Isabella hesitated. “But, Grandma…”

Eleanor smiled knowingly, patting her hand. “Go on. He’s a good man.”

For a moment, Isabella considered refusing. But under Eleanor’s gentle yet firm gaze, she sighed and gave a small nod.

She stepped out of the hospital room and spotted Ethan walking down the hallway. His posture was rigid, his back carrying an air of quiet solitude.

As if sensing her presence, he turned. Their eyes met.

“Is there something you—”

Isabella shifted slightly. “My grandmother asked me to walk you out.”

Ethan was silent for a beat, then gave a small nod.

They walked side by side down the corridor. Neither spoke. The silence between them felt heavy, filled with unspoken words.

Isabella finally broke it. “Thank you.”

Ethan didn’t slow his steps. “It was nothing.” His tone was calm, almost detached.

“I, um…” She hesitated, wanting to say something more, but the words caught in her throat.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a sudden ringtone shattered the tense silence.

She instinctively reached for her phone. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller ID: Henry.

“Hello?”

Henry’s slightly hesitant voice came through. “Mrs. Blackwood, Liam hasn’t returned yet. Did Mr. Blackwood take him to the hospital after their meal? Are they with you?”

Isabella’s breath hitched. Her heart hammered against her ribs. A cold chill crept down her spine.

Her gaze darted to Ethan, panic flickering in her eyes.

Ethan, sensing something was wrong, furrowed his brows.

“Liam’s not with me.” Isabella’s grip on the phone tightened.

She struggled to steady herself, forcing her breathing to even out.

“He’s not there?” Henry’s concern deepened. “That’s strange… Mr. Blackwood took Liam out for lunch this afternoon, but they never came back.”

Isabella’s breathing turned shallow. Her thoughts spiraled into a blur.

Liam was missing!

The realization hit Isabella like a physical blow, knocking the air from her lungs. She locked eyes with Ethan, and his expression immediately shifted to one of grave concern.

Without a word, he took the phone from her grasp, his tone steady and firm. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle this immediately.”

As soon as the call ended, he swiftly contacted Benjamin. “Where is Liam? Wasn’t he brought back?”

A frantic voice answered on the other end, “Mr. Blackwood, I swear I followed your orders! I dropped him off at Hawthorne Residence and watched him go inside before I left. I… I have no idea where he went after that!”

Ethan’s expression hardened. “Hawthorne Residence? Are you absolutely certain?”

“Yes! I saw him enter with my own eyes!”