She could already imagine it—the humiliation on Zoe’s face, the way she would break under the Ellis family’s judgment. It would be payback. Retribution for how Ethan had shamed the Tremblay family, all because of Zoe. His actions had been ruthless, leaving the Tremblays vulnerable in the industry.

Isabella had never forgotten. And she never would.

The next morning, soft golden light poured through the thin curtains, warming Liam’s room with a gentle radiance.

Isabella quietly pushed the bedroom door open, her lips curving into a soft smile at the sight before her—Liam, giggling uncontrollably as he rolled across the bed, clutching a small dinosaur toy.

“Mommy!”

The moment Liam saw her, his face brightened like the dawn. He let out an excited squeal, scrambled off the bed, and wobbled toward her on unsteady legs before throwing himself into her arms.

She caught him easily, lifting him up and planting a tender kiss on his plump cheek.

“Sweetie, it’s your first day at your new kindergarten. Are you excited?” she asked, her voice warm and full of love.

“Yes!” he cheered, waving his little hands with endless energy. “I’m gonna make so many new friends!”

“That’s my brave boy,” Isabella laughed, booping his nose playfully. “Alright, let’s get you ready.”

Once they were both dressed, Isabella and Liam stepped outside, hand in hand.

The morning sun enveloped them in a soft golden light. Isabella’s tailored business suit, understated yet refined, highlighted her elegant silhouette. Her chestnut hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, adding to her poised, professional demeanor.

Beside her, Liam looked utterly charming in his crisp blue shirt and tiny suspenders. With his bright eyes and infectious smile, he resembled a little prince, effortlessly drawing smiles from everyone they passed.

But as mother and son continued walking, completely unaware, a pair of eyes watched them intently from a second-story window.

The gaze was intense, unreadable—its emotions locked away behind an impenetrable silence.

Soon, they arrived at the exclusive international kindergarten, its high-security measures ensuring a protected and elite environment. At the registration desk, a young teacher greeted them warmly.

“Good morning! You must be Liam’s mother?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Isabella replied, her tone polite and composed.

“Lovely. Please fill out this form for us.”

The teacher handed over a document requesting basic information—Liam’s name, age, home address.

Isabella took the form and began filling it out carefully. Her pen moved smoothly across the paper—until she reached the section labeled “Father.”

A quiet hesitation washed over her, invisible to anyone else. Then, with a steady breath, she wrote “Deceased” in the blank space.

“Miss, I’d like to request that any information regarding my son’s father remains confidential,” she told the teacher, her voice calm but firm.

“His father… passed away.” Isabella lowered her gaze, hiding the sorrow and frustration in her eyes. She didn’t want Liam to face judgment or ridicule for growing up without a father. She also didn’t want to drag Lucas into this again. Cutting ties was the cleanest way to avoid further complications.

“Oh… I understand…” The teacher hesitated, clearly taken aback. Her expression softened with sympathy as she looked at Isabella.