Isabella slid into the car seat, her fingers tugging at her collar with visible irritation. A low simmer of anger burned beneath her skin. “Drive.”

The car pulled away smoothly, leaving the estate behind.

“I want constant surveillance on Sophia and her son. Every move. Every detail.”

“Understood, Miss Reed,” the driver responded in a hushed tone.

Isabella closed her eyes. She refused to let them destroy everything she had worked for.

One morning, Isabella quietly slipped out of bed. She dressed in a simple, elegant beige outfit.

The recent scare with Liam’s disappearance had left her nerves frayed. She now insisted on personally driving him to and from kindergarten every single day.

“Mommy, we have art class today.” Liam sat at the breakfast table, his short legs swinging. His chubby face was bright with excitement as he poked at his food with a spoon. “I’m going to make a toy car for Mr. Blackwood!”

Isabella smiled, reaching over to wipe a smudge from the corner of his mouth. “That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see your masterpiece when I pick you up this afternoon.”

After dropping Liam off, Isabella drove directly to her studio.

The atmosphere at the studio remained somber. Most of the staff had left for Blackwood Enterprises.

“Miss Scott, the Starlight Gala has been postponed.” Victoria entered the office, holding a document. “It’s been rescheduled for next month.”

Isabella, who was revising a design draft, frowned and set her pencil down. “Postponed? Did they give a reason?”

“Apparently, a very important guest is scheduled to attend then. The organizers haven’t released the name yet.” Victoria placed the file on the desk. “This is the updated event schedule.”

Isabella glanced at it briefly. “Understood. For now, let’s just focus on our current workload.”

Her mind was preoccupied with both the studio’s operations and Liam’s safety. She had little attention to spare for the gala.

“One more thing.” Victoria paused at the door, turning back. “Ms. Sterling has inquired about the Dewy Hibiscus pieces several times. Should we deliver them this afternoon?”

“Yes. Please take them to Silverwood Estate yourself.” Isabella nodded. “Handle Ms. Sterling’s order with extreme care. No mistakes.”

“Of course, Miss Scott,” Victoria replied before exiting.

Isabella leaned back in her chair, massaging her temples. She was exhausted. The constant stress of recent events was taking its toll.

At noon, she went to the hospital to visit Eleanor. Thankfully, her grandmother’s condition showed significant improvement.

“Isabella, you’re working too hard. You need to rest,” Eleanor chided gently, squeezing her hand.

“I’m fine, Grandma. Really. Please don’t worry about me,” Isabella said, forcing a smile.

Leaving the hospital later, a heavy weight settled in her chest.

She returned to the studio and immediately buried herself in work.