The car began to move.

Isabella’s anxiety spiked.

She thought about her meeting with Olivia Sterling.

If she had to walk up the mountain now, it would be disastrous.

It would be dark by the time she arrived.

She took a sharp breath.

Then she opened the passenger door and got in.

The interior smelled faintly of perfume.

It was Sophia’s signature scent.

Isabella felt stifled.

She shifted in her seat.

Ethan’s eyes were on her soaked form.

A flicker of satisfaction crossed his face.

He said nothing.

Benjamin started the engine.

The car began climbing.

Warm air filled the space.

Isabella’s clothes were drenched.

Her trench coat clung to her.

The dark blue fabric had darkened with water.

It left a damp mark on the cream leather seat.

Sophia noticed.

She feigned concern.

“Isabella, your coat is staining the seat.”

Isabella glanced down.

She saw the wet patch.

Embarrassment heated her cheeks.

But she kept her voice steady.

“Is it?”

Sophia suppressed a smile.

“I brought extra clothes. You should change. You’ll catch a cold. Don’t worry—Ethan picked them. They won’t bleed.”

She knew Isabella would refuse.

It was a deliberate insult.

Isabella understood the game.

She offered a thin, bitter smile.

“No, thank you.”

Sophia’s expression tightened.

She hadn’t gotten the reaction she wanted.

She turned to look out the window.

“Where are you headed, by the way?”

“Silverwood Estate,” Isabella replied shortly.

Sophia froze.

“Silverwood Estate?”

A heavy dread settled in Isabella’s stomach.

What a coincidence.

Were they going to the same place?

A cold shiver ran down her spine.

Benjamin saw Ethan’s dark expression in the mirror.

He quickly intervened.

“Mrs. Blackwood, we’re also going to Silverwood Estate.”

The title made Isabella flinch.

Her voice was firm.

“Please don’t call me that.”

Sophia’s face instantly soured.

Why did Benjamin still use that name?

A tense silence fell.

Sophia clenched her fists.

Her nails dug into her palms.