Lying didn't make anything better.

Isabella gripped the photographs, her thoughts spinning for a solution.

She took an unsteady breath, forced a smile, and returned to Eleanor. "The man in these photos is my boss, Ethan Blackwood," she stated, striving for a casual tone. "He's still single."

Every word leaving Isabella's lips was factual.

Her marriage to Ethan remained a tightly guarded secret, buried so deep no digital search could ever trace their union.

Yet Eleanor's doubtful stare held, her clouded eyes narrowing with worry. "I truly hope you aren't lying to me."

Without hesitation, Isabella pulled out her phone and typed, searching for confirmation right then.

The loading icon spun before results flashed on screen. Ethan’s public profile appeared, his marital status boldly displayed: Single.

Isabelle shrugged, forcing an easy tone. "See? That rumor about me breaking up a marriage is completely false."

Eleanor’s frown deepened, her mind clearly racing. "So someone is deliberately trying to ruin your reputation."

Isabella gave a sharp nod, a glint of steel in her gaze. "You mentioned a letter came with the photos? Did you keep it? Maybe we can analyze the handwriting and find who’s behind this."

Eleanor froze briefly, then released a frustrated sigh and patted her head. "I tore the letter up and threw it away."

Isabella reached for Eleanor’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's alright. No one else has been home, right? The pieces should still be there. I'll go back later and look for them."

They spoke a while longer, Isabella ensuring Eleanor felt calmer before finally rising to leave.

But as she neared the door, she almost bumped into a slender figure—Sophia.

Isabella hadn’t intended to acknowledge her, but Sophia’s panicked, guilty expression made her stop. "What are you doing here?"

Sophia’s eyes darted away, her words stumbling out. "Well, I— My heart’s been acting up. I came for a check-up."

Then, as if flipping a switch, Sophia’s tone turned defensive, her eyes narrowing. "What’s it to you, anyway?"

She turned and hurried off, her footsteps echoing hastily down the hall.

Isabella stood watching her retreat, her brows furrowing as a heavy unease settled in her chest.

Something about Sophia’s panicked gaze and flimsy excuse felt like sharp thorns digging into her mind.

Determined, Isabella sought out Daniel to arrange her discharge, eager to rush to Eleanor’s apartment and find that letter.

However, Daniel firmly objected. "You're pregnant, and you had a serious shock yesterday. Rest is essential to maintain your pregnancy’s stability. Moving around is the last thing you should do."

But Isabella was resolute. "There's something urgent I must handle immediately. As for the baby, I have a strong feeling—they're perfectly fine."

Despite his reservations, Daniel could not change her mind; eventually, he relented.

On her way out of Daniel’s office, Isabella unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia again.

Their repeated encounters felt almost orchestrated.

Had she not known about Sophia’s heart condition and need for medical care, Isabella might have suspected her of eavesdropping.