“Goodbye!” Liam called out.
“Goodbye.”
Lucas stood motionless, watching them disappear down the corridor before turning away.
The following morning, Isabella took a deep breath and stepped into the Blackwood Enterprises building. The receptionist greeted her warmly and directed her toward the human resources department.
Jennifer Cox, the impeccably dressed HR manager, greeted her with a professionally cool smile.
“Miss Scott, welcome. I’m Jennifer Cox, head of human resources.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ms. Cox,” Isabella replied with a courteous nod. “Mr. Blackwood mentioned you. Please lead the way to my office.”
As Isabella followed Jennifer, she noted the office layout remained unchanged from three years prior. They moved through rows of busy workstations, the sound of rapid keyboard typing filling the air.
Instead of leading her to a modern workspace, however, Jennifer guided her down a quieter hallway toward a plain, weathered iron door. The musty smell that greeted them when Jennifer unlocked it was overwhelming.
Inside lay a cluttered storage room, dimly lit and thick with dust, nearly suffocating in its neglect.
Isabella halted abruptly.
“This is my office?”
Jennifer dismissed her concern with a casual wave. “Yes, Miss Scott. It’s all we have available at the moment.” Her smile was sharp, edged with subtle mockery.
Isabella’s heart sank. This wasn’t an office—it was a forgotten storage space. But she quickly regained her composure, her gaze hardening. Years in the corporate world had made her familiar with such tactics.
“Ms. Cox, are you certain this arrangement was approved by Mr. Blackwood?”
Jennifer paused, caught off guard by Isabella’s calm demeanor. She adjusted her glasses, striving to sound authoritative. “Absolutely. Mr. Blackwood personally arranged it.”
“Is that so?” Isabella’s lips curved into a skeptical smile. “It seems more like someone is using Mr. Blackwood’s name to create obstacles for me.” She stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them. “Are you prepared to take responsibility for someone else’s misconduct?”
Jennifer’s composure wavered, her eyes darting nervously. Isabella’s direct challenge visibly unsettled her.
“Miss Scott, I’m not sure what you’re implying.” Jennifer faltered, her confidence fading.
“Not sure?” Isabella’s smile widened with a hint of derision. “Let’s be clear. I suspect Sophia Reed has influenced you, hasn’t she? Blackwood Enterprises isn’t Sophia’s personal empire, and you’re risking your career for her schemes. Are you truly willing to gamble everything?”
“I haven’t…” Jennifer’s voice weakened as she avoided Isabella’s steady gaze.
“Really?” Isabella pressed firmly. “Then perhaps you should verify this ‘office arrangement’ with Mr. Blackwood immediately.”
Jennifer paled, stepping back involuntarily, lost for words. Isabella observed her, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Isabella’s tone lightened suddenly, and she chuckled softly, her voice tinged with relief. “Never mind.”
Jennifer paused, perplexed. “Miss Scott…”
Isabella glanced around the room. “This will do.”
Confusion deepened on Jennifer’s face. “Miss Scott, you… you’re not upset anymore?”
Isabella faced her squarely, expression calm and insistent. “Upset? Why would I be? I simply wanted to offer you a few warnings.” She smiled subtly, her eyes glinting with mischief. “This place is quiet, away from certain distractions. It’s exactly what I need.”