Lucas’s expression shifted, becoming deeply thoughtful as he absorbed her words.

He paused briefly before asking, “What kind of project are you thinking about?”

“There’s a fashion house reviving classic aesthetics,” Isabella answered, a spark of genuine enthusiasm lighting her voice despite her weakened state. “It aligns perfectly with my design strengths. I’ve been trying to get a meeting, but hitting a solid wall.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with curiosity. “Which house?”

“Oakridge Industries,” she replied softly, almost whispering it like a secret. “The CEO’s last name is King. Does that sound familiar?”

A slow, mischievous grin spread across Lucas’s face, his eyes brightening. “You should have led with that. Our families go way back. It’s handled.”

A flicker of pure excitement ignited in Isabella’s eyes, flooding them with hope. “Truly? Help me secure that project, and I’ll treat you to dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in the city!”

Lucas’s warm, infectious laughter filled the room, enhancing his handsome features.

“You have a deal!” he declared. “Once you’re discharged, I’ll personally arrange an introduction to Mr. King.”

Isabella’s spirits soared, a soft blush coloring her pale cheeks. “It’s settled, then.”

Lucas reached over and pressed the call button by her bed, signaling the nurse for the finished IV.

As he stood to leave, his voice softened, filled with a tender sincerity. “Get some proper rest. I’ll be back tomorrow to keep you company.”

A wave of warmth washed over Isabella, her heart swelling with gratitude, yet simultaneously heavy with the guilt of inconveniencing him.

“That’s incredibly kind, but really, I’ll manage on my own,” she murmured gently, declining the offer.

The concern in Lucas’s eyes deepened, reflecting genuine compassion as he looked at her. “Isabella, don’t build walls against the kindness people offer you. This world can be harsh, yes, but it also holds immense goodness. Allow yourself to receive it. You deserve that much.”

His words made her eyes instantly brim with unshed tears.

She took a quick, shaky breath, lowering her gaze to hide her vulnerability, and managed a subdued nod. Her voice, thick with emotion, was barely a whisper. “Okay.”

After Lucas left, a heavy silence reclaimed the private room.

Isabella pulled her tablet closer, her fingers brushing its cool surface before she immersed herself in crafting her presentation, refining her portfolio documents.

The next time she faced Alexander King, she needed to be impeccable. She needed to impress him enough to win him over.

The weight of her decision to finally leave Ethan pressed down on her, a stark reminder that from now on, she was her own sole anchor. She was once a vibrant, promising designer who had let her own light dim in Ethan’s overwhelming shadow.

But that ended now. She made a silent, fierce vow to herself. She would reclaim the value she had once placed on her own worth.

The next day, the harsh noon sun streamed through her window.

Isabella’s eyes fluttered open. Groggy and disoriented, she squinted against the intrusive light and noticed a tall, shadowy figure looming nearby. Assuming it was Lucas returning, she called out, her voice still rough with sleep, “Lucas? Is that you?”

The response that came was not his. It was a harsh, irate tone that instantly chilled the air around her. “Isabella, look carefully. See who I really am!”

Her eyes snapped into sharp focus, her brow furrowing in immediate distress as the figure before her became terrifyingly clear.

Ethan stood there, imposingly tall in his impeccably tailored suit, his presence commanding and his expression utterly unyielding. An aura of absolute confidence and power radiated from him, but a dangerous fire of raw displeasure burned in his piercing gaze.