Tears shimmered in her eyes as she sniffled, her expression deeply troubled.

“Do you recall when I saved you—”

“I remember,” Ethan interrupted.

His tone was icy, a flicker of impatience in his gaze. He hadn’t forgotten that day, but Sophia’s constant reminders were grating.

Biting her lip, Sophia longed to say more, but Ethan’s cold stare silenced her.

“I’ll consider it,” he stated flatly before turning to leave.

Sophia watched his retreating figure, her eyes filled with longing. Nearby, Isabella stood by a floor-to-ceiling window in the corridor, speaking softly into her phone.

“Lucas, I’m perfectly fine. The collaboration appears promising.” A faint smile touched Isabella’s lips, her voice laced with relief.

Ethan approached, halting abruptly behind her.

Was that Lucas on the phone?

Sensing his presence, Isabella turned, her surprise brief before she composed herself.

Their eyes met, the air thick with tension. Without a word, Ethan gave her a penetrating look and continued walking.

As he moved away, Isabella’s gaze followed him, her grip tightening on her phone, a hint of loneliness in her eyes.

She ended the call with a few cheerful words to Lucas.

Raindrops slid from the eaves, creating gentle ripples on the damp earth below. The view through the window grew sharper, carrying the fresh scent of rain.

By noon, the dining room buzzed with activity once more.

Seated at the head of the table, Olivia made an unexpected announcement. “The Sterling Industries project will now be handled by Blackwood Enterprises’ branch.”

The news stunned Isabella; her folder nearly slipped from her trembling hands. She was in disbelief—Olivia had praised her design just that morning.

Across from her, Sophia’s face broke into a triumphant smile, her pride unmistakable.

She shot Isabella a challenging look, her eyes gleaming with victory.

A heavy disappointment settled over Isabella’s heart, though she couldn’t understand why.

Ethan was absent from the dining room.

Sophia took her time passing Isabella, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Did you know Ethan just met with Ms. Sterling? Not everything can be earned through effort. Some are simply destined to remain in the background.”

After her cutting remarks, Sophia walked off, leaving Isabella to grapple with her defeat.

Struggling to maintain her composure, Isabella inclined her head and prepared to leave.

“Miss Scott, please wait,” Olivia called out from behind.

Isabella stopped and turned to face Olivia, her eyes clouded with confusion.

“Yes, Ms. Sterling was quite impressed with my design concept,” she murmured into the phone.