A flicker of confusion stirred within her.

Wasn't Sophia supposed to be in Northwood?

Ethan should be there with her, right?

So why was he back?

Isabella bit her lower lip, her emotions in complete disarray.

"I see," she murmured, her mind elsewhere.

Downstairs, Liam's cheerful laughter echoed, mingling with Eleanor's gentle, loving coos.

The sounds did nothing to soothe the turmoil in Isabella's heart.

"Mommy!" Liam broke free from Eleanor's embrace and rushed toward her.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Isabella forced a smile and ruffled her son's hair.

After breakfast, Isabella drove to her studio.

Her thoughts remained tangled even during the drive.

Ethan's actions left her utterly bewildered.

What on earth was that man thinking?

She settled behind her desk and immediately buried herself in work.

It was the only way to escape her spiraling thoughts.

Sunlight poured through the grand windows of Blackwood Estate.

It cast a warm glow on the antique mahogany furniture.

A subtle hint of sandalwood lingered in the air.

Sophia sat gracefully on the sofa in her cream-colored pantsuit.

She held a cup of coffee while engaging in pleasant conversation with Victoria.

"You've been looking much better recently, Victoria. The tonics are working wonders," Sophia remarked softly.

Victoria patted Sophia's hand, her eyes filled with affection.

"You're always so considerate. You know exactly what I like. I wish Ethan were as attentive. I've heard so many rumors lately. How could he send you to Northwood?"

Sophia offered a slight smile, but her mind was already calculating.

Victoria had said nothing when she was practically banished.

Now she pretended to be concerned.

"Ethan is busy with work. He's doing it for the sake of the Blackwood family. I hope you can understand."

"That boy works too hard," Victoria sighed. "I was just about to go out. Why don't you keep me company, Sophia?"

"Oh?" Sophia put her cup down. "Where are you going?"

Victoria hesitated for a moment.

"The paternity test results for Ethan and that child are out. I'm planning to get the report."

"Paternity test?" Sophia was visibly taken aback.

A sharp sense of foreboding rose in her heart.

She maintained her composure.

"You haven't fully recovered yet, Victoria. Let me get it for you."

Victoria considered it.

She saw no harm in the offer.

"All right, if it's not too much trouble. Be careful at the hospital. It's usually crowded this time of day."

"Don't worry, Victoria. I'll be careful."

Sophia took the address, her suspicions now running wild.

Before she left, Victoria retrieved a thermos from the kitchen.

"I made this soup for Ethan. Can you swing by the company and give it to him?"

"Of course." Sophia took the thermos, struggling to keep her smile from faltering.

Victoria nodded in satisfaction and saw her off at the door.

In her mind, Sophia was the ideal daughter-in-law.

Gentle, cultured, and considerate.

A stark contrast to Isabella's apparent lack of refinement.

Sophia exited Blackwood Estate and got into her car.

Her smile vanished, replaced by a grim expression.

A paternity test report…