Ethan didn't even glance at Zoe.

He drove through the gated community without hesitation.

His focus remained absolute.

The car came to a smooth stop outside Isabella's building.

But he didn't get out.

He just sat there.

His eyes were fixed on her apartment window.

A warm, steady light glowed from within.

Yet no shadows moved behind the curtains.

No sign of life.

A quiet dread began to coil in his chest.

"What is she doing?"

He waited a long moment.

The gnawing feeling finally pushed him to move.

He stepped out into the cool night air.

The elevator ride was silent.

He pressed the doorbell.

The chime echoed in the quiet hallway.

Seconds dragged.

Then, the door opened a crack.

It wasn't Isabella.

Emily stood there, blinking up at him in clear surprise.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Her voice was unsteady. "What are you doing here?"

His gaze swept past her, scanning the apartment.

His voice was low and direct. "Where is Isabella?"

Emily faltered. "She's... she's not here."

His expression darkened. "Not here? At this hour? Where did she go?"

She looked away, her silence more telling than words.

A small, excited voice cut through the tension. "Mr. Blackwood!"

Ethan froze.

His sharp gaze instantly softened.

He turned toward the sound.

Liam stood in the living room, his eyes bright with joy.

"Hey, Liam." A rare smile touched Ethan's lips.

He strode forward and effortlessly scooped the boy into his arms.

Liam giggled, wrapping his small arms around Ethan's neck in a tight hug.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Blackwood?"

Ethan ruffled the boy's hair, his smile lingering. "I came to see you. I missed you."

Liam beamed. "I missed you too!"

He planted a warm, tiny kiss on Ethan's cheek, laughing with pure delight.

Emily watched from the side, her expression conflicted.

She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated.

Then, her phone rang.

The sound made her jump.

She fumbled to answer it.

As she listened, the color drained from her face.

"What?" Her voice tightened. "Alright... I understand. I'll be right there."

She ended the call and turned back to Ethan, visibly tense.

"Mr. Blackwood, I'm so sorry. There's an emergency at home. I have to leave immediately."

Ethan glanced between her and Liam, his expression unreadable. "What about him?"

Emily hesitated. She gathered herself and looked at him pleadingly.

"Mr. Blackwood, could you please watch Liam for a little while? I'll be back as soon as I can."

Without hesitation, Ethan gave a firm nod. "Go. I've got him. Don't worry."

Relief washed over Emily's face. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it."

She gave a few hurried instructions, grabbed her things, and rushed out.

Now, it was just Ethan and Liam.

The little boy tilted his head, blinking up with curious eyes.

"Mr. Blackwood, are you hungry?"

It was only then Ethan felt the emptiness in his stomach.

He hadn't eaten dinner.