He was used to the deference his status commanded.

Being dismissed so casually was a new and unwelcome experience.

He peered through the glass panel of the door.

His eyes found Isabella, dabbing at a thin trail of blood from her lip.

The crimson stark against her pale skin was a jarring sight.

Beside her, Lucas Grant offered a tissue, his expression one of deep concern.

It was a look Ethan recognized, one that had once been directed solely at him.

A sharp, unexpected pang twisted in his chest.

His hands clenched into tight fists at his sides, knuckles turning white.

Ethan remained rooted outside the door, a silent spectator to a scene that excluded him.

Finally, he turned away.

The long corridor lights stretched his shadow, painting a picture of profound solitude.

Sliding into his car, he dialed Benjamin Clark.

“Who holds the ultimate authority at this hospital?” he demanded, his voice low and laced with a simmering resolve. “Inform them Blackwood Enterprises is interested in a partnership. The terms are non-negotiable. I require a seat on the hospital’s board.”

He detailed his instructions to Benjamin, each word calculated.

His plan was taking precise shape.

Ending the call, he leaned back in the leather seat.

His fingers began a slow, rhythmic tap on the steering wheel.

The motion was deceptively calm, belying the tension coiling within him.

He would walk back through that door.

But next time, it would be as a partner they were obligated to respect.

No one, not even Isabella herself, would have the power to eject him from her room.

He would stay for as long as he deemed necessary.

The realization gave him pause.

Had he just committed over ten million dollars solely to guarantee his access to Isabella’s bedside?

The question lodged itself in his mind, stubborn and persistent.

Rubbing his temples, a dull throb began to spread across his forehead.

A fog of confusion clouded his thoughts.

Was this overwhelming panic solely due to her accident?

Or was it the raw, piercing worry he had seen in her eyes that had so thoroughly unbalanced him?

No.

That couldn't be it.

His heart belonged to Sophia.

His internal debate was shattered by the sharp ring of his phone.

The screen flashed with a single word: “Mother.”

He hesitated for a beat before answering. “Hello?”

“I heard about Sophia’s heart episode. How is she? Is she stable?” Victoria Blackwood’s voice was sharp with urgency.

Ethan’s irritation spiked. “She’s fine,” he replied tersely.

Victoria’s tone turned accusatory. “Why the coldness, Ethan? She developed that condition saving your life! Your place is at her side, showing her the care she deserves!”

His mind flashed to the moment of Isabella’s accident, her call for help.

He had been steadfastly supporting Sophia. Wasn't that proof enough of his loyalty?

“Mother,” he said, frustration edging his voice. “Isabella was in a car accident. I was checking on her condition.”

A dismissive scoff came through the line. “Well, as long as she’s breathing, I suppose that’s something.”

A deep frown etched onto Ethan’s face.

His mother’s blatant disregard for Isabella sparked a sharp, defensive irritation.

“Mother, Isabella is your daughter-in-law. You should—”

Victoria cut him off, her voice slicing and cold. “I have never accepted that girl as my daughter-in-law! You promised a divorce. What is the delay? Don’t tell me you’ve developed feelings for her now.”