The elevator doors slid shut, cutting off Victoria's furious shouts.

Ethan immediately released Isabella's wrist.

She rubbed the reddened skin silently, her gaze fixed on the floor.

Tension thickened the air between them.

Ethan's eyes remained locked on Isabella, emotions swirling unpredictably in their depths.

Feeling his intense stare, she finally looked up.

His expression was unreadable, a complex mystery she couldn't decipher.

Her voice came out soft but clear. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. I'm just an outsider. You shouldn't damage your relationship with your mother because of me."

A shadow crossed Ethan's face. His jaw tightened.

He said nothing.

Only their quiet breathing filled the elevator's stifling space.

Bitterness surged through Isabella's heart.

She gave a quiet, humorless laugh.

"I'll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning at nine, Mr. Blackwood."

Ding—

The elevator doors parted slowly, revealing a sliver of light.

Isabella didn't hesitate. She stepped out and walked away without looking back.

Leaving Blackwood Enterprises, she headed straight for her studio. Upon opening the door, she froze in surprise.

Streamers floated through the air. Twinkling fairy lights cast a festive glow.

The table overflowed with exquisite pastries and champagne bottles. Her colleagues stood around it, faces bright with smiles.

"Welcome back, Isabella, our queen!" Chloe raised her champagne glass, eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Isabella, we're so relieved you're safe!"

Isabella blinked, trying to process the unexpected celebration. "What's all this about...?"

Her confused gaze swept over her beaming colleagues.

"Blackwood Enterprises just transferred the final payment—ten million! It's more than we agreed. They included extra for emotional distress and revision fees," Chloe explained, approaching with a wide smile.

Hearing the amount, Isabella's heart jumped. It far exceeded her expectations.

"Ethan..." she whispered, emotions swirling chaotically.

Chloe's enthusiasm was palpable. Her eyes shone as she gushed, "Isabella, you have to admit Mr. Blackwood isn't just generous—he's incredibly handsome and wealthy too!"

She clasped her hands in admiration. "He truly values what your studio created."

"Absolutely! His generosity is unmatched!"

Isabella's colleagues joined in enthusiastically. Laughter echoed through the studio, filling it with warm, familial energy.