Isabella quickly washed her hands and returned to the dining table.

She picked up her fork and took an eager bite of the honey-glazed chicken.

“Mmm! This is amazing!” she mumbled with her mouth full.

A warm smile spread across her face as she watched Liam eat with such enthusiasm.

Her heart swelled with pure joy and contentment.

“Mom, why isn’t Mr. Blackwood joining us for dinner tonight?” Liam suddenly asked.

His voice was laced with innocent curiosity.

Isabella’s smile faltered almost imperceptibly.

Her fingers tightened around her fork.

She hesitated, searching for the right words.

The atmosphere around the table shifted subtly.

Noticing the change, Henry quietly excused himself to give them privacy.

Isabella drew a slow breath, forcing her tone to remain light.

“He has some very important meetings at the office tonight. He couldn’t get away.”

“Oh,” Liam nodded, accepting the explanation easily.

He turned his attention back to his food.

Isabella watched her thoughtful son, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart.

Later, as night settled over the estate, everything grew still.

Isabella lay in bed, drifting in a shallow, restless sleep.

Moonlight filtered through the curtains, painting soft silver patterns across the room.

Suddenly, the sharp ring of the telephone shattered the silence.

It jolted her awake.

She fumbled for her phone, squinting at the screen.

It was a call from the main Blackwood Estate landline.

“Hello?” she answered, her voice thick with sleep.

“Good evening, Mrs. Blackwood. This is Charles from Blackwood Estate,” a respectful voice said. “Mr. Arthur Blackwood has requested your presence for lunch at Alpine Château next Monday.”

Alpine Château was the Blackwood family's secluded property on the city's outskirts.

It was nestled against the mountains, known for its peace and stunning views.

A faint thread of unease began to coil in Isabella’s stomach.

She replied with measured calm. “Understood. Please inform Arthur I will be there on time.”

“Very well,” Charles said before ending the call.

Isabella set her phone down and took a deep, steadying breath.

The unexpected invitation from Arthur left her feeling off-balance.

A tension she couldn't name settled over her.

She turned to look at Liam sleeping peacefully beside her.

His features were relaxed in a contented smile.

She gently stroked his cheek, warmth flooding her heart.

“I love you, Liam,” she whispered softly, as if to solidify her resolve.

Seeing that Liam was sound asleep, she slipped out of bed and went to the study.

A dim lamp cast a soft glow over the desk, highlighting the tired lines on her face.

She opened her laptop and began to work.

The minutes bled into hours as she lost herself in her tasks.

She hoped the focus would quiet her restless mind.

Growing frustrated, she stood to get a glass of water.

Her hand accidentally brushed against a file folder on the edge of the desk.

The folder tumbled to the floor, its contents spilling out.

As she knelt to gather the scattered papers, her eyes caught on a photograph.

It showed a black sedan, its license plate blurred and unclear.

A frown creased her brow as a flicker of suspicion ignited within her.