Ethan stood motionless for a long time, his gaze fixed on the closed door. His pulse raced wildly.

He let out a heavy breath and pulled out his phone. He dialed a number.

"Benjamin," he said, his voice icy and unreadable. "Find out why Isabella wants the Starlight Stone."

He ended the call. Running a hand through his hair, he exhaled sharply.

He wasn't sure what angered him more—the way Isabella looked at Lucas, or how it made him feel. Restless. Overprotective. It felt like he would lose something essential if she slipped away.

His phone buzzed. Benjamin was calling back.

"Sir, I have the details. It's for the Dewy Hibiscus jewelry collection. Mrs. Blackwood needs the Starlight Stone for restoration."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Dewy Hibiscus?"

"Yes. It has been damaged. From what I understand, the Starlight Stone is the only solution."

Ethan ended the call without another word. His mind filled with images of Isabella—deep in her work, hands smudged with paint, her expression fiercely focused.

No wonder she had been so absent lately.

The next morning, Isabella's reflection showed a sleepless night—puffy eyes, pale skin, a shadow of exhaustion.

She sat at the dining table, pushing food around her plate with her fork.

Across from her, Ethan ate with calm precision, as if nothing had happened the night before.

His knife cut through his breakfast with controlled movements. Too controlled.

The silence between them grew heavy, almost suffocating. The sound of his silverware against the plate echoed in the quiet room. Isabella finally set down her utensils and pushed her plate away.

"I'm finished."

Her voice was soft but firm.

Without another word, she stood and walked away, her footsteps echoing behind her.

Ethan watched her go, his grip tightening around his fork.

Isabella went straight to her room and shut the door. She leaned against it, taking a slow, shaky breath. Lifting her chin, she straightened her shoulders and moved toward her closet.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen.

Isabella hesitated, her thumb hovering over the answer button. Something felt off. With a deep breath, she picked up.

"Hello?"

"Miss Scott?" The voice was deep and unfamiliar.

"Yes, who is this?"

"I'm a jeweler. I heard you're searching for a rare stone—the Starlight Stone."