Her assistant stood frozen, too afraid to speak or even breathe too deeply.

He didn't want to become the next target of her rage.

"Get the car ready! Now!" Sophia Reed snapped, grabbing her purse and storming toward the door.

She was going to see Ethan Blackwood and demand an explanation for his choices.

When she arrived at Blackwood Enterprises, she marched straight toward the CEO's office.

"Miss Reed, you can't go in right now!" A secretary stood firmly in front of the door.

"Move!" Sophia shouted, shoving the woman aside as she tried to push past.

The secretary quickly blocked her path again, startled by the force of Sophia's push.

"Miss Reed, Mr. Blackwood is in a meeting. You can't interrupt him."

"A meeting?" Sophia pushed harder. "I need to see Ethan right now!"

"Please, Miss Reed, you need to calm down..." The secretary's face showed clear distress and helplessness as she was pushed aside repeatedly.

Just then, Benjamin Clark stepped out of the office. He frowned slightly at the commotion.

"What's going on here?" His voice was deep and authoritative.

The secretary quickly explained, relieved. "Miss Reed is demanding to see Mr. Blackwood, but he's in an important meeting."

"I need Ethan to come out here right now!" Sophia demanded, pointing sharply at the office door.

Benjamin responded calmly. "Miss Reed, that's not possible at this time."

"Not possible?" Sophia scoffed loudly. "He replaces me with Isabella, and now he won't even see me?"

Her voice grew louder and more frantic, drawing stares from nearby employees.

"Please watch your words, Miss Reed," Benjamin said, his expression darkening.

"Mr. Blackwood asked me to give you a message."

Sophia's head shot up, her eyes suddenly hopeful.

"He did? What did he say?"

Benjamin took a slow breath before speaking.

"Mr. Blackwood said he hopes you have the sense to know your place."

The words hit Sophia like a physical blow. All color drained from her face.

Her body swayed slightly as if all strength had left her.

"Know my place?" Was this his way of saying he'd chosen Isabella? No! She refused to accept it!

"Impossible!" she cried out. "He can't do this to me! After all these years, how can he just throw me away like this?"

She tried to rush the office door again, but Benjamin blocked her path.

"Miss Reed, please don't make this harder than it has to be."

Sophia finally collapsed to the floor. Tears streamed down her face, ruining her perfect makeup.

She looked completely broken.

Employees gathered around, whispering and pointing. Their reactions ranged from curiosity to pity.

Benjamin wasn't sure what to feel seeing her like this.

"Let me have the secretary take you home, Miss Reed," he offered.

Sophia didn't respond. She just hugged her knees and curled into a trembling ball in the middle of the hallway.

The whispers around her grew louder.