Isabella waited eagerly for Julian to bring her news.
She had a feeling she would see Jacob soon.
She would escape from Alexander's grasp.
Her eyes held a hidden lightness and joy when she looked at Alexander.
She had breakfast with him that morning.
He held her hand, making her see him off.
He slid into the back seat of the car.
Connor drove him away.
She stood in place, a slight smile touching her lips.
Realizing he might see, she quickly turned and went inside.
Alexander saw her expression change in the rearview mirror.
His face darkened instantly.
A storm was brewing.
Was she so desperate to leave him?
Julian had been investigating for several days.
He still found no substantial leads about Jacob.
The private investigator found no clues from Liam.
So he shifted his focus to before Isabella and Jacob were taken.
He looked into the preschool Jacob attended a year ago.
He visited Jacob's former teacher.
The teacher said Jacob stopped coming after his father died.
Later, a man claiming to be a friend of Jacob's mother said they were moving and transferring schools.
Based on the description, that man was his brother.
This confirmed his brother took the child.
But where did he take Jacob after that?
If Liam was caring for Jacob, as Isabella suspected, there should be some trace.
The private investigator had an idea.
He asked Isabella for names and numbers of former employees from her café.
He wanted to see if they knew anything.
Isabella had no phone.
So Julian decided to visit her at home today.
He deliberately chose a time when his brother was at work.
Margaret greeted him warmly.
"Young Master Julian, you're back?"
He nodded.
"Is my brother home yet?"
"Not yet."
"Where's Isabella?"
"Upstairs in her room."
Julian considered going up directly.
He changed his mind.
"Margaret, could you please ask Isabella to come down? I need to speak with her."
Margaret agreed and went upstairs.
Soon, Isabella came down.
Her eyes held a hidden urgency.
She forced herself to remain calm.
Once Margaret returned to the kitchen, they sat on the living room sofa.
She whispered, "Any news?"
Julian told her about the preschool findings.
Isabella covered her face with her hands.
She struggled to control her emotions.
"Yes, I knew it was him. He planned everything before taking us. The café staff were surely dismissed. I remember their names, but not their numbers. Just names won't be enough to find them. They probably know nothing. Jacob and I were taken from home."
"After Daniel passed, I was a mess. I neglected the café, skipped meals. One day, I fainted from low blood sugar. I woke up at the Sullivan residence, brought by Liam."
"I haven't seen Jacob since..."
Julian wanted to hold and comfort her.
He couldn't.
He glanced toward the kitchen.
Margaret was still busy, not paying attention.
He whispered, "Write down the names for me. I'll keep investigating. I'll also ask friends to check if there's any record of Jacob leaving the country."
If Jacob hadn't left the country, that was best.
If his brother had sent him abroad, they'd need a different approach.
They would have to confront his brother directly.
That meant tearing apart their relationship.
Isabella understood this.
Her eyes filled with worry.
She nodded to Julian.
"Okay."
They talked a bit longer.
Julian decided not to stay.
He got up to leave.
Just then, a car pulled into the driveway.
Alexander was home.
Earlier than usual.
The two in the living room exchanged a look.
Julian stood and went outside.
"Brother."
Alexander got out of the car.
Saw Julian.
"You're back?" He slung an arm around Julian's shoulder. "How's the footage collection going?"
Julian paused, remembering his documentary project.
"Not great. We're doing an antique theme. Haven't gotten permission for one artifact we want to film."
"I know some people in that field. Let me know if you need help."
"Will do, Brother."
Alexander studied him.
"Leaving already? Stay. I'd like to see you after work. Since you went abroad, we've barely shared meals. Once your break ends, you'll be gone again."
Julian smiled faintly.
Alexander guided him back inside.
Margaret brought two cups of freshly brewed coffee.
She set them on the coffee table.
She turned to Alexander.
"Young Master Julian just returned and was discussing matters with Miss Roscente. I only made two coffees. What would you like, Mr. Sullivan? I'll prepare it."
Margaret's well-intentioned service inadvertently revealed Julian and Isabella's earlier private conversation.
Both felt a flicker of panic.
They maintained composure.
Alexander showed no sign of noticing.
"Make me a coffee too, please."
"Of course." Margaret took the tray back to the kitchen.
Alexander set down his briefcase.
He removed his heavy coat.
He addressed Isabella.
"You're not wearing enough. The living room is colder than your room. Go upstairs and put on something warmer."
He smiled and took her hand.
"I need to change too. Let's go up together."
Isabella had to rise and follow him upstairs.
Alexander led, Isabella followed.
She glanced back at Julian.
Her eyes told him to stay calm.
Julian stayed the night.
He didn't make excuses to leave.
He knew he'd face that crushing jealousy again.
Even so, he wanted to be near Isabella.
To offer comfort.
To give hope.
He sent the names she provided to the private investigator.
He asked him to find those people quickly.
He also requested help checking Jacob's travel records.
He asked Xavier to use his connections.
He hoped for a swift response.
As usual, after intimacy, Alexander carried Isabella to the bathroom to clean her.
He was in high spirits today.
In the shower, he took her again in the bathtub.
She was completely drained.
She leaned against him, feeling even breathing was an effort.
He held her close, his chin resting on her head.
He suddenly asked, "Isabella, if there had been no Daniel, no Jacob, if I had met you first... would you have loved me?"