The door swung open with a soft groan.

A tall man stepped into the room, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere.

Ethan Blackwood wore a tailored dark suit that emphasized his powerful frame. His handsome face was an unreadable mask, his eyes distant and cool.

Liam glanced up from his bed, his curious gaze fixed on the stranger.

Something about the man felt strangely familiar.

“Who are you?” the boy asked.

Ethan paused, caught off guard. He hadn’t expected to find the child alone.

His eyes quickly scanned the room, searching for Isabella.

When Ethan remained silent, Liam tried again. “Hello?”

The sound of the boy’s voice softened something inside Ethan.

He moved closer to the bed, his expression shifting subtly as he looked down at Liam.

Children were not his area of expertise. The boy’s innocent, expectant eyes left him momentarily unsure.

Ethan hesitated before answering. “I’m a friend of your mother’s. My name is Ethan Blackwood.”

Liam blinked, processing the information. He accepted the answer without further question. He held up his action figure. “Do you want to play?”

Silence filled the space.

Ethan studied the child, emotions churning beneath his calm exterior. Slowly, he knelt down to meet Liam’s eye level. The boy’s round face and clear eyes reminded him so much of Isabella. He took the toy from Liam’s hand and exhaled softly. “Alright. Let’s play.”

Further down the hospital corridor, Oliver’s voice echoed with excitement. “Ms. Scott! Blackwood Enterprises has withdrawn the lawsuit! The legal documents have been officially canceled!”

Isabella stopped walking, momentarily stunned. What was Ethan playing at? This didn’t align with his usual tactics. It felt like a strategic move she hadn’t anticipated.

“I understand,” she replied, her tone even despite the turmoil inside. “Schedule a meeting with the CEO of Sterling Industries for tomorrow afternoon.”

Oliver acknowledged her instructions and departed.

Isabella turned and walked back toward Liam’s room.

As she neared the door, her footsteps slowed. She peered through the slight opening. Ethan? What was he doing here?

A sudden tightness gripped her chest, her pulse quickening. Without thinking, she pushed the door open. Then she froze.

Inside, Ethan was crouched on the floor, completely absorbed in play with Liam. The usual coldness in his demeanor had vanished, replaced by something almost gentle.

Liam’s laughter echoed through the room, his dimpled cheeks glowing with happiness.

Holding up his Optimus Prime figure, he exclaimed excitedly, “Dad, look! The Autobot transformed!”

The word “Dad” struck both Isabella and Ethan like a physical blow.

A sharp pain shot through Isabella’s chest, constricting her heart. She hadn’t prepared for this. Could it mean…?

Ethan stood utterly still, equally shocked.

His intense gaze shifted between the child and the woman in the doorway, his lips pressing into a tight line.