“But…” Chloe started, wanting more information.
Isabella’s firm look silenced her instantly.
“I came today to handle some business,” Isabella stated, swiftly shifting the topic.
“What kind of business?” Chloe’s voice was full of concern.
“It’s regarding…” Isabella paused briefly. “A potential collaboration.”
Hearing this, Chloe eagerly took her arm. “Come with me, Isabella. Let’s go to the conference room first. I’ll contact the person in charge immediately.”
Guided by Chloe, Isabella stepped into the elevator. Her heart grew heavier with each ascending floor. Blackwood Enterprises felt less like a company and more like a source of deep personal pain.
The elevator doors slid open. Chloe led her directly to the assigned meeting room.
“We’re here.” Chloe pushed the door open, then froze at the sight of the person inside.
Sophia was there, casually reviewing documents. She wore a pale-yellow suit that highlighted her perfect complexion and poised demeanor. Hearing the door, Sophia glanced up. Her expression hardened the moment she saw Isabella. The papers in her hands fluttered to the floor.
“You…” Sophia began, her voice sharp with shock and annoyance.
Chloe also seemed stunned, momentarily speechless.
Tension instantly saturated the room.
“Miss Reed, Isabella is here to discuss a potential collaboration,” Chloe finally managed to say.
Before she could continue, Sophia cut her off with a scornful laugh. “Isabella, you have some audacity. Do you even know your place, coming here to propose a partnership with Blackwood Enterprises?”
Chloe shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to handle the situation.
“Miss Reed, I am here on behalf of my studio to discuss professional matters. My qualifications are not for you to judge,” Isabella responded coolly.
This only seemed to anger Sophia more.
Sophia stepped closer, her voice low and biting. “Stop pretending!” she snapped. “Are you here to try and rekindle something? Don’t even think about it.”
A mocking smile touched Isabella’s lips as she met Sophia’s glare with an icy gaze.
“Miss Reed, you seem quite invested in my personal life. Your feelings for Mr. Blackwood must be very strong.”
“How dare you!” Sophia’s face flushed with rage.
“Stop being so sarcastic! Do you honestly believe you can come between Ethan and me? Keep dreaming!”
“Come between you? Would that even be necessary?” Isabella’s reply was chillingly calm.
“You…” Sophia was left speechless, her frustration palpable. With a final furious glare, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.
Silence descended, leaving only Isabella and Chloe.
After a moment, Chloe cautiously asked, “Isabella, are you… alright?”
“I’m fine. This is nothing new.”
Isabella had fully expected this kind of reaction from Sophia.
Chloe looked at her, hesitating before voicing her curiosity. “So… you and Mr. Blackwood…”
“There is nothing between us.” Isabella’s tone was sharp and final.
Chloe let out a soft sigh.
“When Miss Reed returned from abroad three years ago, everyone assumed they would marry. Mr. Blackwood is powerful, and she’s beautiful—they seemed like the perfect match.”