“It’s acceptable,” Olivia Sterling remarked flatly, returning the tablet to Sophia Reed. She stole a quick look at Ethan, noting his unchanged composure. It puzzled her.

After spending the entire night with Ethan, Isabella should have been by his side by now.

Olivia speculated silently. Did he exhaust the poor girl last night? Yet her expression remained neutral as she casually addressed a nearby servant. “Why hasn’t Miss Scott arrived yet?”

The sudden inquiry caught Sophia off guard. She hesitated, her eyes briefly meeting Ethan’s. Seeing no reaction from him, she cautiously replied, “She might have lost track of time.”

Olivia simply arched an eyebrow, her suspicions deepening. The previous night might have been more eventful than she initially assumed.

Leisurely, Olivia picked up her wine glass, swirling the contents lightly. Her gaze shifted between Ethan and Sophia, as if observing an intriguing drama unfold.

Soon, Isabella entered the dining hall. Soaked from the rain, her hair clung to her face. Her nearly transparent white shirt accentuated her slender frame.

Despite her disheveled appearance, Isabella maintained her composure. Her demeanor was calm, her presence radiantly defiant. She carried no design drafts, only a single hibiscus flower. Raindrops dotted its petals, sparkling like tiny pearls.

Olivia paused at the sight. “Miss Scott, what happened?” she asked, setting her wine glass down.

Isabella approached the table. She delicately placed the hibiscus on it, watching as droplets formed subtle patterns on the cloth.

“This represents my design,” she stated.

Sophia burst into laughter. “Isabella, is this a joke? Do you think a single flower will satisfy Ms. Sterling?”

Ethan’s attention shifted subtly. His eyes lingered on Isabella with a hint of curiosity.

“The hibiscus, freshly kissed by the rain, showcases its beauty effortlessly,” Isabella responded with measured clarity, ignoring Sophia’s scoff. “Ms. Sterling’s grace mirrors the hibiscus—both are subtly vibrant and strikingly delicate. This flower embodies that spirit.”

A spark of interest flickered in Olivia’s eyes. She had expected typical design drafts from Isabella. The real hibiscus was an unexpected, bold choice. It captivated her instantly.

“Fascinating…” Olivia murmured, picking up the flower to study it more closely. Genuine admiration showed on her face.

Sophia gripped her tablet so tightly her knuckles turned white. Isabella held Ethan’s attention momentarily. Emotion flickered in his deep, unreadable eyes.

Instead of announcing the results immediately, Olivia instructed everyone to proceed with breakfast. A subtle tension filled the dining room. Everyone was absorbed in private contemplations.

As the meal concluded, Olivia dabbed the corner of her mouth gracefully with her napkin. She looked meaningfully at Isabella and Ethan before standing to leave.

Isabella followed closely behind her.

Soon, only Ethan and Sophia remained.

Sophia could no longer contain herself. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she approached Ethan, her voice breaking. “This collaboration means everything to me, Ethan. If our branch loses this project, I might lose my job. The senior staff have never taken me seriously.”