Isabella’s expression went still as she watched Ethan walk away.

Her mind was racing.

She knew him too well—this wasn’t over.

He was testing the waters today. Probing. What would he do when he came back? Or the time after that?

The thought of him discovering Liam made her blood run cold.

Anxiety tightened around her chest like a vise.

She hurried inside, fingers shaking as she pulled out her phone and called Lucas.

He picked up on the second ring. “Isabella? Everything alright?”

“Lucas… I need a favor.” Her voice trembled, just slightly.

“Name it,” he said, tone turning serious.

She took a sharp breath. “If Ethan ever asks about Liam… tell him Liam is your son. Please.”

There was a beat of silence. “You saw him? Did he hurt you?”

Isabella closed her eyes, gathering herself. “We met. I’m okay. Really.”

“Good.” Relief colored his voice. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you both. I’ll tell him the boy is mine.”

Warm gratitude washed over her. “Thank you, Lucas.”

After a pause, he spoke again, hesitantly. “How’s the studio coming along?”

“It’s good. I found the perfect location. Signed the lease. Registration is almost complete.”

“That’s great news. I’ll be there on opening day.”

She smiled softly. “I’ll save you a front row seat.”

They talked a little longer about nothing in particular.

“You should get some rest,” Lucas said, though he sounded reluctant to hang up.

“You too. Goodnight.” She ended the call.

Almost immediately, a small voice piped up from the other side of the door. “Mommy! When are we going out to play?”

Isabella opened the door. Liam stood there, barefoot, hands on his hips, eyes bright with impatience.

“It’s so boring inside,” he complained. “I want to go out!”

She crouched down to his level. She knew she’d be swamped with work soon. This time with him was precious.

“Okay, sweetheart,” she said, ruffling his hair. “We’ll go out.”

True to her word, the next day Isabella took Eleanor and Liam to a nearby mall. They spent the day together, a rare and happy outing.

A few days later, her studio was fully set up. All she needed now was a team.

She posted job listings online. Responses started coming in quickly.

She began scheduling interviews immediately.

“Lucas?” She looked up, surprised to see him standing at the door of her studio.

“Thought I’d stop by. See the place.” He held up a paper bag. “And I brought lunch.”

“That’s so sweet of you. Thank you.” She stood and accepted the bag with a grateful smile.