Chapter 87

Isabella's desperate sobs echoed through the phone. "Ethan, I swear I'll never bother you again. Just let me keep this baby. I'll disappear—fly far away where you'll never see me or the child again. He'll never know you're his father. Please..."

"Where are you?" Ethan demanded, his voice sharp with urgency.

Behind him, the boardroom full of executives stared in stunned silence. Nathan, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly dismissed them. "Meeting adjourned."

Once the room cleared, Nathan turned to Ethan. "Sir, what's wrong?"

Ethan ignored him, his expression icy as he listened to Isabella's panicked voice. "No, Ethan, don't—don't come!"

Benjamin's voice suddenly cut in, snatching the phone from her. "Mr. Blackwood, we're at Grandview Medical Center. Send someone to restrain her and get her to the operating room. She needs to—"

Click. The call ended abruptly.

Ethan strode out without hesitation, snapping orders at Nathan. "Get the car. Now. We're going to Grandview."

"Yes, sir!"

Nathan sped through red lights, cutting the usual forty-minute drive in half. When they arrived, chaos greeted them in the obstetrics ward. A crowd had gathered, murmuring as Benjamin forcibly dragged Isabella—who clung to a pillar—while Elizabeth wept and berated him.

"Benjamin, have you lost your mind? That's your grandchild! How can you be so cruel? Isabella promised she wouldn’t seek Ethan out again—isn’t that enough?"

The onlookers whispered judgmentally.

"Good for the father. A girl getting pregnant out of wedlock? Disgraceful."

"She should just get rid of it. No future raising a child alone."

Isabella shook violently, tears streaming. "No... I want this baby. I love him. I won’t go near Ethan again, I swear—"

Then, the crowd parted.

A towering figure in a tailored suit stepped forward, his presence commanding silence. Without a word, Ethan shoved Benjamin back with enough force to send him stumbling.

Benjamin's anger flared—until he recognized who stood before him. His demeanor instantly deflated. "M-Mr. Blackwood! You're here. Perfect. Help me deal with this stubborn girl—"

Isabella looked up at Ethan, her eyes wide with fear.

Ethan ignored Benjamin, kneeling before her. His voice, though quiet, carried steel. "You’re pregnant. Why didn’t you tell me?"

"I..." Fresh tears spilled. "I won’t trouble you. Just let me go."

"First, we check the baby."

"No—"

"This child is mine," Ethan said, his tone softening. "I won’t let anyone harm it. We’ll confirm the pregnancy, ensure everything’s healthy. After that, you’re coming home with me."

Isabella searched his face. "You... mean it?"

"I do."

"But you don’t love me. You love Sophia. I won’t force you or use this child as leverage. Just let me leave—"

Ethan cupped her face. "I’ll marry you. You’ll be my wife, and this child will inherit everything."

Then, before she could protest, he lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the examination room.

Isabella clung to him, tears still wet on her cheeks—but inside, triumph flared.

I won.

Behind them, Benjamin and Elizabeth exchanged a glance, satisfaction flickering in their eyes.

The exam confirmed it: Isabella was ten weeks along, the timeline matching their night together. The doctor warned Ethan that while the fetus was healthy, Isabella needed rest. Stress could harm the baby.

Ethan carried her out again, his grip unyielding. Isabella basked in the victory, dizzy with the sweetness of her scheme unfolding perfectly.

Only when they reached the parking lot did Ethan set her down. His expression remained unreadable, his voice cool as he addressed her parents.

"She’s coming home with me. My staff will care for her. The wedding happens in a month. And no one touches my child."

Benjamin nodded eagerly. "Of course! We never wanted to pressure you. We just—"

"I understand," Ethan cut in.

As Nathan opened the car door, Isabella hesitated.

Ethan arched a brow. "You’ve always wanted this. What’s wrong now?"

She lowered her gaze. "I... I know better now. Sophia lives with you. I don’t want to intrude. Just let me go home. I’ll wait for you there."

Ethan studied her, silent—until his phone rang.

The caller ID flashed: Blackwood Manor.

He answered. A gravelly voice spoke.

"Ethan. It’s Grandfather. Come home. We need to talk."