Benjamin’s heart hammered violently against his ribs.

He was terrified it might burst right out of his chest.

“I know,” Ethan finally stated, his tone icy and detached.

Benjamin stood frozen. Mr. Blackwood had known—and yet he still commanded everything be called off?

“Get out,” Ethan ordered sharply.

Without uttering another word, Benjamin turned and left the room.

Outside, he stopped, drawing a deep breath to compose himself before resuming his duties.

The apartment smelled faintly of dust and disuse.

Isabella dropped her suitcase, inhaled deeply, and tried to force down the bitterness welling inside her.

Thankfully, Liam was instantly captivated by the cartoon playing on television.

Isabella took a moment to call Emily, the nanny who had cared for Liam before.

She gave a brief explanation of her situation, and Emily agreed to come over immediately.

Isabella glanced at Liam, now completely absorbed in the show, and started cleaning the apartment.

She dusted surfaces and unpacked her suitcase, sorting her belongings with methodical precision.

Her motions were robotic, her mind blank.

While wiping down a table, she suddenly recalled Arthur’s invitation.

She picked up her phone, about to call him, when it rang.

The caller ID showed the landline for Blackwood Estate.

“Hello?” Isabella answered.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Blackwood. This is Charles,” the butler said with his usual respect. “Mr. Arthur Blackwood has an urgent matter requiring his immediate attention overseas. I regret to inform you that today’s meeting must be postponed.”

Isabella’s grip on the phone tightened slightly.

“I understand,” she replied, struggling to keep her voice steady. “Any idea when he might return?”

“That remains uncertain at present. I will contact you upon his return,” Charles responded.

“Alright. Thank you.”

Isabella ended the call and leaned heavily against the wall.

“What’s wrong, Mommy?” Liam asked, noticing her strained expression.

“Nothing, sweetheart.” Isabella exhaled slowly, forcing a smile. “Mommy’s going to make dinner. What would you like?”

The boy’s face brightened with excitement. “Glazed chicken!”

“Okay. Mommy will make it for you.” She ruffled his hair and moved toward the kitchen.

Isabella’s mind drifted as she cooked, only snapping back to attention at the sound of a knock.

“That must be Emily.” She dried her hands and went to answer the door.

Relief washed over her at the familiar face.

“I’m here, Miss Scott!” Emily greeted cheerfully, then her expression shifted to concern. “Are you alright? You look very pale.”

Isabella managed a weak smile.

“I’m fine, just exhausted. Liam’s watching TV. Please watch him for a bit. I need to go out.”