Ethan paused, studying Isabella’s expression carefully as he awaited her decision. Having served Ethan for many years, Henry was well-versed in the intricate shifts of his employer’s temperament, which grew especially unpredictable whenever matters involved Isabella.

Ethan’s demeanor could oscillate between deep attentiveness and cold detachment, rendering his true emotions a mystery.

Ethan’s reply was delayed as his focus shifted to Liam, who was watching him with wide, curious eyes. Liam wore pajamas dotted with cartoon characters, his plump cheeks still smudged with traces of cream from dinner, making him look like an irresistibly messy kitten.

When Ethan’s gaze met Liam’s, his eyes softened. He moved closer and knelt to meet the boy at eye level.

“Liam,” Ethan said, his tone gentler than usual as he brushed the child’s hair tenderly. “Could you do something for me?”

Liam tilted his head, his clear eyes full of curiosity. “What is it?” His voice was sweet and pure.

A faint smile touched Ethan’s lips. He gestured toward the staircase. “I need you to take something up to Mommy, alright?”

“Take something to Mommy?” Liam blinked, a flicker of reluctance crossing his face. He glanced from Ethan to the stairs, torn between his toys and not wanting to disappoint.

“Be a good boy, Liam. I know you’re the best,” Ethan encouraged, his voice patient and warm. “You take this to Mommy, and then you can sleep in her room tonight. How does that sound?”

At the mention of sleeping beside his mother, Liam’s face brightened. He nodded eagerly, his voice firm. “Okay! I’ll help you, Mr. Blackwood.”

Ethan’s smile widened with satisfaction. He rose and instructed Henry, “Bring the soup here, please.”

Henry gave a quick nod and hurried to the kitchen. He returned moments later carrying a tray that held an elegant white porcelain bowl. The tonic soup inside emitted a delicate, sweet fragrance.

Ethan handed the tray to Liam, cautioning him gently. “Be careful, Liam. It’s hot.” Liam gripped the tray firmly with both hands, his expression serious. “Don’t worry, Mr. Blackwood. I won’t drop it.”

Ethan affectionately ruffled his hair. “Good boy.”

He watched as Liam carefully ascended the stairs, disappearing around the corner. As the boy vanished from sight, the smile on Ethan’s face faded into something more complex. He turned back to Henry, his voice dropping to a chill tone. “Isabella is free to leave the estate. Do not interfere.”

Henry, momentarily taken aback, recovered quickly and bowed slightly. “Understood, Mr. Blackwood.”

Silence lingered from the upper floor. Ethan’s expression tightened slightly. A flicker of concern passed through him—had Isabella harmed herself? He stood, intending to go upstairs and check on her.

Just then, Liam’s cheerful voice echoed down the staircase. “Mommy, Mommy, come out! I brought you something yummy.” Ethan halted, a faint smile returning. He settled back onto the sofa and resumed watching TV, though his attention remained fixed upstairs. He was waiting, anticipating Isabella’s appearance.

Upstairs, Isabella sat rigidly on the edge of the bed, her body tense. Then, she heard Liam’s voice outside the door. A slight tremor ran through her. She spun around to face the door. Drawing a deep breath to steady herself, she hurried to open it.

Outside stood Liam, holding the tray with the white porcelain bowl. The sweet aroma of the soup filled the air around him. When he saw her, his face lit up.

“Mommy, you finally came out! I waited so long,” he said, his voice brimming with excitement and joy.