Lucas arrived promptly in his sleek car.

The door opened with a sharp click.

A wave of hot, stuffy air rushed out, wrapping around Isabella.

She flinched, her fingers gripping the door’s edge with a slight tremble.

Lucas moved toward her with an easy grace.

He extended his hand, his smile charming. “Watch your step.”

Isabella tried to return the smile, but it was weak.

As she attempted to stand straight, a sudden dizziness washed over her.

She let out a soft groan, her body swaying forward on its own.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Lucas’s hand quickly steadied her waist.

His touch was brief but firm. His eyes scanned her face, concerned.

She pressed a hand to her forehead, her skin pale. “I haven’t eaten. Probably low blood sugar,” she whispered.

Lucas frowned. “That’s not ideal. The banquet tonight is all about networking. You won’t get a proper meal. Let’s grab a quick bite nearby.”

The word “restaurant” echoed in her mind, tightening her chest with dread.

Another restaurant.

Memories of last night’s upscale dinner flooded back—the unexpected run-in with Ethan, the misunderstandings that followed. Regret twisted inside her.

She took a deep, steadying breath, forcing the turmoil down.

No time for distractions. She had to focus and prepare for the banquet.

“Won’t that make us late?” She checked her watch anxiously—almost five. “If we stop to eat, we’ll definitely be late.”

Lucas studied her pale face, his eyes dark with worry. “Is this event really that important?”

“Absolutely,” Isabella said with conviction. “I’m meeting Alexander to discuss a collaboration. If it works out, I can finally open my own studio.” Her eyes flickered with a hint of resentment. “Having my own business is crucial for my independence.”

Seeing her determination, Lucas didn’t push the restaurant idea.

Instead, he retrieved a small, elegantly wrapped box of candies from the car.

He handed it to her with an encouraging smile. “Here, have these for a quick energy boost.”

“Thank you, Lucas,” she said softly, accepting the candies.

She carefully unwrapped each one and placed it in her mouth.

The sweetness spread across her tongue but did little to soothe her nerves.

Lucas started the car, the engine purring as they pulled onto the road.

The drive was smooth. Streetlights cast fleeting shadows across Isabella’s face as she leaned back, eyes closed, stealing a moment of rest.

From the rearview mirror, Lucas observed her serene facade.

His fingers tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw clenching slightly.

He wouldn’t just stand by. He’d do whatever it took to help her through this.

Unbeknownst to them, a Bentley followed discreetly behind.

Benjamin kept a steady gaze on Lucas’s car.

The Bentley’s superior performance made it easy to tail without drawing attention.

Benjamin clicked his tongue, mildly amused. “Well, well… Mr. Grant seems quite devoted to Mrs. Blackwood,” he murmured, recalling the photo he had taken earlier.