“Tell me everything! What is the truth?”

“Mrs. Blackwood, I heard… Three years ago, Lucas visited Isabella often. He seemed to be taking care of her…”

“Taking care of her? What does that mean? A man and a woman alone together—what else could it be?” Victoria’s anger boiled over. “Ethan must divorce her!”

Outside the mall, Lucas’s concern was obvious. “Isabella, are you okay?”

Isabella took a slow breath to steady herself. She forced a weak smile. “I’m fine.”

They walked quietly for a moment. Then Isabella spoke. “How did you know I was here?”

Lucas hesitated. He decided to be honest. “I saw the news about your studio’s leaked designs. I was worried about you. I came to check if you were alright. Your assistant said you were at Hermes… What happened?”

Isabella gave a dry laugh. “Just the usual tricks. But I won’t be defeated so easily.”

Victoria’s words echoed in her mind. They caused a sharp pain in her heart. “Get in the car. I’ll drive you home,” Lucas offered gently, pulling her from her thoughts.

Isabella nodded. She slipped into the passenger seat and closed the door. The drive was silent.

Suddenly, Isabella broke the quiet. “Lucas, do you know where Mrs. Sterling likes to go?”

Lucas looked surprised. “Mrs. Sterling? The wife of the Sterling Industries CEO?” Isabella confirmed with a nod.

“I heard she loves limited-edition handbags. I happen to have one she’s been looking for. I thought I might try to meet her.”

“I do know a few of her favorite places…” Lucas listed several locations. Isabella noted them carefully.

Over the next few days, Isabella began her search. She visited every place Lucas mentioned. She hoped for a chance meeting. Her persistence was rewarded. At an exclusive art gallery, she finally encountered Charlotte.

“Mrs. Sterling, hello. I’m Isabella,” she introduced herself with polite confidence.

Charlotte gave her a brief glance. Her response was curt. “I know who you are. The one with the leaked designs. If this is about business, you should talk to my husband.”

Her tone was icy. It showed she had no interest in further discussion. Isabella took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She presented the Hermes bag.

“I heard you appreciate this style. I brought it for you.”

Charlotte’s attention shifted to the bag. Her expression showed a flicker of surprise, though she hid it quickly. She checked her watch.

“You have five minutes.”

Isabella felt a surge of hope.

“Mrs. Sterling, besides this bag, I have another gift for you,” Isabella continued calmly. She pulled a design portfolio from her bag.

“I am truly sorry about the leak. To make it right, and to show my sincerity, I created new drafts. I also designed an extra set…” She paused, watching Charlotte’s reaction. Seeing no interruption, she went on. “I know your ten-year wedding anniversary with Mr. Sterling is coming. I took the liberty of designing a special collection for the occasion. I hope these can serve as my apology. And as a gesture of goodwill from my studio.”

Charlotte finally showed interest. She picked up the portfolio and began flipping through the pages. With each turn, Isabella’s heart beat faster.

The portfolio was the result of her relentless work over the past few days. When Charlotte finished, she placed it back on the table. Her expression was unreadable.