Ethan gave her a brief look but said nothing. His mind was completely consumed by thoughts of Liam. Sophia barely registered in his consciousness.

Seeing his indifference, Sophia clenched her fists tightly. She then turned to Isabella, her eyes burning with contempt as if silently accusing her of being shameless. How could this woman, already divorced from Ethan, still be involved with him?

Isabella let out a short, mocking laugh, her lips curling into a smirk. "Sophia, let's be clear about one thing. He came to me. I'm not the one chasing after him."

"You..." Sophia's anger spiked so intensely she couldn't form words.

Her gaze flickered toward the slightly open door, catching a glimpse of the child inside. So Ethan had met the child. No, she couldn't just stand by and let this happen!

"Enough!" Ethan's voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding.

He turned to Isabella, his expression a storm of emotions. "I'll ask you one last time—who is this child's father?"

Isabella drew a slow breath, forcing herself to remain composed. Locking eyes with him, she responded evenly, "I've already told you. Liam is my child with Lucas. If you don't believe me, get a paternity test done." A flicker of tension passed through Ethan as he registered the unwavering certainty in her gaze.

Nearby, Sophia pursed her lips before speaking in a honeyed tone. "Ethan, your mother invited us to dinner at Blackwood Estate tonight. Since Isabella has personal matters to handle, why don't we go ahead?"

Ethan, frustration mounting, turned to her. "Go without me."

"Ethan..." Sophia began, but catching the irritation in his tone, she decided against pushing further. Instead, she shot one final glare at Isabella before spinning on her heel and marching out of the hospital. Ethan watched her retreat, then exhaled heavily, rubbing a hand over his face.

Ethan turned to Isabella and said, "I'll investigate this thoroughly. If..."

"There's no 'if,'" Isabella cut him off sharply. "Lucas and I are Liam's parents. Stop deluding yourself."

Ethan fell silent, turned, and left the hospital without another word. Isabella's gaze lingered on his departing figure, a tumult of bitterness and determination swirling within her. She knew this wasn't the end, but her resolve to protect Liam remained unshaken.

In the hospital room, Lucas noticed the redness and swelling around Isabella's eyes, feeling a twinge of concern. "Isabella, what happened?" he asked softly.

"It's nothing, just a misunderstanding," Isabella replied.

Meanwhile, after leaving the hospital, Sophia was gripped by panic. How had things escalated so quickly during her brief absence? Ethan had even refused dinner at Blackwood Estate for that woman.

Impatient, Sophia urged the driver, "Sir, please, can you go faster?" Catching her anxious expression in the rearview mirror, the driver wordlessly accelerated.

Sophia's heart raced as she pondered the potential fallout if Ethan discovered the truth about the child. The implications were dire, and she felt compelled to intervene before things spiraled further.

Upon arriving at Blackwood Estate, Sophia hurriedly paid the fare and dashed inside.

Victoria was in the living room, appearing serene with a cup of coffee in hand. Noticing Sophia's rushed entrance, Victoria offered a warm smile. "Sophia, there you are. Why are you so late? Where's Ethan?" she inquired, her concern evident as she placed her coffee cup down.

Approaching Victoria, Sophia took her arm and said softly, "Mrs. Blackwood, Ethan was held up by an urgent matter at the office. He'll be a bit late."

Victoria patted Sophia's hand reassuringly, her tone both comforting and assertive. "That boy is always buried in work. He really needs to watch his health."