Isabella laughed softly. “I won’t order anything I shouldn’t. You’ve done so much for me—let me thank you properly.”

Her tone was light but carried a firmness that left no room for argument.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Lucas’s face, but he quickly covered it with a warm smile. “It would be rude to refuse, wouldn’t it?” His voice was gentle, though a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes.

They reached the restaurant and stepped through the grand revolving doors. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting a brilliant, dazzling glow across the entire space.

That was when the evening took an unexpected turn.

Isabella’s gaze immediately landed on Ethan and Sophia, walking together toward a private dining room. Ethan’s tailored suit and commanding posture radiated quiet authority. Sophia clung to his arm, a sweet, knowing smile playing on her lips.

Isabella’s chest tightened. Her first instinct was to avoid them, but Sophia’s sharp eyes had already found her.

“Isabella? Weren’t you supposed to be resting at the hospital? What are you doing here?” Sophia’s voice was a mix of fake surprise and something far more calculated.

Her eyes flicked toward Lucas, and a smirk touched her mouth. “Even while recovering, you still find time for romantic outings.”

Ethan’s attention shifted to Isabella, his expression darkening. His gaze was a storm of jealousy, frustration, and something unreadable. Isabella took a slow, steadying breath. She refused to show weakness in front of Sophia.

“Is that really all you can think about? Maybe you should get your mind checked,” Isabella said coolly, her voice edged with defiance.

Sophia’s smile wavered. She clutched her chest dramatically, her voice suddenly soft and fragile. “I was only worried about you. Shouldn’t your health come first? I didn’t expect you to snap at me like that…” The cloying sweetness in her tone was suffocating.

A heavy, tense silence fell.

Before Isabella could respond, Lucas spoke up. “You’re the one who sounds unwell. Perhaps you should see a doctor before it becomes an emergency.”

His voice was calm, but his protective stance made his meaning unmistakable.

Sophia’s face grew even more somber. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, as if burdened by a profound sense of injustice.

She bit her lip, her shoulders trembling slightly. She cast a pleading look toward Ethan, silently begging him to take her side.

But Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on Isabella. His eyes were unreadable, his voice low and controlled as he asked, “Why are you here with Lucas?”

Isabella met his eyes evenly. “The same reason you’re here with Sophia.” Her tone was composed, but defiance simmered beneath the surface.

Inside, she scoffed. They were at a restaurant—what else would they be doing? Did Ethan think she was stupid?

Ethan’s expression hardened at her words. His sharp features grew taut, his eyes flashing with frustration and jealousy.

Today was Sophia’s birthday.

He had brought her to this exclusive restaurant to celebrate.

Was Isabella here celebrating Lucas’s birthday too?

He wondered how she and Lucas had grown so close.

Jealousy clawed at him.

A recent conversation with Sophia replayed in his mind.

She had mentioned seeing Isabella and Lucas together often. At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it.