Sophia forced a smile, but her eyes reddened as if holding back tears.

Victoria, always sharp, immediately noticed something was off. “Sophia, what’s wrong? Did Ethan upset you?” she asked, her voice full of concern.

Sophia shook her head slightly and sighed, hesitating.

“If something’s bothering you, you should tell me. Don’t keep it inside,” Victoria urged, gently patting her hand.

Sophia seemed to gather her courage, biting her lip before speaking quietly. “Mrs. Blackwood, I… I ran into Isabella at the hospital today.”

“Isabella?” Victoria’s expression tightened, her voice laced with displeasure.

“Yes, Isabella. She’s with Lucas. And… and…”

“And what?” Victoria pressed, growing impatient as she picked up her coffee cup again.

Sophia took a deep breath, looking like she was mustering her strength.

“They have a son. He’s about three years old.”

“A son? Are you sure?”

Victoria’s hands trembled, causing her coffee cup to tilt and spill onto her hand, but she didn’t seem to notice.

Sophia quickly grabbed some tissues and dabbed Victoria’s hand. “Be careful, Mrs. Blackwood,” she murmured softly.

Victoria sat in stunned silence, her eyes glazed as if struggling to process the news.

Sophia bowed her head, and tears finally fell, dotting Victoria’s hand.

Victoria, jolted back to reality, gripped Sophia’s hand tightly. “What did you say? Say it again!”

Sophia stifled a sob. “I saw it myself. They had a child with them, a little boy, about three years old. He… he looks like Lucas.”

Victoria’s face paled, her breathing heavy with rising anger. She stood abruptly and began pacing the living room. “How could this happen… How could something like this happen?”

Tears streamed down Sophia’s cheeks.

Victoria stopped suddenly, gesturing toward the door as she yelled, “That shameless witch! She’s a complete seductress! I knew she was trouble with Ethan!”

Sophia gently took hold of Victoria’s sleeve. “Please, don’t be upset. It’s not worth it.”

Angrily, Victoria jerked her hand away. “How can I not be? Isabella has tricked Ethan, and she even…”

Overcome with fury, Victoria couldn’t finish, her cheeks flushed.

Sophia quickly placed a gentle hand on Victoria’s back. “Please, calm down. We don’t have all the details yet. Maybe there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Victoria shoved Sophia’s hand away. “A misunderstanding? She has a child with her! How could that be a misunderstanding?” The push made Sophia stumble, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

Bowing her head, Sophia whispered, “Don’t worry. It might just be a coincidence.”

Victoria laughed dismissively. “A coincidence? Do such coincidences really exist? Isabella has always been a schemer. I saw through her long ago!”

Sophia stayed silent, pressing her lips together. Victoria noticed her vulnerable expression and felt a pang of compassion. She pulled Sophia into a warm embrace, rubbing her back gently. “Could this be why Ethan didn’t come with you? Don’t worry. You have my full support, Sophia.”