Lucas began to speak, but a voice cut him off. “What’s going on here?” Isabella had just stepped inside.

She paused in the doorway, her expression shifting from calm to alert as she took in the tension.

Ethan’s demeanor softened the moment he saw her. His frustration melted into visible concern. “You’re home.”

He moved toward her, his voice gentle. “Are you alright? I was concerned.”

Isabella met his eyes briefly. Her reply was distant. “I’m fine.”

“Isabella.” He hesitated, choosing his words. “About earlier… I apologize. My mother didn’t intend to upset you.”

Isabella’s face paled. She steadied herself. “Ethan, it was a simple misunderstanding.”

“But—” he tried to continue.

She interrupted. “Please. I don’t want to discuss it.” Her voice was heavy with fatigue. “I’m exhausted. I need to lie down.”

Ethan watched her, worry etched on his face. He wanted to say more, to comfort her, but no words came.

Lucas observed from across the room, his expression cold. He could feel the unspoken connection between Isabella and Ethan—a bond he wasn’t part of. A sharp pang of jealousy shot through him. His mind raced, imagining they might have discussed things like marriage. The thought made him angrier.

“Now.” Lucas snapped his fingers sharply.

Men in dark suits entered immediately. They moved with precision, surrounding Ethan.

“What are you doing, Lucas?” Isabella cried, stepping forward in alarm.

But Lucas caught her wrist, pulling her against him. His gaze was icy as he stared at Ethan. “Remove him.”

“Yes, Mr. Blackwood,” the men responded in unison. They moved to restrain Ethan.

“Let me go! Release me!” Ethan fought, but it was useless.

“Stop this, Lucas!” Isabella struggled against Lucas’s firm hold, but he didn’t loosen his grip.

Lucas snapped his fingers again. Another group of men moved toward Liam.

“Liam!” Isabella’s scream was raw with panic. She lunged forward instinctively.

But the men were faster. One lifted the confused boy from the dining chair.

“Put him down! Now!” she shouted, her voice desperate as she tried to push forward. Lucas blocked her path.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, holding her against his chest.

“Have you gone mad?” she yelled, fighting violently. Her nails dug into his arm, drawing blood. Lucas didn’t even flinch.

“Mommy… Mommy…” Liam’s frightened cries pierced the air. He squirmed in the man’s arms, his small voice trembling.

Isabella went still. Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at Lucas. Her voice shook. “Lucas… What… What do you want?”

Lucas’s expression was dark, unreadable. He leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. His voice was low, intense, dangerously seductive. “Isabella, do you really… need a man that badly?”

“You—” Her voice broke. She couldn’t form a response.

His grip tightened, pulling her even closer as if trying to merge her into himself.

Lucas whispered into her ear, his tone commanding. “If you ever need a man… you know exactly where to find me.”