Light, quick footsteps echoed down the hall.

A small, excited voice called out. “Mommy!”

Liam rushed into Isabella’s arms.

His small body was a sudden warmth in the cold, heavy room.

She held him tightly, as if he were her only anchor.

In that instant, her exhaustion and despair seemed to fade.

“Mommy, I missed you.” He buried his face against her neck, his voice soft and comforting.

A faint smile touched her lips. “I missed you too, sweetheart.”

A maid quietly set his luggage down and left without a word.

Isabella stroked his soft hair, her emotions in turmoil.

How could she possibly explain this situation to him?

How could she protect him from what was coming?

A sudden knock interrupted her thoughts.

The door opened slowly.

Sophia stood there, holding a thermal food container.

She wore a delicate yellow dress that complemented her pretty features.

But her smile froze the moment she saw Isabella and Liam.

“What are you doing here?” Her voice was sharp with disbelief.

Isabella stayed silent, holding her son closer.

Her gaze was cold as it met Sophia’s.

She had no desire to interact with that woman.

Sophia’s irritation grew at Isabella’s calm indifference.

How could this woman, who had been discarded by Ethan, still dare to show up at his villa?

“Isabella, you—”

“Sophia, what are you doing here?” Ethan’s voice cut through the tension.

He stood in the doorway, dressed in a sharp charcoal-gray suit.

His presence was commanding.

At the sight of him, the anger in Sophia’s eyes vanished.

It was replaced by a soft, pleading look.

“Ethan, I made some soup for you. You’ve been working so hard.” Her voice was sweet as she offered him the container.

Ethan didn’t respond immediately.

His eyes briefly flicked toward Isabella and Liam.

His expression was unreadable.

The air grew thick with unspoken tension.

“Ethan,” Sophia bit her lip, her voice hesitant. The container in her hands suddenly felt heavy.

The soup she had carefully prepared now seemed worthless.

Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly. “Just leave it there.” His tone was detached.

Those words felt like ice water to Sophia.

The flicker of hope in her chest died.

Her grip on the container tightened.

Frustration simmered beneath her composed surface.

“But, Ethan…” She paused, her words hanging in the air.

Ethan interrupted her with a calm, firm tone. “Sophia, I have other matters to attend to.”

A chill ran through her heart.

Her unspoken words retreated into silence.

It was clear.

He was dismissing her.