Ethan tapped his fingers lightly on the polished wood of his desk. "Keep a close watch on Sophia. Investigate thoroughly to see if she's involved in any way."

Benjamin's heart gave a sudden jolt, though his expression remained perfectly neutral. "Understood, sir."

Ethan leaned back in his leather chair, picking up a pen to sign the document before him.

Benjamin took this as his dismissal. He exited the office quietly, closing the door without a sound.

Later that day, Isabella stepped out of the elevator into the marketing department's floor. She noticed a cluster of employees gathered nearby, whispering among themselves. Their hushed voices carried just enough for her to catch fragments of their conversation.

"That's Serena—the former secretary."

"I heard she used connections to climb up."

"Who knows what she did to get where she is now."

Isabella's face showed no reaction as she walked past them, her gaze fixed straight ahead.

Office rumors didn't bother her. Gossip was as inevitable as breathing in any corporate environment. She preferred to ignore such idle chatter, focusing instead on her work and letting her accomplishments speak for themselves.

"Miss Scott, long time no see." The voice was sharp and cutting.

Isabella stopped and turned toward the sound. Jessica Parker, the marketing department manager, stood watching her with crossed arms.

Isabella remembered Jessica from her secretary days. The woman had always gone out of her way to make things difficult. Today, Jessica wore a garish red dress with heavy makeup that only emphasized her theatrical appearance.

"Do you need something, Ms. Parker?" Isabella asked calmly.

"Is it a crime to greet someone without reason?" Jessica retorted. "I just wanted to remind you that you're in the marketing department now. It might benefit you to remember our rules here."

"Thank you for the reminder, Ms. Parker," Isabella replied with a polite but distant smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

She continued walking without another glance, leaving Jessica behind.

Jessica clenched her fists, watching Isabella's retreating back. Just then, Chloe happened to pass by and witnessed the exchange. She hurried over to Isabella and took her arm gently.

"Ignore them, Isabella," Chloe whispered. "They're just jealous, that's all."

Isabella offered a mild smile. "I know. It really doesn't affect me."

"How can it not bother you?" Chloe's voice rose with disbelief. "Their behavior is completely ridiculous!"

Turning to face the marketing team directly, Chloe spoke with firm authority. "Why all the whispering? Isabella is now a partner of Blackwood Enterprises and runs her own studio! She's not your subordinate. Show some respect!"

The marketing team members visibly shrank back, intimidated by Chloe's assertive stance. They fell into an awkward silence.

Isabella gently touched Chloe's hand. "Chloe, it's alright." Seeing the genuine peace on Isabella's face, Chloe understood she truly wasn't bothered.

With a sigh, Chloe linked arms with Isabella and guided her toward the break room. "Let's get some coffee."

They settled onto the comfortable sofa in the break room.

Chloe cradled her steaming coffee, looking at Isabella with concern and admiration. "What's your plan? Are you just going to let them continue like this?"