Isabella held her son close, feeling an immediate wave of comfort. “I’m okay, sweetheart,” she whispered, running her fingers gently through his hair. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Liam hugged her tighter, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. “I love you so much, Mommy.”

His words made her heart swell. With him beside her, she felt stronger, ready to confront whatever came next.

The engine hummed to life, pulling them away from Silverwood Estate. Isabella watched through the rearview mirror as the grand property shrank into the distance. Inside, her resolve hardened. Sophia would answer for what she had done. Her hands gripped the wheel firmly, eyes locked on the dark road ahead. Beside her, Victoria fidgeted nervously, glancing over several times as if to speak, but no words came out.

Finally, Victoria broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly. “Isabella… what’s our next move?”

Isabella stayed quiet for a long moment, drawing a slow breath before releasing it.

“We’ll figure it out,” she said calmly.

“But how—” Victoria started, only to be gently cut off.

“I know you’re worried,” Isabella said, offering a reassuring look. “I put everything into Dewy Hibiscus. No one is more devastated than I am. Trust me, I will handle this.”

Victoria bit her lip and fell silent.

The car grew quiet again, the low hum of the engine the only sound piercing the night.

When they reached Victoria’s home, Isabella said softly, “Go inside. Get some rest.”

“You take care too, Isabella,” Victoria replied with a nod before stepping out of the car.

She stood at her doorway, watching until Isabella’s taillights disappeared into the darkness, silently praying for her friend’s safety and success.

Isabella placed the shattered pieces of Dewy Hibiscus into a finely crafted wooden box. She had handled it so often the edges were now smooth, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside.

“I need to find someone who can fix this,” she murmured to herself.

Over the next two days, Isabella searched the city tirelessly, visiting every reputable jeweler and antique restoration expert she could find. Each one gave the same disappointing verdict: repair was nearly impossible.

“There has to be a way,” Isabella insisted, her knuckles white as she clutched the box. “It can’t end like this.”

She expanded her search, reaching out through every contact and network she had.

Then, a glimmer of hope emerged: Arthur Bennett, a legendary but reclusive jeweler, known for near-miraculous repairs.

Finding his location was its own challenge. He lived in a secluded villa on the outskirts of the city, tucked away from the world.

Isabella made the journey, winding through mountain roads surrounded by breathtaking views that did little to calm her racing heart.

She knocked firmly on the villa’s door.

An elderly butler answered, studying her carefully. “How may I help you, ma’am?”