Isabella stood up.

She wiped her tears away.

Her clothes were straightened.

She took out her phone.

Then she called Zoe.

“It’s done. Ethan agreed. You will win the competition…”

Ethan slumped into his car seat.

He closed his eyes.

Fatigue washed over him.

At the grand Grant Manor.

The massive redwood doors stood firmly shut.

Intricate carvings covered them.

They radiated timeless sophistication.

In the living room.

Lucas stood tense.

His car keys gripped tightly.

Urgency marked his expression.

“Mom, I have to go. There's a mountain of work at the office,” he said impatiently.

Eleanor sat across the room.

Elegant sofa, dark red outfit.

Her hair was neatly swept up.

A jade bracelet adorned her wrist.

Symbols of her refined life.

But today, concern replaced her poise.

She sighed gently.

Weariness and exasperation tinged her voice.

“Lucas, why must you be so stubborn? Do you think I'd lie to you? I felt a tightness in my chest this morning. That's why I asked you to come.”

“Mom!” Lucas’s voice rose slightly. “If you're truly unwell, you should be at the hospital. Not calling me back here.”

Eleanor’s expression darkened.

She placed her water glass down.

A soft ‘clink’ sounded.

The water surface rippled quietly.

“I didn't want to worry you unnecessarily. Just having you here comforts me,” she replied softly.

Lucas studied his mother.

He saw through her motives clearly.

She wasn't sick.

This was a pretense.

“Mom, let's be direct. You called me here because of Isabella, didn't you?” Lucas stated bluntly.

Eleanor’s face stiffened momentarily.

Then composure returned.

Her ruse was exposed.

She dropped the act.

“Lucas, I know you have feelings for Isabella. But… she has a child. Our family’s reputation could suffer if this gets out.”

“Mom!” Lucas cut her off, irritated. “What is wrong with Isabella? She's independent. She earns her living honestly. She deserves no scorn. You have no right to judge her.”

“I'm not judging her,” Eleanor attempted to justify.

But Lucas’s protective expression was immovable.

“Mom, I'm telling you for the last time. Stay out of my personal life,” Lucas said firmly.

“You… you’re going to give me a heart attack!” Eleanor exclaimed.

She clutched her chest dramatically.

Anguish and despair painted her face.

Seeing his mother so upset, Lucas softened.

“Mom, please…” His voice turned tender. “I'll visit more often. Will that help?”

Eleanor looked at her son.

She knew his words were just comfort.

She was powerless to change his mind.

He had always been stubborn.

His decisions were final.

“Lucas, I don't ask for much,” Eleanor said with soft desperation. “I just don't want you to make a decision you'll regret.”

Lucas paused briefly.

Then he nodded. “I understand, Mom. But I really must leave now.”

He turned and walked toward the door.

“Lucas!” Eleanor called out urgently.

He stopped.

He looked back at her.