The Starlight Stone was gone.

What could she do now?

Isabella spent a long time alone in her studio.

Eventually, she returned to Hawthorne Residence.

The scent of polished wood greeted her as she stepped inside.

The house felt hollow and still.

Only the soft glow from the crystal chandeliers lit the vast living room.

It made the silence feel heavier.

Exhausted, she moved toward the sofa.

Then she froze.

Ethan was sitting there.

An ornate velvet box rested in his hands.

Time seemed to stop.

Memories flashed through her mind.

Sophia’s smug expression at the Cloud Summit Club.

Ethan walking away without a word.

The images played on a loop, sharp and painful.

“You…” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Ethan looked up slowly.

His eyes locked onto hers.

They were dark, unreadable, and intense.

“Why?” The word was raw, filled with disbelief and hurt.

She had fought so hard for that stone.

Yet he helped Sophia take it from her.

Ethan said nothing.

He just watched her, his silence more accusing than any words.

Her chest felt tight, making it hard to breathe.

“So… you and Lucas?” His voice was low, dangerous. “Back together?”

Isabella stared, stunned for a second.

Then understanding dawned.

“What’s it to you?” She forced the words out, hardening her heart.

But the sting of his accusation lingered.

Ethan moved suddenly.

In one swift motion, he was in front of her.

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her against him.

“Isabella, look at me.” His voice was rough, strained.

She reluctantly lifted her gaze.

Defiance and pain warred in her eyes.

“Why did you go to that auction?” he demanded, his tone sharp. “Why did you want the Starlight Stone so badly?”

Tears burned behind her eyes.

He knew.

He knew she wanted it, yet he let Sophia have it.

And now he was questioning her?

“Let me go!” she snapped, struggling against him.

But his grip only tightened.

He pulled her closer, until there was no space between them.

Then his lips were on hers.

The kiss was fierce, desperate.

Tears slid down her cheeks.

She tasted salt and bitterness—betrayal and longing mixed into something unbearable.

She shoved him away with all her strength.

Ethan stumbled back.

She tore herself free.

Without a word, she turned and ran.

The door slammed behind her, echoing through the silent house.