The office door slammed open with a violent crash.

Ethan stood in the doorway, his expression dark and thunderous.

His eyes immediately found Isabella and Lucas sitting close together on the sofa, their hands nearly touching. The sight made his breath hitch.

He strode across the room, grabbed Isabella's arm, and yanked her to her feet so forcefully she cried out in pain.

"How dare you, Isabella?" Ethan's voice was sharp with fury.

Isabella wrenched her arm free, her face tight with pain. "What is wrong with you, Ethan?" Her voice was cold and defiant.

Though physically fragile, her gaze remained steady and unafraid.

Lucas quickly stepped between them. "Calm down, Ethan. Isabella isn't well," he said, his tone firm.

Ethan sneered venomously at Lucas. "Stay out of this. This is between us."

He shoved Lucas aside and pulled Isabella back toward him, his eyes burning into hers.

"Answer me! Who is Liam's father?"

Isabella met his intense stare without flinching.

She hesitated for a split second. Had Ethan gotten a paternity test?

"Why would you think I'm lying? Liam is my son with Lucas. Do you have a problem with that?"

Ethan's expression grew even more dangerous.

He tightened his grip on her wrist.

"You will tell me the truth, Isabella! Or else—"

Isabella scoffed and jerked her arm free. "Or else what? We're divorced, Ethan. You don't control my life anymore!"

Shock flashed in Ethan's eyes.

He seized her wrist again, pulling her forcefully away from Lucas.

"Come with me."

His voice was ice-cold, leaving no room for argument.

He began dragging her toward the door without waiting for a response.

Isabella tugged her arm back with surprising strength, stumbling but quickly catching her balance.

Ethan froze, his hand hovering in the air.

He clearly hadn't expected her to resist.

Isabella panted, struggling to steady her breathing and hold back her tears.

"Don't make this harder on yourself," Ethan warned. "Do you still want to keep your studio?"

Despair gripped Isabella. Her studio was her passion, built with immense effort and dedication. Ethan's threat cut deep. He had the power to destroy it effortlessly.

Isabella clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She looked Ethan directly in the eyes, her voice measured and calm. "Do you really think I'm afraid of you, Ethan?"

Her voice was low but resonant, each word delivered with undeniable strength.

Silence fell over the room, broken only by their ragged breathing. Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Your precious little studio… Do you honestly believe you can protect it?"

"No matter what, I won't let you have your way," she replied, her tone fierce with determination.