Isabella Scott's expulsion was inevitable.

She would be thrown out of Hawthorne Residence.

The Blackwood family would disown her.

She would be erased from Ethan's world completely.

Kyla took a deep breath, suppressing her rising excitement.

She put her plan into action.

She walked decisively to the kitchen.

Her movements were fluid and controlled.

She tied an apron around her waist, embodying the ideal homemaker.

The actual cooking was handled by the staff.

But she moved around with confident authority.

She gave instructions with the ease of an expert.

A little less seasoning here.

A reduction of sugar there.

Occasionally, she picked up a spoon and stirred a pot without purpose.

Her performance as the devoted wife was flawless.

She imagined herself preparing a loving meal for her husband.

The sound of the front door opening caught her attention.

Her heart leaped.

Victoria Blackwood had arrived.

Kyla set down the spoon immediately.

She hurried to the entrance, steps full of anticipation.

"Mrs. Blackwood, you're here!" Kyla exclaimed.

Her face shone with manufactured delight and warmth.

Victoria watched her with a gentle smile.

Her eyes were filled with obvious approval.

"Sophia, you dear girl. Are you cooking all by yourself?" Victoria's gaze brightened at the sight of the apron.

Her voice was overflowing with warmth.

"Don't trouble yourself with that, my dear. Let the kitchen staff handle it. Come sit with me for a while."

"Of course, Mrs. Blackwood," Sophia replied with a respectful nod.

She carefully hung the apron on the back of a nearby chair.

She then turned to address a servant waiting by the doorway.

"Hannah, please inform Isabella that we have a very important guest waiting for her downstairs," she instructed, her tone polite but firm.

"Right away, Miss Reed," Hannah Lewis, the servant, answered.

She immediately headed upstairs to carry out the order.

Sophia turned back with a soft smile.

She linked her arm through Victoria's and guided her smoothly to the sofa.

"Mrs. Blackwood, how have you been lately?" she asked with genuine-sounding concern.

"I've been quite well," Victoria answered, her smile gentle as she patted Sophia's hand.

"And you? How are things with Ethan?" she inquired.

Her casual tone didn't mask the sharp curiosity in her eyes.

"Everything is fine, Mrs. Blackwood," Sophia murmured.

She kept her head bowed modestly.

A faint smile played on her lips.

"Ethan is wonderful to me."

She hesitated, her voice faltering slightly.

"He's just... so overwhelmed with work. He rarely has time for us." Her tone carried a soft, complaining note.

It successfully drew Victoria's sympathy.

"That boy never stops working, does he?" Victoria lamented, shaking her head in disapproval.

"I will certainly speak to him about this when he returns."

"Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood," Sophia responded, her voice thick with emotion.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"I do understand, though. The burden he carries is enormous. Keeping a business that large running smoothly is a huge responsibility," she explained, offering a forgiving smile.

"I'm just happy to be by his side through it all."

"Sophia, you truly have such a kind heart," Victoria declared, visibly moved.

She clasped Sophia's hands in her own.

"Don't you worry about a thing. I will take care of everything to ensure you and Ethan marry soon."

A powerful wave of elation crashed over Sophia at this promise.

But she composed herself, maintaining a facade of demure grace.