now. Isabella's fingers curled into tight fists, her nails digging sharply into her palms. The physical sting was a necessary anchor, a reminder to stay composed.

Lucas, observing Sophia's performance, narrowed his eyes in silent contempt.

His grip on Isabella's arm tightened subtly.

Ethan studied Sophia, his frown deepening.

A heavy, tense silence descended upon them, thick and suffocating.

After a long, silent moment, Ethan finally spoke, his voice cool and utterly detached.

"Nurse!"

A nurse hurried over immediately. "Mr. Blackwood, how may I assist you?"

Without shifting his focus from the ICU doors, he gestured toward Sophia. "Please escort Miss Reed to her physician."

Sophia's expression froze completely.

She stared at him, utterly stunned.

This was supposed to be her moment—her chance to pull Ethan away from Isabella. Yet, instead of rushing to her aid, he had dismissed her without a second thought.

Swallowing her bitter disappointment, she forced a weak smile for the nurse. "Thank you for your help."

The nurse took her arm, firmly guiding her away.

Even as she was led down the hall, Sophia kept glancing back at Ethan, desperately hoping for any sign of his concern.

But his attention remained fixed on the ICU door. He didn't grant her a single backward glance.

As she finally disappeared around the corner, the oppressive tension in the corridor eased, if only slightly.

Isabella sat on a bench just outside the ICU, her limbs leaden with exhaustion. A full day and night of relentless worry had drained her completely, both physically and mentally.