Isabella Scott never imagined that Blackwood Enterprises, a titan in the industry, would propose a partnership with her fledgling studio.

Just yesterday, her excitement had been so intense that she forgot to ask the most critical question—who exactly were their partners?

“That’s right, Miss Scott! Blackwood Enterprises! This is the kind of break most people only dream of,” Oliver exclaimed, completely missing the shift in her expression. “This deal could launch our studio into the stratosphere!”

An invisible weight seemed to press down on Isabella’s chest, making each breath a struggle.

Blackwood Enterprises. That meant Ethan was involved.

After painstakingly rebuilding her life post-divorce, the last thing she desired was any form of reconnection with him.

Her voice came out strained. “Oliver, regarding this partnership… is there any possibility… to withdraw?”

Oliver’s enthusiastic smile dissolved instantly.

“Withdraw? Miss Scott, are you being serious? We’re talking about Blackwood Enterprises here!”

“I understand that… but…” Isabella drew a sharp breath. “It just doesn’t feel like the right fit for us. The penalty clause… can we handle it?” she asked, cutting directly to the chase.

Oliver’s face fell. “The penalty… unfortunately, it’s far beyond our current financial capabilities…”

Isabella closed her eyes, taking another deep breath to steady her racing thoughts.

Seeing her evident distress, Oliver finally grasped the severity of his error. His voice trembled with remorse. “Miss Scott… I am so terribly sorry… I truly believed this was a golden opportunity…”

“It’s alright, Oliver. I need some time alone to process this.”

Relieved yet filled with regret, Oliver quickly exited the office.

Silence descended upon the room.

Isabella stood alone, clutching the collaboration agreement so tightly her knuckles turned white.

She allowed herself a moment, eyes shut, seeking composure.

When her eyes reopened, they held a new, steely resolve. Avoidance was a luxury she could no longer afford. She had to face this head-on, no matter how much she dreaded it. With a final, determined breath, she grabbed her bag. She left the studio and headed straight for Blackwood Enterprises.

The grand, bustling lobby of Blackwood Enterprises was a hive of activity, but Isabella’s arrival seemed to momentarily freeze the scene.

“Is that… Isabella?” a hushed whisper cut through the noise.

“It is her! Wasn’t she supposed to be…?”

“Gone for three years, and she just walks back in?” Speculation began to ripple through the crowd like a sudden current.

At that precise moment, Chloe stepped out of the elevator. Her eyes landed on Isabella, and the files she carried clattered loudly to the marble floor. Her expression was one of utter shock.

“Is… Isabella?”

Spotting a familiar face, Isabella managed a faint, weary smile. “Chloe.”

Chloe rushed forward, grasping Isabella’s arm, her eyes scanning her face intently. “It really is you! What happened these past three years? Everyone thought you were…” Her voice faded, the unspoken word hanging heavily between them.

A shadow flickered across Isabella’s face before she replied with practiced lightness, “I just needed some time away. To figure things out.”

“Figure things out? For three entire years?” Chloe’s skepticism was palpable. “What’s the real story, Isabella?”

“Let’s not focus on the past,” Isabella said, her tone soft yet leaving no room for argument. She had no intention of revisiting those painful years, especially not here, within these walls.