Sophia Reed glided into the room.
Her signature perfume announced her presence before she even spoke.
The heavy floral scent immediately filled the air.
Ethan Blackwood’s expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
His brow furrowed with subtle irritation.
He had always despised overpowering fragrances.
They felt artificial and unnecessary to him.
“What are you doing here?” Ethan’s voice remained cool and controlled.
He expertly masked his growing annoyance.
Yet his mind involuntarily drifted to Isabella Scott.
He remembered the simple, clean scent of her shampoo.
It was a stark contrast to the cloying perfume now invading his office.
Sophia noticed the tension.
She casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
She offered him a soft, carefully crafted smile.
“Ethan, Benjamin mentioned you seemed troubled,” she said, her voice dripping with concern. “I was worried. Is this still about what happened with Isabella and the drinking? It was my mistake. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I am truly sorry.”
Her words were smooth and practiced.
Her demeanor was the picture of empathy.
But inside, a sharp resentment toward Isabella festered.
It was Isabella who had somehow damaged her standing with Ethan.
Ethan’s frown only deepened at her apology.
“Don’t worry about it. Everyone makes mistakes,” he stated flatly.
His tone revealed nothing.
Sophia’s smile wavered.
Her heart sank.
He hadn’t denied that Isabella was the reason for his foul mood.
A cold alarm shot through her.
Ethan’s feelings for Isabella ran much deeper than she had estimated.
This could not stand.
She would not allow Isabella to take what was rightfully hers.
Sophia quickly masked her inner turmoil.
She adopted a more compassionate tone.
“Even so, I should prove my sincerity through action. Since Isabella hasn’t been feeling well, perhaps she should take some time off to recover. Don’t you agree?”
Ethan paused, considering her suggestion.
He gave a thoughtful nod.
“Alright. We’ll do that.”
In the busy secretarial office, Isabella was deeply focused on her work.
She diligently organized stacks of documents.
It was her duty day.
She was responsible for compiling all the office files and delivering them to Ethan.
Thinking about her recent tensions with him made her uneasy.
After some hesitation, she approached Benjamin Clark.
Her voice was quiet and respectful.
“Benjamin, could you please help me deliver these to the CEO’s office? I just…”
Benjamin cut her off, looking uncomfortable.
“I’m afraid I can’t. Mr. Blackwood prefers that no one else handles his documents. Especially the critical ones requiring his personal approval.”
Isabella’s expression froze.
Her disappointment was palpable.
She struggled to find a response.
She stood there, momentarily lost.
Despite the turmoil inside, she knew she had to be professional.
She took a deep, steadying breath.
She gathered her resolve.
She walked toward the CEO’s office.
Her hand was raised, poised to knock.
But the door swung open with a soft click before she could.
A wave of strong perfume hit her.
Isabella looked up abruptly.
There stood Sophia, her features enhanced by flawless makeup.
She wore an impeccably tailored Chanel suit.
She exuded an aura of polished sophistication.
Her smug expression was particularly glaring.
Isabella’s hand remained suspended in the air.
The color drained from her face.
Sophia either didn’t notice Isabella’s reaction or chose to ignore it.
She strode confidently into the center of the secretarial office.
She clapped her hands briskly, cutting through the office murmur.
She beamed a practiced smile.
“Everyone, may I have your attention, please?” she announced.
The office fell into a curious hush.
All eyes turned toward her.
“Here’s the situation,” Sophia began, her smile never faltering.
Her voice was soothing and melodic.
“I realize my decisions yesterday may have unintentionally upset both Isabella and Ryan. To show my genuine regret, I’ve ordered milkshakes for everyone. I hope this makes up for any hard feelings.”
Her words were met with a ripple of cheers.
The office buzzed with appreciative murmurs for her generous gesture.