Ethan ended the call abruptly, his jaw clenching. He turned to Isabella, his expression unreadable.

A wave of dizziness hit her. She nearly fell. “How did this happen? Where is he?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ethan grabbed her arm firmly. “Stay calm. I’m sending a team to search right now.” Isabella nodded weakly, struggling to remain upright.

Without delay, Ethan called security. “Pull all surveillance footage from Hawthorne Residence. I need to see Liam’s last known movements within ten minutes.”

He strode out of the hospital without another word.

Isabella clenched her fists, the thought of what might have happened to Liam unbearable.

Just then, Sophia emerged from the emergency room. Her face was pale, a thick bandage wrapped around her head. She had intended to leave but was surprised to see Isabella. Noticing Isabella’s distress, a smug smirk formed on her lips.

She deliberately slowed her pace, stopping directly in front of Isabella.

“Well, look who it is. What’s wrong, Isabella?”

Isabella’s head snapped up. Her eyes were red and filled with tears as she glared at Sophia.

Seeing the raw pain in Isabella’s eyes only increased Sophia’s satisfaction. She tilted her head, her voice dripping with mockery. “So it seems Ethan doesn’t care much about you or that brat. Look at me—I got a minor injury, and he rushed me to the hospital himself. Meanwhile, your precious son? Left in the care of an assistant.”

Isabella’s breath caught.

So that’s what happened!

Sophia chuckled, her tone cruel. “What’s wrong? Did that sting? Feeling pathetic? Too bad. Ethan’s heart belongs to me. You’ll never be anything more than a placeholder.”

Isabella trembled, her clenched fists turning white.

Sophia relished the reaction. She lifted her chin and strutted away, pleased with herself.

Isabella stood frozen, her body wavering on the verge of collapse. She staggered back a step, barely steadying herself. Her vision blurred, her strength threatening to give out.

But she couldn’t break down. Liam was still missing. She had to find him! Summoning every ounce of willpower, she spun around and bolted from the hospital.

She had to find him!

She flagged down a taxi and urgently gave her old address.

The moment the vehicle stopped, she flung the door open and dashed inside. She sprinted up the stairs, fumbling with her keys before unlocking the door.

The apartment was empty and silent.

Without wasting a second, she rushed to Eleanor’s unit. Still no sign of him. Panic surged through her as she stumbled outside, standing helplessly by the curb. She had no idea where to go next.

Just then, a sleek black Maybach rolled to a stop in front of her.

The door opened, and Ethan stepped out.