Any explanation would only infuriate Ethan more.

"I'll take you to the studio," Ethan stated coldly, dropping the subject without further interrogation. He signaled the driver to proceed.

The car moved forward smoothly, heading toward its destination.

Isabella gazed out the window, watching the world blur past. Her thoughts were chaotic, yet Ethan acted as if nothing had occurred.

He simply reclined his seat, closing his eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, Isabella sat rigidly, feeling like a guilty child caught in deception.

When the Rolls-Royce finally halted at the studio entrance, Isabella unbuckled her seatbelt and exited.

Ethan didn't speak. Instead, he retrieved his phone and made a call.

"Benjamin, it's me. I need you to handle something immediately. Obtain a DNA sample from Liam and Lucas. I want a paternity test conducted. Ensure complete confidentiality."

"Execute this as soon as possible," Ethan commanded, his voice low and detached, carrying an unmistakable chill that tolerated no dissent.

"Understood, Mr. Blackwood. I'll handle it right away," Benjamin responded respectfully through the phone.

After ending the call, Benjamin's expression showed momentary confusion. He struggled to comprehend why Ethan had suddenly ordered a paternity test for Liam and Lucas. Shaking his head, Benjamin decided not to question the reasons. His priority was executing the assigned task. He grabbed his coat, preparing to leave.

Just as he was about to exit, his phone vibrated with an incoming call.

The screen displayed an unknown number.

Benjamin paused, then answered cautiously. "Hello. Who is this, please?"

"Mr. Clark, it's me, Thomas Reeves, the specialist in reconstructing shredded documents." The voice on the other end was both unfamiliar and unexpectedly eager.

"Shredded document specialist?" Benjamin, momentarily taken aback, asked. "What can I do for you?"

"Don't you remember the torn document you sent me previously, Mr. Clark?" Thomas reminded him quickly. "I hope you haven't forgotten!"

Benjamin then recalled the incident. Previously, he had discovered a suspicious shredded document belonging to Sophia and had sent it to an expert for reconstruction.

"Ah, right. I remember now," Benjamin said. "How is that progressing?"

"To be honest, I haven't made significant progress," Thomas confessed apologetically. "The paper was torn into extremely small fragments, and some pieces are missing. It's quite challenging. I'll require additional time to complete it."

"How much more time do you need?" Benjamin inquired.

"It's difficult to estimate, Mr. Clark," Thomas answered hesitantly. "I need at least another week."

"Another week?" Benjamin's frown deepened.

"That's the best I can do, Mr. Clark," Thomas explained helplessly. "I'm already pushing the limits of my capabilities."

"Fine." Benjamin sighed. "Just do your best."

"OK, Mr. Clark. I'll do my utmost," Thomas assured him.

After ending the call, Benjamin shook his head in frustration. He decided to set the matter aside for now and focus on the task Ethan had assigned him.

Isabella had just entered her studio and hadn't even set down her bag when Victoria rushed in, breathless and frantic.