Isabella handed the pruning shears to the butler.

She dusted the soil from her hands.

Then she walked toward them, a faint smile on her lips.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that? I didn’t quite catch it earlier.”

Sophia opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

Humiliation washed over her.

She wished the ground would swallow her whole.

Isabella was equally stunned.

She never expected to run into Olivia Sterling in this setting.

Olivia, a globally renowned investor.

A formidable businesswoman known for her sharp instincts and ruthless strategies.

Yet here she stood, dressed in simple gardening clothes.

Her presence shifted the atmosphere entirely.

The tension in the room became palpable discomfort.

Sophia felt a chill run down her spine.

She regretted every word she had spoken moments before.

What if Olivia mentioned this to Ethan?

What would he think?

She forced a stiff smile, struggling to form an apology.

But the words wouldn’t come.

Olivia gave her a long, measured look.

Then she turned and walked away without another word.

Left alone in the guest room, Sophia and Isabella stood in heavy silence.

Sophia clenched her jaw, holding onto the last shreds of her pride.

“Just you wait, Isabella! Sooner or later, Ethan will see right through you!”

With that, she stormed out, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

The door slammed shut, echoing through the hallway.

Exhausted, Isabella rubbed her temples.

That confrontation had drained her.

It was pointless and exhausting.

All she wanted was to get out of that room.

She approached a servant and asked softly for directions to the gazebo.

The servant pointed down a glass-walled corridor.

She walked slowly, taking in the surroundings.

The gazebo stood beside a man-made lake, surrounded by lush trees.

It was serene and elegant.

From a distance, she could see Ethan and Olivia.

They were chatting comfortably, both having changed into fresh clothes.

They laughed easily, the conversation light and social.

Olivia lifted her coffee cup, taking a sip.

She glanced playfully at Ethan.

“I thought you were overseas, Ethan. I tried reaching you, but you were never available! What brings you here today? And with two lovely women, no less—should I expect some drama at my estate?”

Just then, Sophia arrived at the gazebo as well.

Her face was pale, her expression anxious.

She approached Olivia and bowed slightly. “Ms. Sterling, I apologize for my earlier behavior.”

Olivia responded with a cool, half-smile, then turned her attention back to Ethan.

Noticing this, Isabella stepped closer.

She said, “Ms. Sterling, I have no personal relationship with Mr. Blackwood. I was merely sharing a car with him.”