He averted his eyes, clearing his throat awkwardly. "We can discuss that later," he said, his tone carefully controlled. "How are you feeling now?"

He paused, concern etching his features before continuing. "Your health must be your priority."

Daniel began examining Isabella with gentle precision. His hands moved carefully as he checked her pulse and lightly pressed against her slightly swollen abdomen. His forehead creased with deep worry.

"The fetus is experiencing distress," he stated gravely, withdrawing his hand. "If conditions deteriorate, you could begin hemorrhaging. That would be extremely dangerous."

A cold dread swept through Isabella at his words, her face paling dramatically. Her fingers clenched the bedsheet until her knuckles turned white, fear and anxiety swirling violently within her.

Daniel observed her tense posture, his heart aching with sympathy. After considering her condition, he spoke gently. "It's a mild fever, nothing alarming. Use a cooling patch, and I'll prescribe medication to reduce the fever and stabilize your pregnancy. You must take it," he advised calmly.

He hesitated momentarily before adding, "Once you've recovered, I'll help you leave this place safely."

Isabella absorbed his words before nodding slowly with determination. The child within her was her only anchor in this terrifying uncertainty. She couldn't allow anything to harm her unborn baby.

She needed to create a secure future for them both, far from Ethan's destructive influence. That meant disappearing completely—leaving no traces behind.

But certain matters required attention first. She needed to ensure Eleanor's safety and advance the secret project Alexander had promised to arrange, completely bypassing Ethan.

Success in these endeavors would provide steady income essential for sustaining her and her child's future.

As Daniel packed his medical kit preparing to leave, Isabella felt a surge of desperation.

"Dr. Brooks!" she called out, her voice trembling with hesitation.

Daniel turned back, his expression soft with concern. "What is it?" he asked gently.

Isabella bit her lower lip, nerves fluttering. After an agonizing pause, she gathered her courage. "Could I... borrow a thousand dollars from you?"

She lowered her head, gaze fixed on the floor, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The silence between them stretched, heavy with her anxiety.

She knew her request was audacious given their casual acquaintance.

But desperation had backed her into this corner, and she had nowhere else to turn.

Daniel appeared genuinely surprised, his eyebrows rising at her unexpected plea.

To him, a thousand dollars was insignificant. But for Isabella, that money meant survival.

"Of course," Daniel responded, his voice warm with genuine willingness to help. "But since you can't leave, what do you need the money for?"

A weary sigh escaped Isabella's lips as she looked down.

"I need a phone," she whispered, her words barely audible.

She needed to contact Lucas.