Ethan stood beside her, perfectly attired in a custom-fitted suit. His striking features were frozen in an unreadable mask.

Isabella’s mind swirled with confusion.

Why were they here?

To Ethan, her bewilderment looked like guilt.

He moved toward her with a grim expression. His tone was cutting. “I insisted you go to the hospital. You refused. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to come. You just didn’t want to come with me.”

His sharp eyes shifted from Lucas back to her.

Sensing the rising tension, Lucas instinctively stepped between Isabella and Ethan. “Ethan, you’ve got this wrong. It’s not what you think—”

Ethan cut him off, shoving him aside with one brisk motion.

Lucas stumbled, catching his balance after a few steps.

Clenching his jaw, Ethan gripped Isabella’s wrist firmly. “You’re coming with me.”

He told himself he felt nothing for her.

Yet seeing her with another man sparked an irritation he hadn’t expected. His hold on her wrist tightened. She winced, trying to pull away.

“I’m not going anywhere with you! Go by yourself if you want!” Her voice was firm and clear.

Ethan’s temper ignited.

He closed the distance, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her against him. “You’re coming whether you like it or not.”

Despite her struggles, she couldn’t break free.

“Ethan! Our divorce is almost final. Soon, there will be nothing left between us!” she shouted.

Her words sent a unexpected pang through him, but anger quickly smothered it.

Expression stern, he hoisted her over his shoulder. “Enough! We’ll deal with that later.”

The pressure of his shoulder against her stomach sent a sharp pain through her. She gasped.

Thinking of the baby, her face went pale.

This position was dangerous for the child.

Realizing the risk, she stopped fighting.

Her voice softened into a plea. “Put me down, Ethan. I’ll walk with you.”

Seeing Ethan’s concern for Isabella sparked envy in Sophia, but she masked it with worry. “This is a hospital. Someone might see and misunderstand.”

Sophia’s words broke through Ethan’s anger.

He remembered the impending divorce.

A public scene would damage his reputation.

After a brief hesitation, he carefully set Isabella down. His voice was cold and distant. “Let’s go.”

To his surprise, she quickly stepped back. “I can’t leave.”

Ethan’s irritation returned. “Isabella!”

He moved to grab her again but paused at the pleading look in her eyes.

Her voice was quiet, almost fragile. “Ethan, please. My grandmother’s surgery is about to start. Let me stay.”