He stared at the dark screen, realizing the call had ended much earlier. His own grim reflection stared back from the phone.

Frustration surged through him. He threw the phone onto the desk, a low growl escaping his lips.

"Damn it!" Ethan muttered, his jaw tight.

Just then, faint whispers seeped through his office walls.

"Did you see the photos? Isabella was seen with two different men."

"Really? She always seemed so proper and refined."

"Appearances can be incredibly misleading, you know."

Ethan's expression darkened instantly. A storm gathered in his eyes.

He yanked the office door open. His sharp gaze swept over the group of whispering women outside. His voice cut through the air, cold and precise.

"Don't you have actual work to do?"

The women paled. Fear washed over them as they lowered their heads, barely breathing.

"Mr. Blackwood, we apologize. It won't happen again!"

Ethan gave a dismissive snort. His silence was more condemning than any words. He turned sharply and retreated into his office. Even seated at his desk, his anger simmered dangerously close to the surface.

He grabbed his phone and dialed a number.

"Benjamin. My office. Now."

Benjamin knocked softly before entering.

"You needed me, Mr. Blackwood?"

"What is the meaning of these pictures?" Ethan's voice was laced with controlled fury.

Benjamin hesitated for a split second, his mind racing. Understanding dawned, and he quickly composed himself.

"I only just became aware of the situation myself, sir. I was on my way to brief you."

He handed his phone to Ethan.

"I've also forwarded the photos to your device."

Ethan took the phone swiftly. His eyes narrowed as he studied the image.

It was him and Isabella. The background was unmistakable—taken covertly outside her apartment building. In the photo, Isabella held onto him tightly, her posture intimate. He was looking down at her, their closeness undeniable.

A shadow crossed Ethan's face. His brow furrowed, his eyes turning stormy and impenetrable.

Seeing his troubled expression, Benjamin chose his words carefully.

"Mr. Blackwood, should we use this opportunity to clarify your marital—"

"No." Ethan cut him off sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I don't care how you do it. Find out who took these photos and who released them online."

He tossed the phone back onto the desk with a clatter. The haunting image of Isabella's pale, distraught face lingered in his mind.

With their divorce finalizing, he desperately wanted to avoid any further complications.