Her fingers tightened around the knife, trembling slightly.

Isabella let out a sharp, terrified scream. “No! Please don’t hurt me!”

“Isabella!” Ethan’s voice cut through the tension, low and commanding. “Put the knife down. Now.”

She ignored him completely, her gaze fixed on Victoria. “My grandmother is the only person who ever truly loved me. Why would you do this to her? Why?”

“I didn’t touch your grandmother!” Victoria’s voice was raw with panic. “She just collapsed—it wasn’t my fault!”

“Liar!” Isabella screamed, her voice breaking. “You did something! You’re all monsters! I will make you pay for this!”

Ethan watched her unravel, his expression hardening. He knew he had to act.

He gave a sharp, silent signal.

Benjamin hesitated only a second before moving. He and two other guards rushed forward.

They disarmed her quickly, pinning her arms behind her back.

The knife clattered to the floor.

Isabella fought against them, her struggles growing weaker until she finally went limp, overwhelmed.

Darkness swallowed her. The last thing she saw was Ethan holding Sophia gently in his arms. The sight shattered what was left of her heart.

Ethan carried Sophia out of the estate without looking back. His hold was firm, his steps quick and purposeful.

Sophia lay against his chest, her face pale. But a faint, triumphant smile touched her lips.

The night outside was deep and shadowed.

A black car idled at the curb. Ethan yanked the rear door open.

He dumped Sophia onto the seat without ceremony.

The door slammed shut behind her.

She gasped, startled. He wasn’t getting in?

Her eyes darted toward the window. She rolled it down slightly, her voice soft and pleading. “Ethan… it hurts. Please come with me.”

Ethan didn’t move. His eyes were cold, devoid of any warmth.

He leaned suddenly through the window. His hand closed around her throat.

Sophia’s eyes widened in shock and fear. She clawed at his wrist, choking.

He didn’t loosen his grip.

“Listen carefully,” he said, his voice flat and empty. “If I discover you had any involvement with what happened to Isabella’s grandmother…”