Her plan to disappear completely would be far more successful with Lucas’s assistance.

He was the only person she could rely on—brilliant, composed, and always one step ahead.

Daniel paused, his expression thoughtful as he understood her intention.

From inside his tailored suit jacket, he retrieved a phone.

His slender fingers moved swiftly across the screen to unlock it.

He held it out to Isabella, his hand steady.

“Take this,” he said, a faint, reassuring smile touching his lips.

Isabella hesitated, her hand hovering in the air.

“This is your personal phone,” she murmured, her voice soft with guilt. “What if someone needs to reach you? I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

She was reluctant to impose or owe him even more.

Daniel’s smile widened slightly, warmth flickering in his gaze.

“It’s my private line,” he assured her. “Very few people have this number. You’ll be safe using it.”

He paused, his eyes locking with hers.

“Besides, if I bought you a new phone and Ethan found out, it would only create more problems.”

His consideration touched her deeply.

A wave of warmth spread through her chest.

She finally accepted the device, her fingers brushing against his.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her gratitude sincere and heartfelt.

Daniel felt an unexpected tenderness stir within him.

He lingered for a moment, watching as she carefully tucked the phone into her pajama pocket.

With a quiet sigh, he turned and opened the door.

As he stepped out, he was surprised to find Sophia standing there.

She had clearly been waiting outside for some time, her posture stiff and suspicious.

Daniel’s brows drew together in annoyance.

“Eavesdropping?” he asked coolly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her flustered expression.

Sophia took an instinctive step backward, shaking her head.

“No—I was just passing by,” she stammered, avoiding his gaze.

A sardonic smile touched Daniel’s lips.

“Passing by?” he echoed, skepticism heavy in his tone. “You certainly take a keen interest in Isabella, Miss Reed. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were sisters.”

Sophia’s cheeks flushed crimson.

His words mocked her, implying she was meddling where she didn’t belong.

She bit her lip, clenching her fists at her sides.

Her nails dug into her palms as she fought to control her anger.

She forced a strained smile. “I’m only concerned for her well-being,” she said, though her voice trembled slightly.

Daniel dismissed her with a cold look and strode away.

His tall figure soon disappeared down the dimly lit hallway.

Sophia remained frozen, her fists clenched and shaking with suppressed fury.

Resentment darkened her eyes as she stared after him.

She took a sharp, shaky breath to calm herself.

Then she snapped her wrist up and pushed the master bedroom door open forcefully.