Liam was right in the center of it all.

He giggled uncontrollably, a bright red Transformer clutched in his small hands. The sound of his laughter filled the spacious room.

Ethan sat next to him on the plush carpet. He held a sleek, black remote-controlled car. He was showing Liam how to operate the controller, his movements patient and deliberate.

The usual sternness was gone from his face. It was replaced by a soft, almost tender expression.

Isabella stood frozen in the doorway. She watched the scene unfold, her mind struggling to process it.

“Mommy!” Liam’s sharp eyes found her immediately. He dropped the toy and ran to her, his little feet pattering across the floor.

She bent down and gathered him into her arms. She held him tightly against her chest.

“Look, Mommy! So many new toys!” He pointed a chubby finger at the enormous pile of gifts. His entire face glowed with pure joy.

Her gaze lifted, finding Ethan’s. Her expression was a turbulent mix of confusion and dread.

“What is the meaning of this, Ethan?”

He rose to his feet and walked toward her. A faint, knowing smile played on his lips.

“Isabella,” he said, his voice deceptively soft. “Can’t you see how happy Liam is here? Doesn’t that matter to you?” He watched her carefully, gauging her reaction.

A cold dread settled in the pit of her stomach. She understood his game perfectly.

She looked down at her son’s eager, upturned face. “Liam, sweetheart, do you like being here?”

He nodded vigorously, his eyes wide. “I love it! There are cars and robots and everything!”

A sharp, aching pain lanced through her heart.

“We can’t stay somewhere just because of toys, baby,” she said, struggling to keep her voice even.

“Why not?” Liam asked, his small brow furrowing in genuine confusion.

Ethan seized the opportunity. He stepped closer.

“Liam,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “All of these toys can be yours. Forever. But only if you and your mom decide to stay. If you leave, they have to stay here too.”

Liam’s eyes went round. “All of them? For me?”

“Every single one,” Ethan confirmed with a nod.

Liam turned back to Isabella, his expression full of hopeful pleading. “Please, Mommy? Can we stay? Please?”

The ache in Isabella’s chest intensified. She was trapped by her son’s innocent desire. She saw Ethan’s manipulation clearly, but denying Liam felt impossible.

“Sweetie, toys break. They get old. We can’t make big decisions based on things that won’t last,” she explained as gently as she could.

“Isabella.” Ethan’s voice cut through her explanation. “I only want to provide stability for him. A home where he can be safe and happy. Isn’t that what you want, too?”

She took a deep, steadying breath. Gently, she set Liam back down on his feet.

She met Ethan’s gaze directly, her voice laced with defiance. “What is your real goal here, Ethan? Just say it.”

Ethan didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he knelt down so he was eye-level with Liam. He spoke with a gentle sincerity that felt dangerous.

“Liam,” he said softly. “Tell your mom what you really want. Do you want to stay here with me?”

Liam’s eyes darted between his mother’s tense face and the magnificent mountain of colorful toys. He hesitated for only a second before giving a small, hopeful nod.

“I want to stay.”

Isabella felt her world tilt. Her heart plummeted.