If Sophia discovered Hannah’s change of heart, the fallout would be catastrophic.

It might even jeopardize Liam’s upcoming surgery.

When Isabella saw Hannah nod in agreement, the tightness in her shoulders eased a little.

She picked up her coffee cup, taking a slow, careful sip. A faint smile touched her lips. The plan had worked.

Vanessa had been right—there was more money to be made. And now it was within reach.

They set a surgery date and went their separate ways, each lost in thought.

Back at the hospital, Isabella went straight to Daniel’s office.

“Dr. Brooks, we’re moving forward with the surgery,” she stated firmly.

Daniel adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, studying her. “Are you absolutely sure? The donor…”

“Yes. It’s all arranged,” Isabella cut in, her voice leaving no room for debate.

She stood, straightened her coat, and walked out decisively.

On the day of the surgery, Isabella sat on a bench outside the operating room, staring at the doors.

Time dragged.

Each minute felt longer than the last.

The agreed time came and went. Hannah was nowhere to be seen.

A cold dread began to coil in Isabella’s stomach.

Suddenly, a side door opened.

It wasn’t Hannah.

It was Vanessa.

She stood out sharply in the sterile hallway, dressed in bright red, her lips painted a vivid crimson. Her smile was cold and mocking.

“You miscalculated, Isabella,” she said, her voice dripping with malice.

Isabella shot to her feet, her heart hammering. She already knew. She could feel it.

“Where is Hannah?” Her voice broke with panic.

Vanessa laughed, a harsh, cruel sound. “Hannah? Did you really think I’d let her come? Right now, she’s probably on a plane to somewhere far away.”

She stepped closer, looming over Isabella with a vicious grin. “I knew I was being followed. I used Hannah as bait, and you took it. You’re still so naive, Isabella.”

A roaring filled Isabella’s ears. Her mind spun.

She stumbled backward, her hand scrambling against the wall for support.

“You should start planning your son’s funeral,” Vanessa sneered.

She turned sharply, her heels clicking loudly as she walked away.

Isabella was left alone, darkness threatening to swallow her vision.

Hannah was gone.

Without her, what would happen to Liam?

Her heart pounded painfully. She couldn’t lose him now.

Liam was running out of time. Desperation seized her.

Was Ethan her only option now?

After everything, would he even help?