Isabella turned and slipped away without a sound.

Vanessa, unaware, shifted her gaze toward the exact spot Isabella had just left.

Isabella found a quiet corner and pulled out her phone.

She dialed the private investigator.

“Ethan Reed. I need you to follow someone for me.”

She returned to the hospital room with the pizza box.

The savory aroma filled the sterile air.

Liam was curled up on the bed, small and fragile.

His fever had left him weak and disoriented.

Isabella kept her expression calm.

She brought a slice of pizza to his lips.

“Time to eat, sweetheart.”

He managed a few small bites before drifting back into a restless sleep.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence.

It was a message from Ethan Reed.

“The woman Vanessa met after leaving the hospital is Sophia Mitchell. She works at Aurora Design Collective. Vanessa was just appointed design director there. Notably, Sophia was also Liam’s donor.”

Isabella’s grip on her phone tightened.

Her knuckles turned white.

She called him back immediately.

“I need to meet Sophia Mitchell. Arrange it as soon as possible.”

Ethan’s voice was cautious.

“Miss Scott, I should warn you—”

“This concerns my son’s life. It won’t be simple, but I have to know. I’ll double your fee.”

After a brief pause, he replied firmly.

“Understood. Meet her tomorrow at ten. Starbucks. Second floor, by the window.”

She ended the call and rubbed her tired eyes.

They felt raw from lack of sleep.

She spent the night awake, consumed by worry.

By morning, Liam’s fever had finally broken.

Once the caregiver arrived, Isabella gave detailed instructions.

Then she left the hospital.

She wore a beige trench coat that mirrored her somber mood.

Her long hair flowed freely down her back.

She looked every bit like a woman on a critical mission.

She arrived early at Starbucks and secured the specified table.

Her heart pounded with nervous anticipation.

She would give up everything for Liam.

Without a second thought.

A woman in a sharp black business suit entered the café.

It was Sophia.

Her makeup was impeccable but couldn’t hide the exhaustion in her eyes.

She sat across from Isabella without hesitation.

“Miss Scott. I know who you are.”

Isabella gave a slight nod.

Her palms were damp.

“Likewise, Miss Mitchell.”

A bitter chuckle escaped Sophia’s lips.

“I feel for your situation, Miss Scott. But I was offered a significant amount. I need the money.”

Isabella leaned forward, urgency in her voice.

“I’ll double it.”

Sophia was taken aback by the directness.

A flash of excitement appeared in her eyes before she controlled it.

“I’ll accept. On one condition.”

“Name it,” Isabella said instantly.

“If it’s reasonable, I agree.”

“No one can know about this. Especially… Sophia Reed.”

Isabella paused, then nodded in understanding.

“You have my word.”

She understood Sophia’s fears completely.