Ethan took a careful step toward the desk.

His voice was low and quiet.

“Mr. Blackwood…”

He leaned back in his leather chair.

His fingers were tented in front of him.

His gaze remained fixed on the closed door.

His expression made Benjamin pause.

“The toys…” he tried again, his words barely audible.

“Send them back to Hawthorne Residence,” Ethan said.

His tone was low and weary.

“Yes, Mr. Blackwood.” Benjamin didn’t ask anything else.

He quickly knelt and began gathering the toys one by one.

The office was unnervingly silent.

Only the soft rustle of toys being collected broke the quiet.

Ethan never looked away from the door.

His mind replayed Isabella walking out—her straight posture, her determined steps.

He thought he could fix things.

He was clearly mistaken.

Ethan’s hands clenched into tight fists.

His knuckles turned white.

Veins bulged on the back of his hands.

“Benjamin,” he said after a long moment, his voice rough.

“Yes, Mr. Blackwood?” Benjamin stood and brushed off his trousers.

“Which kindergarten does Liam attend?”

Benjamin looked surprised.

He hadn’t expected that question.

He thought for a moment before answering carefully.

“Liam attended one overseas. Since coming back to Switzerland, he goes to Sunny Meadows Kindergarten.”

Ethan’s brows furrowed.

“Actually, Mr. Blackwood… well, I heard from Henry that next Monday is Parents’ Day at Sunny Meadows. Parents take their children and spend the day there.” Benjamin spoke cautiously. Given Ethan’s mood, he knew to be careful.

Ethan tapped his fingers on the desk.

Each dull thud seemed to echo in Benjamin’s own chest.

The tension in the air grew thick.

“Cancel all my appointments for next Monday,” Ethan finally said.

His voice was filled with new resolve.

“All of them?” Benjamin repeated.

In response, Ethan turned and gave him a sharp look.

“Understood, Mr. Blackwood.” Benjamin nodded quickly and lowered his head.

He silently repeated the word all in his mind.

He finished packing the toys swiftly.

Then he exited the office quietly.

The moment he stepped into the reception area, he let out a long, heavy breath.

It felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders.

But then a thought occurred to him.

There was an issue.

Benjamin hesitated.

He debated with himself for a moment.

Then he knocked on the office door again and entered.

“Excuse me, Mr. Blackwood…”

“What is it now?” Ethan asked impatiently.

“Next Monday is also Miss Reed’s birthday,” Benjamin said.

Then he held his breath, waiting for the reaction.

A heavy silence filled the room.

It was thick with unspoken tension.