“Mommy!” Liam’s excited shout echoed through the room as he rushed into Isabella’s arms.

She held him close, tears forming in her eyes as she breathed in his familiar scent.

Ethan stood silently in the doorway, watching the reunion with an unreadable expression. Benjamin stood behind him, holding several shopping bags filled with children’s items.

“Are those all Liam’s things?” Isabella asked, recognizing the cartoon patterns on the bags as the ones she had packed for his kindergarten supplies.

Ethan gave a brief nod. His voice was deep and commanding. “Yes. I handled his school transfer today.”

“Transfer?” Isabella’s head snapped up, her eyes searching his. “To where?”

“An international kindergarten nearby,” Ethan replied calmly. “Their security is exceptional. It’s the safest option for Liam.”

Isabella fell silent. She couldn’t dispute that fact.

The school was the most prestigious in the city, known for both its elite curriculum and impenetrable security. Admissions were nearly impossible to obtain, yet Ethan had secured a spot for Liam without any apparent effort.

But why had he made this decision without consulting her? She swallowed her frustration, her fingers tightening slightly.

She appreciated everything Ethan had done for their son. Truly. But his unilateral decisions grated on her nerves.

“I see,” she said, keeping her voice neutral.

Isabella forced herself to remain composed. She wouldn’t show her irritation in front of Liam.

“Mommy! The new school is amazing! They have a giant slide, swings, and so many friends to play with!” Liam’s voice bubbled with excitement as he looked up from her embrace.

His eyes sparkled as he described every detail, his joy evident in every word. Clearly, he loved his new environment.

Some of Isabella’s tension eased.

His happiness was what mattered most.

Just as she was about to speak, Liam suddenly grew serious. “Mommy, you should thank Mr. Blackwood.”

Isabella’s lips twitched.

Oh, Liam…

She sighed softly and glanced at Ethan, finding him watching her with that faintly amused smile. His gaze seemed to say, “Your son has better manners than you do.”

Isabella exhaled, running her hand gently over Liam’s head. “You’re absolutely right.” She softened her voice. “Why don’t you go upstairs and play? Mommy needs to talk with Mr. Blackwood.”

“Okay!” Liam chirped, nodding enthusiastically before dashing up the stairs.

Benjamin placed the bags at the foot of the staircase. He turned to Ethan with a respectful nod. “Mr. Blackwood, I’ll take my leave now. Excuse me, Mrs. Blackwood.”

Ethan returned the nod. “Very well.”

Benjamin departed, closing the door quietly behind him. Suddenly, Isabella and Ethan were alone. The atmosphere shifted immediately.