Isabella hadn't expected the office rumors to spread this fast.

Once again, she found herself at the center of workplace whispers.

Back when she married Ethan, only a handful of people knew about their union.

Now with Sophia's return, Ethan must be even more determined to distance himself from her.

"It's strictly professional," Isabella stated softly, her eyes downcast.

She carefully hid the flicker of sadness threatening to surface.

"Mr. Blackwood is known for his generosity and loyalty."

"Were any of you forced to drink against your will, he would defend you too."

Chloe's jaw dropped in disbelief.

She searched for words to counter Isabella's perfect defense but found none.

Hesitantly, she backed down, though skepticism lingered in her expression.

Isabella sank into her chair, her mind swirling with chaotic thoughts.

Could Ethan possibly harbor lingering feelings for her?

The tantalizing possibility fluttered through her mind briefly.

She firmly squashed it immediately.

No, Ethan didn't love her.

She couldn't allow herself to indulge in baseless daydreams.

Inside the CEO's office, Benjamin completed his rundown of the day's agenda.

He hesitantly broached the subject of the latest office whispers circulating.

Ethan's face remained impassive, his features set in an icy mask.

The atmosphere grew heavy with tension.

Benjamin stood rigidly before him, nervous sweat beading on his forehead.

His hands trembled slightly.

"Do I seriously have to tell you how to handle these simple matters?"

Ethan's voice sliced through the silence, sharp and unforgiving.

He didn't even glance in Benjamin's direction.

Disappointment crept into Benjamin's heart.

It appeared Ethan was truly indifferent to his wife, Isabella.

Benjamin realized there was little he could do to mend their fractured relationship.

"Mr. Blackwood, please rest assured your wife has already cleared up the misunderstandings."

Benjamin adopted a professional demeanor to mask his inner turmoil.

As Benjamin turned to leave, Ethan's voice halted him abruptly.

"What did she say?"

Ethan's inquiry was flat and emotionless.

Yet Benjamin detected an underlying current of something intense.

"Well, she said..." Benjamin paused, scrutinizing Ethan's stoic facade.

He chose his words carefully.

"She said that the two of you have nothing more than a typical boss-subordinate relationship."

"She praised your compassion and protective nature."

"She insisted you'd defend any employee just as fiercely against injustices."

Benjamin's enthusiasm grew as he spoke.

He couldn't help admiring Isabella's tactful maneuver.

It was a masterstroke, painting Ethan as an approachable and benevolent leader.

Ethan's countenance abruptly shifted.

His mood soured instantly.

He slammed a pen against the desk with a sharp crack.

"Get out!" he bellowed, his voice booming with authority.

Benjamin recoiled and quickly exited the ominous office atmosphere.

Left alone, Ethan slumped into his expansive chair.

His features twisted into an ominous scowl.

Outside the office, high heels echoed on the polished floor.

Sophia, dressed in a sleek Chanel suit, paused at the doorway.

"Benjamin, is Ethan inside?" she inquired with a knowing smirk.

Her voice was laced with playful tease, already aware of the answer.

Benjamin's face lit up with relief upon seeing Sophia.

He smiled widely, almost ingratiatingly.

"Miss Reed, perfect timing!"

"Mr. Blackwood's in a foul mood."

"You're the only one who can handle him."

"He could use your soothing presence."

After a soft knock on the door, Ethan mistook the visitor for Isabella.

He adjusted his tone to something more commanding.

"Come in," he called out.