“Understood. I’ll take care of it immediately,” Victoria reassured her, already moving into action.

The call ended, and Isabella sank back into the sofa, completely drained.

She had truly believed these past few days meant something. That something between her and Ethan had shifted.

Now she knew it was all in her head. A fantasy. A delusion.

She rose, collected her luggage, and walked out of the hotel. She didn’t look back.

Benjamin stood waiting by the car. He opened the door for her, his expression carefully neutral.

“Are you all right, Mrs. Blackwood?”

“I’m fine,” she said, forcing a small smile as she slid into the back seat.

The car pulled away. Isabella stared out the window, her mind a turbulent storm of confusion and hurt.

“Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood has departed,” Benjamin reported from behind Ethan. His tone was respectful, but a hint of uncertainty lingered.

Ethan spun around. A flicker of panic crossed his features before it was instantly suppressed. His lips thinned. His jaw tightened.

“When?” The word was rough.

“Just a few minutes ago.” Benjamin studied his employer cautiously. “She seemed… upset. She left rather quickly.”

A heavy silence filled the room.

Ethan ran a hand through his hair and strode to the massive window.

“Some respect,” he muttered under his breath, frustration boiling inside him.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to regain control. It didn’t work.

When he opened them moments later, he was anything but calm.

“Arrange discreet surveillance. I want her protected at all times. No mistakes.”

“Understood, Mr. Blackwood.”

Benjamin left, closing the door softly behind him.

The flight was smooth. As the plane prepared for landing, Isabella unbuckled her seatbelt and massaged her temples. She was exhausted, mentally and physically. All she wanted was her studio and her bed.

Her phone buzzed. Victoria was calling.

“Isabella? Have you landed? Something’s happened!” Victoria’s words came in a frantic rush.

A cold dread washed over Isabella. “What is it?”

“Our system… it glitched. We don’t know how, but your name was registered for the International Jewelry Design Competition.”

Isabella’s breath caught. The International Jewelry Design Competition?

She hadn’t signed up. Their systems were new, recently serviced. A glitch was impossible.

“What? How did this happen?” She fought to keep her voice steady. “Is the system stable now?”

“It seems to be, but the registration was successfully submitted. We can’t withdraw it.” Victoria sounded on the verge of tears.