Ethan's expression turned grim.

He ended the call abruptly.

His grip tightened around Isabella's hand. "We're leaving."

A cold dread washed over Isabella, freezing her in place.

What did Victoria want with Liam?

The drive was silent.

Neither spoke a single word.

The air inside the car felt heavy, almost suffocating.

The sleek black car halted smoothly before Blackwood Estate.

They exited quickly, pushing open the imposing, ornate doors.

Warm, lively laughter spilled from the living room.

It was a stark contrast to the storm raging inside Isabella.

"Liam, sweetheart, have another piece—open up!" Victoria's voice oozed affection. "Isn't it delicious?"

Liam's happy giggle followed, light and carefree.

Victoria's own laughter rang out, full and unguarded, making her seem younger.

Isabella's heart squeezed painfully. "Liam!" she called out.

The laughter ceased instantly.

Victoria's head snapped up.

Her eyes landed on Isabella, and her face immediately darkened.

"You?" Her voice was sharp, laced with venom. She turned her fiery gaze to Ethan. "Why did you bring this misfortune here again?"

Isabella's breath caught. The color drained from her face.

Ethan's brow furrowed. He shifted his stance, subtly moving in front of her.

"Mother, why is Liam here with you?"

Victoria looked momentarily confused, her affectionate gaze lingering on Liam's adorable features. "I found this child near the gates of Hawthorne Residence. I came to visit you today, and there he was, all alone and looking so sad. I couldn't just leave him there."

Her eyes flicked back to Isabella, hardening instantly. "Why are you here? You just refuse to disappear. Listen to me, give it up! Our family will never accept someone like you!"

Ethan opened his mouth to speak, disapproval clear on his face.

But Liam's small voice cut through the tension. "Mrs. Blackwood, please don't be mad at my mommy!" He clutched Victoria's hand, looking up at her with wide, earnest eyes.

Victoria paused, her angry expression faltering.

She looked from Liam's sincere face to Isabella, seeming genuinely bewildered.

"Mommy?" Victoria echoed, her voice filled with astonishment. "You're his mother?"

Isabella's voice trembled. "Yes. I am."

A profound silence fell over the room.

Victoria's face cycled through a rapid series of emotions: shock, confusion, and finally, stark disbelief.

Her questioning, scrutinizing gaze fell heavily on Ethan.

Ethan himself wore a complex, unreadable expression. He looked at Isabella and Liam, remaining completely silent.

Breaking the heavy quiet, Isabella said, "It's getting late. I need to take Liam home now." She was desperate to leave.

She gently lifted Liam into her arms.

He clung to her, burying his face in her neck.

Isabella moved toward the exit.

At the door, she paused. Without turning around, she murmured, "I apologize for the disturbance."

With that, she left, not looking back.

The moment Isabella was out of sight, Victoria whirled to face Ethan, her eyes blazing with fierce intensity. "Ethan, I demand to know—Is that child yours?"

Ethan remained perfectly still, rooted to the spot.