“Isabella, would you present the project to Mr. Lee and Mr. Hayes?” His encouraging gaze settled on Isabella, who drew a deep breath, visibly pushing aside the earlier emotional turmoil.

A newly forged smile of confidence appeared on her lips. She gave a firm nod. “Of course, Ryan.”

As she stepped into her professional role, Isabella underwent a visible transformation. Her posture straightened. Her eyes sharpened with focus. Her voice carried clear conviction as she detailed the project’s core strengths and future potential. Every gesture radiated authority, painting her as a formidable and driven leader.

Sophia’s initial look of disdain gradually shifted into one of serious attention. She watched, reluctantly forced to acknowledge the raw talent Isabella displayed—a talent that clearly justified Ethan’s high regard. This recognition stoked a quiet, simmering jealousy within her.

When Isabella concluded, the room broke into enthusiastic applause.

“Absolutely outstanding! Ms. Scott, your insights were not only enlightening—they instill great confidence in our future partnership!” Julian exclaimed, leading the applause. His admiration wasn't purely professional; his eyes lingered a moment too long on Isabella’s poised figure.

Flushed with satisfaction from the positive reception, Isabella was nonetheless eager to end the meeting. The tension with Sophia hung thick in the air, making her desperate for an escape. “Regarding our collaboration, then…” she began, steering the conversation toward finalizing the deal.

Julian interrupted, his tone taking on an unsettling edge as his gaze swept over her. “Ms. Scott, while the contract is crucial, let’s not overlook the importance of building stronger personal connections while we’re all here,” he suggested. His eyes traveled suggestively down to her waist, accompanied by a sleazy grin.

“Ms. Reed mentioned you’re the type who gives your all for work. That’s exactly what a company needs. Let’s drink to that!” he declared, reaching for a bottle of red wine at the center of the table. “We just received this exceptionally strong vintage—one sip, and you’ll feel it instantly. Why not give it a try?”

Isabella’s eyes shifted to the bottle. The wine was a deep, hypnotic crimson under the soft lighting—its rich color hinting at a dangerously high alcohol content.

“You flatter me, Mr. Hayes, but I must admit my alcohol tolerance is embarrassingly low. I fear I’ll dampen the mood rather than enhance it this evening,” Isabella replied.

“Oh, come now, Ms. Scott! Don’t underestimate yourself,” Julian insisted, a sly tone creeping into his voice. “Everyone has hidden strengths. How will you discover your limits if you never test them? Surely, you wouldn’t want me to think you doubt my company’s sincerity?”

Julian’s stare bore into her, shimmering with undisguised greed, as if she were a prize waiting to be claimed.

Under the weight of his gaze, Isabella shifted uncomfortably. Her voice faltered as she tried to refuse again. “Well, Mr. Hayes…”

“How about this, Ms. Scott,” he cut in, his voice dripping with false charm. “I have a major government project in development. Drink this, and not only will I partner with your firm, but I’ll put you in charge of it. What do you say?”

The offer hung tantalizingly in the air. Securing this project meant a significant commission and a desperately needed bonus.

With her divorce from Ethan looming and the financial pressures of her baby’s future weighing heavily, Isabella’s resolve hardened. “I’ll do it,” she declared, nodding with grim determination.