Chapter 141

Isabella's heart skipped a beat.

She immediately softened her voice, batting her lashes. "Ethan, darling, did you come to take me wedding dress shopping today? I... I think I've gained a little weight recently, especially around my waist. If we wait any longer, I might not fit into the perfect gown."

Ethan's tone was icy. "Nathan will pick you up tomorrow for the fitting."

"Then why are you here today...?" Was this a special visit just for her?

Her pulse quickened with excitement.

"Has the Thornton family ever had dealings with Vincent Holloway?" Ethan asked abruptly.

Elizabeth and Isabella froze.

Why was he asking this?

Elizabeth stammered, "M-Mr. Blackwood, you know our family always follows your lead. Vincent Holloway is your sworn enemy—we would never associate with him!"

Isabella forced a sweet smile. "That's right, Ethan. We'd never have anything to do with someone like him."

"Yet he contacted your family recently." Ethan's voice was deceptively calm.

Mother and daughter paled.

Panic flashed across their faces before Elizabeth steadied herself. "It's because of that Sophia. Even though we took her in, she was always rebellious. Vincent couldn't find her, so he harassed us instead."

"Is that so?" Ethan's gaze sharpened.

Isabella pouted. "Don't you trust me?"

Ethan stood, brushing his fingers over her shoulder. "Nathan will take you for the fitting tomorrow."

Her smile returned instantly. "Of course."

Without another word, he left.

That evening, Ethan arrived at Grandview Medical Center alone.

Outside Sophia's door, he heard a man's voice.

"Sophia, this is wild bass soup. I had the chef simmer it for hours—the broth is creamy and tender. Perfect for recovery." Noah's tone was gentle.

"Thank you," Sophia replied flatly.

"Drink it while it's hot. It'll help heal your wounds and... the baby."

Sophia tensed.

After Liam's betrayal, she wanted nothing to do with men like Noah. But he had saved her life—twice.

Was he really different?

Before she could refuse, Noah added, "Your arm injury makes lifting difficult. Let me help—"

Sophia looked past him, her breath catching.

Noah turned.

Ethan stood there, his expression murderous.

"Mr. Blackwood—"

"Out."

Noah hesitated, glancing between them.

Ethan's voice dropped lower. "I won't repeat myself."

Noah fled.

He knew Ethan's reputation—cross him, and you wouldn't live to regret it.

Ethan stepped closer, his gaze burning into Sophia.

She met his eyes. "Here to finalize the divorce? Though I'm not exactly in condition—"

"You really have a talent for collecting men." His voice was venomous. "First me, then Alexander, Liam, Vincent... now Noah spoon-feeds you?"

Sophia frowned. "What are you implying?"

"Did you enjoy his attention?"

She clenched her fists. Ethan's anger was irrational.

Every time he saw her with another man, fury consumed him.

He didn't understand why.

From the moment she'd collided into him—damp from the shower, her scent intoxicating—he'd been haunted.

In his dreams, she was the one who'd saved him that night.

But reality said otherwise.

Isabella had the scar. The proof.

Yet seeing Noah beside her had nearly driven him to violence.

Outside, Noah leaned against his car, trembling.

Nathan approached, amused. "I always thought you were smarter than Liam. What possessed you today?"

Noah wiped his brow. "How did you know I almost died in there?"

Nathan smirked. "Because any man who gets too close to Mrs. Blackwood meets a bad end."

Noah swallowed hard.

"You really didn't notice?" Nathan's grin widened. "The boss is obsessed with her."