Ethan didn't refuse the proposals.

His instruction to consult the head butler was a silent agreement.

He stood up, adjusting his suit jacket.

"I have matters to attend to. Enjoy your day."

He left the estate without a backward glance.

Isabella watched him disappear through the doorway.

Her emotions tangled into a complicated knot.

She couldn't decipher Ethan's thoughts.

She couldn't predict their future.

Her immediate focus was Liam's care.

Sophia stormed into the branch office.

She slammed her door shut with violent force.

The sound echoed through the hallway.

Her chest heaved with furious breaths.

"Why does Isabella get to live at Hawthorne Residence?" she seethed silently.

"I am the true lady of that house."

She paced her office with clenched fists.

Her nails dug deep into her palms.

A hesitant knock interrupted her rage.

The design department manager stood outside.

"Enter." Sophia forced her voice into calmness.

The manager stepped in cautiously.

He carried a stack of documents with trembling hands.

"Miss Reed, we have Ms. Sterling's jewelry design drafts ready. The invitation for the Starlight Gala has also arrived."

Sophia took the documents and scanned them quickly.

Her expression shifted as an idea sparked.

"The Starlight Gala..." she murmured.

A plan began crystallizing in her mind.

"Issue the order. Accelerate production of Ms. Sterling's jewelry. It must be ready before the gala," she commanded.

The manager's face tightened with anxiety.

"Miss Reed, that's nearly impossible. Our original timeline was a month. The gala is in three days..."

"I don't accept excuses!" Sophia's hand slammed onto her desk.

The sharp sound made him flinch.

"Deliver results or face termination. Starting with you."

The manager shuddered, sweat beading on his forehead.

He knew better than to challenge Sophia's wrath.

"Y-Yes, Miss Reed. I'll arrange it immediately."

He retreated from the office, burdened by the impossible deadline.

Sophia watched him leave with a cold smirk.

"Let's see how you handle this, Isabella."

Though Isabella worked with Sterling Industries on Eva's secret project for the gala, Sophia would tolerate no rivals.