Sophia's expression shifted briefly before settling into a calm mask.

"What do you mean? I haven't done anything wrong," she said, feigning innocence while batting her eyelashes defensively.

Isabella had grown tired of the charade. "Get out!" Her finger pointed sharply toward the door, her voice cold enough to freeze the atmosphere between them.

Sophia's lips pressed into a tight line, a flash of resentment visible in her eyes.

She held back her retort, turning abruptly to leave the room, leaving behind a heavy tension.

Sophia walked out of the master bedroom, her instincts screaming that something was wrong.

There was no way Isabella and Daniel weren't hiding something.

Their whispered conversation made it clear they didn't want her to hear anything.

Leaning against the wall in the dim hallway, she stared at Isabella's closed door, her determination growing.

She was going to expose their scheme.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, testing her patience.

The fact that Isabella hadn't emerged from her room only strengthened Sophia's suspicions.

"Playing innocent, are we?" Sophia muttered under her breath, her voice dripping with venom. She was now certain the pair was hiding something significant.

She refused to stand by any longer, a dark plan forming in her mind.

With a determined motion, she pulled out her phone and dialed Victoria's number.

"Hello, Mrs. Blackwood! It's been too long since we last spoke. How have you been?" Sophia's tone oozed false sweetness.

"Oh, Sophia! It has been a while. I'm doing well. What about you?" Victoria's voice carried genuine warmth.

"I'm wonderful, Mrs. Blackwood. Actually, a friend just returned from overseas with some beautiful souvenirs, and I immediately thought of you. I'd love to bring them over," Sophia said, her words layered with polite consideration.

"That's so thoughtful of you, Sophia," Victoria responded, her voice tinged with eager anticipation.

"It's my pleasure, Mrs. Blackwood. Are you available soon?" Sophia probed, her tone light yet deliberate as she wove her plan.

"I'm free anytime, dear."

"Perfect! I was planning to make dinner for Ethan tonight. Why don't you join us? It's been too long since we all caught up, and I've missed you terribly," Sophia continued strategically. Mentioning Ethan's name ensured Victoria wouldn't refuse.

Just as expected, Victoria answered without hesitation. "That sounds lovely, dear. I haven't seen my son in what feels like forever. I'll head over soon."

"Wonderful, Mrs. Blackwood. I'll be waiting for you at Hawthorne Residence." A subtle, victorious smirk touched Sophia's lips, her eyes gleaming with scheming delight.

She ended the call with a barely concealed sneer, betraying her sense of impending triumph.

"Isabella, just wait. I'll enjoy watching you fall," she whispered to herself.

She turned slowly, casting a scornful glance toward the master bedroom.

Isabella could try all she wanted, but in the end, she was just a fool playing chess with a grandmaster.