“Isabella, I know you despise me, but—”

“I told you to stop speaking!” Isabella’s breathing turned sharp with fury. “I refuse to waste another second on you. Get out. You are not welcome in my home.”

“What’s happening, Mommy?” Hearing the raised voices, Liam hurried in from the living area. He gazed up at the adults, his small face creased with worry.

“It’s nothing, darling.” Isabella’s tone softened as she forced a tight smile. “Mommy was just having a discussion with Mr. Blackwood.”

“Okay,” Liam murmured, nodding slowly though he understood little.

Ethan swallowed the heavy emotion stuck in his throat.

He knew further argument was pointless.

“Fine. I’ll go.” His eyes held hers, brimming with unspoken words. “But mark my words—I am not giving up on you.”

He turned sharply and walked away.

Isabella stood motionless, watching his figure vanish. Tears pooled in her eyes, spilling over in silent streams.

She sank to the floor, pulling Liam close as sobs shook her frame.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” His small hands patted her back gently. “Please don’t be sad…”

“It’s alright, sweetie…” She tried to smile, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

Suddenly, noise erupted from outside.

“Isabella Scott, come out here!”

“You home-wrecking witch! You stole my man, and you’ll pay for it!” The night air cracked with venomous shouts.

Isabella wiped her face, expression hardening. She knew that voice. It was Sophia, screaming curses.

“Stay right here, baby,” she whispered to Liam before standing and marching toward the door.

Down below, Sophia stood with a small mob, hostility rolling off them.

Isabella’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want, Sophia?”

Sophia sneered, crossing her arms. “What do I want? How dare you ask me that? You shameless snake. How could you seduce Ethan? You need to be taught a lesson.”

Isabella let out a cold laugh. “Seduce him? Have you lost your mind? Whatever was between Ethan and me ended long ago. Stop inventing drama.”

“Ended?” Sophia’s face twisted with rage. “You expect me to believe that? You can’t stand to see me happy. You want to take everything from me!”

Isabella’s jaw clenched. “Take from you? Sophia, don’t play the victim. You were the one who took everything from me. You almost cost me my grandmother!”

“I did no such thing!” Sophia shot back, voice rising. “Whatever happened, you brought it upon yourself!”

Isabella exhaled sharply. “You know the truth. You just refuse to admit it.” She stepped forward, tone firm. “This is your last warning, Sophia. Leave now, or face the consequences.”

Sophia laughed mockingly. “Oh? And what will you do? You think I’m afraid of you? Today, I’ll show you what happens when you cross me.”

Her eyes flicked to the group behind her. “Teach her a lesson!” At her command, the crowd surged toward Isabella.

But before they could reach her, a tall figure stepped in front, shielding her completely.