Isabella paused briefly before accepting the envelope.

She opened it and pulled out the contents.

A beautifully crafted card lay inside.

Her eyes widened in shock.

It was an admission notice for the international kindergarten Liam would attend.

The card was elegantly inscribed with the school’s name.

Detailed enrollment instructions were included.

As Isabella read, her expression grew darker with each word.

Her gaze froze on one specific line.

"Both parents are required to attend the new student orientation at 10 a.m. tomorrow."

Her heart sank.

She looked up sharply, meeting Ethan’s cold stare.

"The school requires it," he stated flatly. "You can inform Lucas."

With that, Ethan turned and ascended the stairs.

His demeanor was completely detached.

Isabella stood frozen, the notice trembling in her hand.

Her mind raced.

Liam’s parentage… Lucas… Ethan… What should she do now?

She began retreating toward her room but halted suddenly.

Someone stood at the base of the stairs.

It was her grandmother, Eleanor.

Eleanor held a jacket, pausing as if she had been about to descend.

Worry and understanding were etched across her features.

Isabella’s spirits plummeted.

Clearly, Eleanor had overheard part of her conversation with Ethan.

Eleanor’s love for her and Liam had always been deep.

She must be concerned…

Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes.

She approached Eleanor and whispered, "Grandma, shouldn’t you be resting?"

"Isabella…" Eleanor’s sigh was heavy with concern. "You and… Mr. Blackwood, it’s…"

She hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

The dynamics between Isabella and Ethan were painfully complex.

Eleanor recognized Isabella’s strength.

She had always carried her burdens alone, shielding her family from worry.

"I’m fine, Grandma," Isabella reassured her with a forced smile. "Please don’t worry. Ethan and I will handle this."

"Isabella, you’ve endured so much," Eleanor said, pulling her into a gentle embrace.

The calming scent of essential oils filled the air.

Soft music played in the background of the luxurious spa.

Sophia reclined comfortably on a massage bed, eyes closed.

She savored the skilled touch of the beautician.

She had invited Zoe for a spa day to ease the tension.

The banquet incident and the photo scandal had left her on edge.

Zoe seemed about to broach a topic when a phone rang.

Sophia checked the caller ID.

It was her contact from the legal department at Blackwood Enterprises.

She answered quickly.

Her friend’s worried voice filled her ear. "Sophia, something’s happened. Mr. Blackwood has taken action against the Grant Group."

"What? Seriously?" Sophia bolted upright from the massage bed, her face pale.

She was utterly shocked.

Ethan had actually moved against the Grant family.

The Grants had been long-standing allies of the Blackwoods.

Lucas was once as close to Ethan as a brother.

"What exactly is going on?" Sophia asked, her voice urgent.

"I don’t have all the details, but Mr. Blackwood’s approach is unusually aggressive this time," her friend explained.

"Why would Ethan do this?" Sophia pressed further.

"It appears to stem from a business disagreement in their partnership."

Zoe, overhearing parts of the conversation, also looked concerned.

She vividly recalled the confrontation between Lucas’s mother and Isabella.

What on earth was happening?

The atmosphere grew thick with tension.

Both women were lost in their own thoughts.

Sophia quickly dressed and shot Zoe an apologetic glance.

"Zoe, I just remembered something urgent. Please, enjoy the rest of your day here."

She rushed off without another word.