As the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, Ethan had the connections to secure the best surgeon.

Isabella’s heart tightened with dread.

Her hands trembled as she reached for her phone and dialed Ethan’s number.

Each ring felt like a hammer strike in her ears. Time stretched, thin and cruel.

Finally, the call connected.

“Ethan, be careful…”

The voice that came through was husky, laced with a lazy intimacy that shattered Isabella’s hope.

It wasn’t Ethan. It was Sophia.

Isabella’s thoughts screeched to a halt.

After a moment, Sophia spoke. “Isabella? Calling so late? What is it?”

Isabella drew a sharp breath, struggling to contain the turmoil inside. “I need to speak with Ethan. Please give him the phone.”

“Oh?” Sophia laughed, the sound dripping with mockery. “Ethan, your phone.”

Silence.

Sophia’s tone turned light, teasing. “Ethan—” Still, no response.

“I’m sorry, Isabella,” Sophia said, her voice falsely apologetic yet brimming with victory. “Ethan’s in the shower. We just… well, he’s worn out. If it’s urgent, you can tell me. I’ll pass it along.”

A wave of utter despair crashed over Isabella. She understood Sophia’s meaning perfectly.

Shower? Worn out?

It was a blatant claim of intimacy, a reminder of Isabella’s insignificance.

But with her grandmother’s life hanging in the balance, Isabella couldn’t afford pride.

“Miss Reed, it’s critical. Please, just let me speak to him,” Isabella pleaded, forcing the words out. Her voice was strained, desperate, a stark contrast to her usual composure.

Hearing Isabella’s raw plea only amplified Sophia’s triumph. Her smile widened. “Isabella, don’t you get it? He isn’t coming to the phone because he doesn’t want to talk to you. Stop humiliating yourself.”

“I—” The line went dead with a sharp beep.

Sophia quickly deleted the call log and placed the phone down before walking away.

She had only used Ethan’s bathroom. The call was pure chance.

Fate had delivered a perfect gift.

“Miss Scott, the Critical Condition Notice needs to be signed immediately,” the nurse urged, her voice tight with urgency.

Isabella barely heard her. Her gaze was fixed on the closed doors of the resuscitation room, her mind filled with memories of Eleanor’s gentle, loving smile.

Her hand shook as she signed the form.

A cold numbness started in her fingers and spread through her entire body, like an icy winter gust. Eleanor was her last tether to family.

Without her, Isabella would be completely alone.

She had reached a dead end.

Just as darkness threatened to consume her, a memory surfaced. Lucas’s voice echoed in her mind. “If you ever need help, just let me know.”