Isabella stepped into the lavish room.

Olivia Sterling was reclining on a velvet sofa, wrapped in a silk robe that shimmered like liquid gemstones.

She swirled a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light.

A lazy, amused smile played on her lips as she watched Isabella approach.

“Well, well,” Olivia purred. “If it isn’t our star designer.”

She set her glass down and took the folder from Isabella’s hands.

Her sharp eyes scanned Isabella’s tired face.

“What have you been doing to yourself these past few days?” Olivia clicked her tongue. “Honestly, if I didn’t know better, I’d think Mr. Blackwood was working you to the bone.”

Isabella offered a faint, weary smile. “Ms. Sterling, Mr. Blackwood and I have no connection anymore.”

Olivia said nothing.

She leisurely flipped through the design pages.

Her slender fingers occasionally tapped against the paper.

The room was silent except for the soft rustle of pages.

Isabella stood perfectly still.

Her palms were slightly damp.

She watched every subtle shift in Olivia’s expression.

“Elegant. Fresh,” Olivia murmured, glancing up. “Like the first bloom of spring.” She closed the folder with a soft thud. “You’ve truly outdone yourself, Isabella. These designs are breathtaking—exactly what this year’s Starlight Gala requires.”

Then her lips curled into a smirk. “We’re moving forward with this.”

Relief washed over Isabella.

The tension drained from her shoulders.

“Thank you, Ms. Sterling,” she said, her voice steady. “I’ll ensure everything is executed flawlessly.”

Olivia rose gracefully.

She stepped closer and rested a hand on Isabella’s shoulder.

“I never doubted you,” she said smoothly. “Keep this up. I expect great things from you.”

Then, with a knowing look, she added, “But do take better care of yourself. A woman should never let work steal her radiance.” She lifted her wine glass and took a slow sip.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, thoughtful and distant.

Isabella exited the estate, her heart feeling lighter.

But as she reached her car, a sharp voice cut through the air.

“Well, well… look who it is. Taking a scenic stroll?”

Isabella froze.

Her expression cooled as she turned.

Sophia stood nearby, a folder tucked under her arm.

A smug smirk twisted her lips.

She wore a perfectly tailored business suit that hugged her curves.

She might have looked elegant—if not for the malice darkening her features.

Isabella’s brows furrowed slightly.

She didn’t understand Sophia’s persistent hostility.

She had already stepped away from Ethan’s life.

What more did Sophia want?

Keeping her composure, Isabella asked coolly, “Miss Reed, do you need something?”

Sophia scoffed and closed the distance between them.

Her gaze was sharp and provocative.

“Some people are so self-absorbed,” she sneered. “Poor Lucas—he gave everything, only to save an ungrateful wretch.” With that, Sophia swept past Isabella.

Her head held high.

Her heels clicked sharply against the pavement as she strode toward the estate.