Isabella stepped out of the car.

She paused at the entrance of the grand estate.

Her gaze swept over the familiar facade.

A storm of emotions churned inside her.

She crossed the threshold into the mansion.

A familiar warmth enveloped her.

Yet it did nothing to melt the ice in her heart.

The living room was brilliantly lit.

A figure on the sofa turned slowly at the sound of her footsteps.

It was Eleanor.

When Isabella saw her, tears welled in her eyes.

She rushed toward Eleanor, her voice trembling. “Grandmother…”

“Isabella, you’re home,” Eleanor’s voice was gentle and warm.

Isabella clutched Eleanor’s hand, feeling its comforting warmth.

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

“Grandmother, why… Why are you here?” she stammered, her voice shaking.

Eleanor patted her hand softly, a silent gesture to calm her.

“It was Mr. Blackwood’s decision,” Henry interjected smoothly. “Mr. Blackwood felt Mrs. Vance was well enough to be discharged. Staying at Hawthorne Residence ensures she receives the best possible care.”

Henry’s words hit Isabella like a physical blow.

Ethan.

Always him.

A mix of fury, helplessness, and deep sorrow swelled within her.

She knew Ethan’s motives were far from pure.

It was a warning.

A stark reminder that he still held power over her vulnerabilities.

Eleanor’s safety, Liam’s safety… These were the chains Ethan used to bind her.

Ethan manipulated everyone around him like a master puppeteer.

Isabella was merely a pawn in his elaborate game, powerless over her own fate.

“Grandmother, how are you feeling? Is the pain gone?” Isabella asked, forcing down her bitterness.

She watched Eleanor intently, not wanting to miss a single detail.

“I’m perfectly fine now, Isabella. Truly,” Eleanor assured her with a kind smile. “I love you and Liam.”

The mention of Liam renewed the ache in Isabella’s heart.

Isabella struggled to maintain her composure, but her voice still wavered. “Grandmother, both Liam and I are doing well.”

“Good. That’s good.”

Eleanor gave Isabella’s hand an affectionate squeeze, full of love and encouragement.

Isabella nodded and forced a smile.

She hid her vulnerability from Eleanor, not wanting to worry her further.

With great effort, Isabella pulled herself together, determined to appear strong.

Meanwhile, in a lavish banquet hall, the air was filled with the clink of crystal and the murmur of polished conversation.

Ethan, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, commanded the room with his powerful presence.

He held a glass of red wine, swirling it slowly, his expression unreadable.

“Mr. Blackwood, you are truly a force to be reckoned with!”

“With your leadership, Blackwood Enterprises is destined for unprecedented success.”