Isabella rose unsteadily to her feet, her expression etched with profound despair. “My life… it had purpose…”

She collapsed back onto the cold floor, her body trembling.

Ethan maintained his composure, though the sight pained him deeply. He gestured to the stunned nurse standing nearby. “You may leave now,” he said quietly.

The nurse seized the opportunity and hurried out, leaving the two of them alone in the heavy, grief-filled silence.

Ethan reached out again, offering his hand to help Isabella up.

She slapped it away violently.

“Don’t touch me!” Her voice broke, raw with emotion.

His gaze remained fixed on her tear-streaked face, a sharp ache piercing his heart. He kept his tone even, trying to penetrate her anguish. “Isabella, you need to calm down. Liam is still at Hawthorne Residence, waiting for you to come home.”

Hearing her son’s name, a flicker of confusion crossed her features, quickly replaced by searing hatred. “Are you using Liam to threaten me? To force me to forgive your mother and Sophia?” Her voice dripped with contempt.

Just then, Lucas rushed into the corridor.

His expression softened with deep sorrow the moment he saw Isabella’s distraught state. He wrapped his arms around her, his voice a gentle whisper. “It’s alright, Isabella. I’m here.”

She clutched desperately at his sleeve, finding a sliver of solace in his presence.

A cold smile touched Ethan’s lips as he watched them, his eyes flashing with brief disdain. The sight of Isabella relying so completely on Lucas ignited a fierce anger within him.

“Yes, I am threatening you,” Ethan stated coldly, malice lacing his words. “If you care about Liam’s safety, you will behave.”

His declaration sent a shock through her.

She lifted her head quickly, her wide, fearful eyes locking onto his.

She tried to form words, but they failed her, leaving her lips trembling silently. “What?”

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t…” Isabella began, but Ethan cut her off sharply.

His hands clenched into tight fists as he looked directly into her eyes. “Your grandmother is alive.”

“What?” Confusion washed over her, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

“She’s in the next ward, still unconscious.” Ethan’s voice softened slightly as he continued, “It’s time you took responsibility for her care instead of leaving it to my staff.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Isabella and Lucas standing in the corridor.

Stunned, Isabella remained frozen, her mind struggling to process the revelation. Her grandmother was alive?

Acting on pure impulse, she brushed past Lucas and rushed to the adjacent ward. There, Eleanor lay in a hospital bed, her fragile form surrounded by softly beeping medical equipment.

Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes as she tenderly touched Eleanor’s face. She glanced at the monitors, their rhythmic patterns confirming her grandmother was still fighting for life.

“Grandma…” she murmured, her voice trembling as she bent over the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

Lucas remained a few steps behind, silently witnessing the emotional scene. His heart ached for her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering, “Don’t cry, Isabella. Eleanor will pull through.”

Grateful, she looked up at him through her tears.