An interview invitation soon arrived in her email.

Isabella chose a sharp, tailored suit for the interview day.

She walked into Apex Design Collective with unwavering confidence.

She passionately articulated her design vision during the meeting.

Her portfolio showcased undeniable skill and creativity.

The interviewers were thoroughly impressed by her presentation.

They offered her the position on the spot.

Isabella accepted, beginning her new journey with the company.

Three years passed.

Isabella stood before a vast window overlooking Geneva.

The city's night lights glittered below, beautiful yet ignored.

She clutched a black pen, her knuckles white with tension.

Her face was a mask of conflicted emotion, lost in thought.

“Serena, Liam is awake.”

A soft knock accompanied Clara Evans’s gentle voice.

The nanny’s call pulled Isabella from her deep reflection.

She set the pen down and moved toward the study door.

“Coming,” she replied softly, a warm smile forming.

She opened the door to find her young son in cartoon pajamas.

“Mommy,” he murmured sleepily.

Her heart swelled with affection.

She quickly scooped him into a loving embrace.

“Did you sleep well, my love?” she asked, kissing his cheek.

Liam wrapped his small arms around her neck, snuggling close.

“Yes, Mommy. Hold me?”

She smiled, carrying him to the living room sofa.

“Watch cartoons for a bit, sweetheart. Mommy has work upstairs.”

Liam nodded, his attention already captured by the screen.

The doorbell chimed suddenly.

Clara went to answer it.

Lucas Grant stepped inside.

“Lucas!” Liam shouted, his face brightening.

Lucas smiled warmly and lifted the boy into his arms.

“Did you miss me, Liam?”

“Yes!” Liam exclaimed, hugging his neck tightly.

After a moment of playful interaction, Lucas glanced at Clara.

“Is Isabella upstairs?” he inquired.

“In the study, Mr. Grant,” Clara replied with a familiar smile.

“Let’s go see Mommy,” Lucas suggested, carrying Liam toward the stairs.

“Yes!” Liam cheered, clapping his hands excitedly.

Isabella emerged from the study as they approached.

“Liam, go have dinner with Clara first,” she suggested softly.

She noticed her son peeking from behind Lucas.

“Mommy, look! Lucas is here!” Liam exclaimed, pointing joyfully.

“I see him, darling. Please go eat. Mommy needs to talk to Lucas.”

She gently stroked her son’s hair.

Liam obediently went to the dining room with Clara.

Lucas looked at Isabella, his expression serious and concerned.

He approached her, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

“Isabella, there’s something I must tell you… It’s not good.”

A cold dread instantly washed over her.

“What is it?” she asked, her voice tight with anxiety.

“It’s your grandmother… She’s very ill.”

The color drained from Isabella’s face.

“How ill? What’s happened?” Her voice trembled as she fought tears.