The determination in Isabella's eyes only fueled Ethan's anger further. “Open your eyes and see the truth, Isabella!” he snapped coldly.

“You need to go,” Lucas stated firmly, his concern for Isabella evident as he noticed the red marks on her wrist from Ethan’s grip.

He stepped in front of Isabella, shielding her from Ethan. His voice was steady and authoritative. “Ethan, this has gone too far.”

Eitan let out a derisive laugh. “Mr. Grant, why are you so invested in interfering?”

Isabella shook her head slightly, tugging gently at Lucas’s sleeve. Arguing with Ethan any longer felt pointless.

Sophia’s lawsuit against her studio had been suspiciously well-timed. Isabella was now certain it was all part of Ethan’s plan to force her into submission.

She turned to Lucas and whispered, “Let’s go.”

With a subtle nod, Lucas shot Ethan one last stern look before guiding Isabella away from the tense scene.

Ethan stood motionless, his gaze fixed on their retreating figures, but he made no attempt to follow.

Once outside, Isabella breathed a little easier, the heavy atmosphere slowly lifting.

“Lucas, I’m sorry for dragging you into this again,” she murmured, exhaustion coloring her voice.

Lucas studied her closely, his concern unmistakable.

His hand lifted slightly, almost reaching for the faint bruise on her wrist where Ethan had grabbed her, but he stopped himself. He simply sighed and shook his head. “No more apologies. Are we really that distant now?”

Isabella averted her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

Lucas caught the flicker of pain in her expression, and his worry deepened. “Let me take you home. You don’t look well.”

She shook her head, her tone resolute. “No, I need to check on Liam at the hospital. I hired a caregiver, but I still can’t relax.”

Sophia’s swift actions had left Isabella on edge, and Ethan’s involvement had only intensified the unbearable pressure.

Lucas hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. “Just… be careful, alright? And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

He knew better than to argue—once Isabella made up her mind, nothing could change it.

She offered a faint, tired smile. “I will.”

Turning around, she stepped into the elevator.

As the doors closed, Ethan emerged from Lucas’s office, his imposing figure casting a cold shadow. His expression was unreadable, sharp, and distant.

Lucas remained still, a hint of irony in his smirk.

“The Whispering Blooms Project… thank you, Mr. Blackwood,” he remarked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Ethan’s stare was icy, cutting through the space between them like a blade. The tension in the air grew thicker.

“Stay out of her life. Otherwise, I’ll make sure your family vanishes from New York.”

Without another word, he turned and walked away, never looking back.

Lucas watched him leave, his smirk fading, replaced by a thoughtful expression. Ethan’s threats didn’t faze him—his only concern was Isabella. A cautious voice broke the silence. “Sir, are you sure you want to stay involved with Miss Scott? Our partner’s withdrawal from the Whispering Blooms project is a clear warning from Blackwood Enterprises.”

The quiet of the office was punctuated only by the steady ticking of the clock.