“Ethan, you wanted to see me?” Sophia’s voice was soft, laced with a deliberate hint of flirtation as she settled into the seat beside him.

Ethan set his wine glass down. His gaze was intense, unwavering. “What do you know about Julian?”

Her heart stuttered, but she kept her expression perfectly surprised. “Julian? Who is that? What’s going on? You’re scaring me.”

His face remained an unreadable mask. “He’s dead. A car hit him.”

“What?!” Sophia’s hand flew to her mouth, a practiced gesture of shock. “That’s terrible! How could that happen?” She made her body tremble, feigning distress.

“The police called it an accident. But…” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “It appears he was trying to reach you before he died.”

Her face paled, but she fought to maintain her composure. “Reach me? I have no idea why. Perhaps because I helped him get a position once.”

“Is that so?” A faint, skeptical smile touched Ethan’s lips as he watched her.

She swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “Ethan, are you… suspecting me? How could I possibly—”

“Sophia.” His voice cut through hers, sharp and final. “You need to understand. I do not tolerate lies.”

His intense stare made it difficult to breathe, but years of perfecting her deceit allowed her to rally quickly.

Tears welled in her eyes, turning them glassy and red. She adopted a pitiful, wounded look. “Ethan, do you truly think I could do such a thing? Julian and I were barely acquainted. How could I possibly…”

She paused, drawing a shaky breath.

“I know you’re upset because of what happened to Isabella, but… have you forgotten who saved you back then? If it weren’t for me, you…” Her voice broke, tears spilling over. “I’ve given so much for you, and yet you…”

She covered her face, her shoulders shaking with manufactured sobs.

She was gambling everything on his guilt, on the memory of her past sacrifice.

Ethan watched her cry, his expression complex and unreadable. He said nothing.

The silence in the room grew heavy, thick with tension.

After a long moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and firm. “Leave.”

The door clicked shut softly behind her.

Alone, the cold indifference melted from Ethan’s features.

He picked up a file from the table, his grip so tight the paper edges crumpled.

It contained a detailed record of every collusion between Sophia and Julian, including the theft of the design drafts from Isabella’s studio.

“Benjamin,” he called out, his voice sharp.

Benjamin entered the room immediately. “Mr. Blackwood.”

“Handle this. Ensure Julian takes the full blame. Then, contact Isabella’s studio. Inform them Blackwood Enterprises is interested in a collaboration.”

“Mr. Blackwood…” Benjamin hesitated. “Julian is—I mean…”

Ethan’s icy glare silenced him. “Understood. I’ll see to it right away.”

In the hospital room, consciousness returned to Isabella slowly.

A soft, tender voice pierced the fog.

“Mommy!”

A small figure launched itself onto the bed. It was Liam.

His tiny hand gently touched her cheek, his wide eyes filled with worry. “Mommy, you scared me. Please don’t leave me again, okay?”

Her heart melted at his words. She pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.