The doctor offered a gentle nod, his expression softening with empathy before he turned away.

The doors slid open again moments later. There lay Liam, serene and still on the hospital bed, his complexion pale yet peaceful.

Isabella approached with tentative steps, tenderly enveloping his small hand in hers. The familiar warmth spread a quiet assurance through her veins.

Thank heavens, he was safe.

Meanwhile, at Blackwood Enterprises, the quiet office was disrupted by a sudden knock.

“Enter,” Ethan called out in a steady tone.

Benjamin stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him before approaching with a deferential air. “Sir, I’m pleased to report that Miss Scott’s son’s surgery was a complete success.”

Ethan turned to face him, his gaze fixed and unreadable.

He gave a curt nod, lips pressed into a tight line, and remained silent. Benjamin averted his eyes, masking the confusion that flickered across his face.

Ethan’s treatment of Isabella remained a mystery Benjamin couldn’t decipher. He had acted indifferent, yet he had quietly ensured her child received the life-saving donation.

Ethan strode to his desk and snatched up a document, flipping through the pages. “Anything else?” he asked, his voice flat.

Benjamin paused, gathering his resolve. “Sir, regarding Sophia Mitchell…”

“Ensure I never have to see her again,” Ethan ordered, his tone cutting.

Bowing his head, Benjamin responded, “Understood, sir.”

“Wait.”

As Benjamin reached the door, Ethan’s voice halted him in his tracks.

Pivoting in surprise, Benjamin found Ethan with his brows knitted in deep concentration.

“Sir, is there anything else you require?” Benjamin inquired, his tone respectful.

Ethan turned and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to Benjamin. His voice floated over, cold and detached. “One more thing.”

A chill crept up Benjamin’s spine—Ethan’s icy tone signaled impending upheaval.

“What would you have me do, sir?” Benjamin braced himself.

“Terminate Sophia Reed.”

The words struck Benjamin like a physical blow, his eyes widening as he stared at Ethan’s rigid back.

Sophia—Ethan’s once beloved, who had swiftly been placed in the legal department upon her return from abroad. And now… Doubt clouded his thoughts. Hesitating, he ventured, “Sir, just to be clear… you want me to fire Miss Reed?”

Without turning, Ethan confirmed firmly, “Yes. Handle it immediately.”

Benjamin bit his lip, stifling further questions. Despite his bewilderment, he knew better than to challenge the directive.

With a slight bow, he made his quiet exit from the office.

Meanwhile, Sophia was humming to herself in her kitchen, oblivious to the storm brewing.

As steam filled the room, the sudden vibration of her phone sliced through the mist.

Casually drying her hands, Sophia reached for the device. Her heart plummeted as she read the termination email from Blackwood Enterprises’ HR department. The message was brief and cold, informing her that her employment was terminated, effective immediately.