Isabella’s frustration grew with every second of silence. “Have you gone mute?! Answer me! Is that your son?!” Finally, Ethan turned to face her. He drew a slow breath before speaking. “It’s late, Mother. You should rest.”

Isabella’s temper flared. She pointed a sharp finger toward him. “What kind of answer is that? I demand to know—is that boy…” Ethan pretended not to hear. He turned away and moved toward the door.

“Stop right there, Ethan!”

He paused, tilting his head slightly. “I have business to attend to.” Without another word, he opened the door and strode out to his car. The heavy door slammed shut behind him. The sound echoed through the grand room. Victoria stood trembling with fury.

Night had fallen deeply. Isabella held Liam close as she walked carefully along the cobblestone path. Suddenly, a sleek black Maybach pulled up beside her. The window slid down. A strikingly handsome face looked out.

“Get in.”

Isabella stood frozen, clutching her son. Ethan’s intense, unreadable gaze held hers.

“I won’t repeat myself.”

Reluctantly, she climbed into the car with Liam. The engine purred to life. The vehicle glided smoothly into the night.

The air inside felt heavy and still. Each breath was a conscious effort. Ethan kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He remained completely silent. Isabella sat quietly, her gaze lowered. She held Liam securely in her arms.

Back at Blackwood Estate, lights still burned brightly in the living room. Victoria’s expression was stormy as she sat on the sofa. Her demeanor was intimidating. The butler stood nearby, too afraid to speak.

“Investigate that child! I want every detail,” Victoria commanded. Her voice cut through the silence as she struck the table.

“Immediately,” the butler replied without delay.

Victoria remained seated. Her eyes showed a flicker of uncertainty. She had longed for a grandchild for many years. If this boy was indeed a Blackwood, he could not be ignored. He was well-mannered and charming.

The next morning, a small collection of dinosaur toys lay scattered near the sofa.

Kyla entered the living room with her usual grace. She wore an elegant beige outfit. A pristine Hermes Birkin hung from her arm. Her face held its typical soft, composed smile. But the moment she saw the toys, her expression shifted.

“What… are these?” she asked, gesturing toward the toys.

The butler had been carefully polishing an antique vase nearby. He set it down and answered respectfully. “Miss Reed, those belong to Miss Scott’s child. He was here last night.”

“Miss Scott’s child?” Kyla froze. Questions flooded her mind. Isabella had come to Blackwood Estate with her son?

“What happened exactly?” Kyla’s voice remained measured, but unease churned beneath the surface.

The butler hesitated. He knew Victoria trusted Kyla deeply. After a brief pause, he decided to be honest. He recounted the previous evening’s events. Then he added, “Mrs. Blackwood has instructed me to look into the child’s background. She wants to know if he is Mr. Blackwood’s son.”