Isabella cut him off sharply.

Her chin lifted with defiance.

A hint of arrogance settled in her posture.

“My decision is final,” she declared. “I want this office space. At your price. I’ll pay double for it.”

Her gaze flicked toward the contract in Sophia’s hand.

A wave of vengeful satisfaction washed through her.

Sophia’s eyes held a glint of sarcasm.

She placed the contract gently on the table.

Her hands folded elegantly in her lap.

“Do you have any idea what prime downtown office space costs, Miss Reed?” she asked coolly. “Are you certain you can afford to double that amount?”

Isabella faltered, momentarily speechless.

Her face flushed a deep, embarrassed red.

She snatched the contract to scan the numbers.

Her expression hardened to stone when she saw the figures.

She had spoken impulsively, intending to humiliate Sophia.

She never expected to be trapped by her own boldness.

Sophia rose to her feet, her presence suddenly commanding.

She looked down at Isabella with a calm yet ominous tone.

“A word of advice, Miss Reed,” she said softly. “Think carefully before putting on a tough act. Make sure you know what you’re getting into first.”

Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise at the directness.

She met Sophia’s steady gaze but quickly regained her composure.

Her voice turned sharp and defensive. “What… what do you even need this place for, anyway?”

Sophia retrieved the contract, throwing Isabella an icy, dismissive look.

“What business is that of yours?” she replied flatly.

Tired of the pointless bickering, she was eager to finalize the deal.

She wanted only to escape the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.

She turned to the real estate agent with firm resolve.

“Let’s proceed with the signing now,” she stated. “If that’s not possible, I’ll have to leave.”

Her tone left no room for argument.

She pivoted sharply, ready to walk away.

The agent panicked at her sudden movement.

This was prime commercial real estate in the heart of the city.

Leases here commanded premium prices.

Losing this deal meant losing a significant commission.

“Miss Scott, please, don’t worry,” the agent said hurriedly. “I’ll handle everything immediately.”

He smiled warmly and guided Sophia toward a private lounge.

“Please, have a seat and relax. I’ll prepare the contract and all necessary documents right away.”

Sophia sank into a plush sofa with a quiet sigh of relief.

Without Isabella’s irritating presence, the air felt clearer, more peaceful.

Soon, the landlord arrived, documents in hand and a welcoming smile on his face.

The signing process went smoothly without any issues.

Sophia soon held her copy of the contract, ready to leave.

But as she stepped outside into the fresh air, her eyes landed on Isabella.

Isabella was lurking under a nearby tree.

She leaned casually against the trunk, arms crossed.

A sly, knowing smile curled her lips as Sophia emerged.

Sophia found the sight almost amusing.

She paused, shooting Isabella a look dripping with sarcasm.

“Well, well. A high-powered lawyer like you, just loitering around here? You must be terribly concerned about me staying in New York.”

“Concerned? About you?” Isabella’s laugh was sharp and dismissive. “Don’t flatter yourself. I was merely passing by.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow, her tone thick with irony.

“There are no law firms anywhere near here, Isabella. Your story doesn’t make sense.”

A flicker of irritation crossed Isabella’s features.

She masked it quickly with a cool smirk.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Sophia.”

Uninterested in dragging out the confrontation, Sophia turned to leave.

Her steps were firm and decisive.

“Stop!” Isabella lunged forward suddenly.

Her fingers closed around the contract in Sophia’s hand.

That was the final straw.

Sophia’s patience shattered.

She seized Isabella’s wrist and shoved it away forcefully.