Ethan glanced up at her, his expression unreadable. He remained silent.

Olivia observed Isabella with clear interest. She was visibly intrigued.

Isabella appeared far more compelling than Olivia had initially anticipated. Earlier, the butler had informed Olivia that this was the Isabella Charlotte had mentioned.

Seeing her in person now, Olivia understood why Charlotte spoke so highly of her. Isabella truly stood out, especially compared to someone merely superficial.

Besides, Ethan’s strikingly handsome features usually drew admiring glances from many women. Isabella, however, wasn’t one to be easily swayed.

Isabella presented a meticulously prepared collaboration proposal to Olivia.

“Ms. Sterling, please review this proposal from our studio.”

Olivia accepted the document and flipped through it casually.

“The proposal is quite standard, though you’ve obviously put considerable thought into it,” Olivia commented, her tone neutral and giving nothing away.

Without showing much reaction, she closed the proposal and set it aside. “I tend to avoid the conventional. I’m already familiar with the operations of your studio and Blackwood Enterprises.”

Indeed, Blackwood Enterprises’ branch office had been relentlessly contacting her, to the point of becoming overwhelming.

Olivia’s eyes danced playfully between Isabella and Ethan. “Here’s my offer. Tonight, you’ll both have the opportunity to impress me. Use Silverwood Estate as your inspiration to create a design. The one whose design captivates me more will earn a chance at partnership.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed. Just as he was about to speak, Olivia raised a hand, silencing him. “Mr. Blackwood, I understand the time is tight, but genuine talent thrives under pressure, wouldn’t you agree?”

Olivia’s red lips curved into a smile as she lifted her coffee cup, motioning as though inviting Ethan to a toast.

Ethan said nothing, merely taking a sip of his coffee.

Sophia’s face paled.

How could anyone be expected to create a design sophisticated enough to secure Olivia’s favor in such a short time? It seemed like an obvious setup for failure!

Just then, the butler rushed towards them, his face etched with concern. “Ms. Sterling, there’s been an incident! The mountain road is completely destroyed by the rain. We’re cut off. It’s unlikely the path will be cleared before noon tomorrow.”

Olivia’s eyebrow arched as she processed the news. “Well then, it seems you three will need to stay here at the estate for the night.”

Observing that Ethan raised no objections, Olivia instructed, “Please have someone prepare the guest rooms.”

As the butler departed to carry out her orders, she watched Ethan and Isabella with an expressive look.

Ethan’s attention subtly drifted toward Isabella, while he completely ignored Sophia by his side.

Olivia was aware of the whispers suggesting Sophia was the love of Ethan’s life. However, the current dynamics hinted otherwise.

Her interest in the real connection between Ethan and Isabella deepened. All the while, Isabella was deeply engrossed in refining her design proposal, unaware of Olivia’s scrutinizing gaze.