Isabella stared at the creamy soup in front of her.
She felt no appetite.
Her fingers trembled slightly around the warm bowl.
She couldn't bring herself to lift the spoon.
“Something wrong with the food?” Ethan's voice cut through the silence.
He arched an eyebrow.
“Not exactly,” Isabella forced a weak smile. “I'm just not hungry.”
“You should eat something.” His tone was casual. “I wouldn't want you to go hungry.”
He continued his meal without looking at her.
The dinner atmosphere remained heavy and tense.
Meanwhile, Liam ate with uninhibited joy.
His cheerful giggles filled the dining room.
He remained oblivious to the strained silence between the adults.
After the meal, Ethan excused himself.
He retreated to his study to attend to business.
Isabella followed Henry to the master bedroom.
It was the same room she had once shared with Ethan.
Her eyes scanned every corner.
Each piece of furniture held echoes of their past together.
The weight of those memories pressed down on her.
She turned to leave.
“Where are you going, Mrs. Blackwood?” Henry blocked the doorway.
His tone remained polite but firm.
“I just need some fresh air,” Isabella replied.
Her voice betrayed her frustration.
“Mr. Blackwood has instructed that you are not to leave Hawthorne Residence tonight.” Henry's face remained expressionless. “Perhaps you should consider retiring to bed.”
Isabella trembled slightly.
She felt utterly resigned.
“Alright. I understand.” She spoke quietly.
She turned back into the room.
She walked to the large bed and sat down slowly.
She pulled out her phone.
A missed call notification glowed on the screen.
It was from Emily, Liam's nanny and one of her most trusted confidants.
She returned the call immediately.
Emily's anxious voice answered.
“Miss Scott, are you alright?”
“I'm fine, Emily. How about you? Is everything alright at home?” Isabella kept her voice steady.
“Everything's settled. I just got back to your apartment, but… there's no one here. Where are you and Liam?”
“I…” Isabella hesitated.
She chose not to reveal her true situation. “Liam and I had something unexpected come up. We might not be back for a few days. Please take a few days off.”
“I see… Alright then. Just remember to call me if you need anything.” Emily sounded puzzled but didn't press further.
“Thanks, I will. Take care of yourself, too.” Isabella ended the call.
Her mood sank even deeper.
She looked out the window.
Night had fully descended.
City lights twinkled in the distance.
The vibrant scene only deepened her sense of isolation.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips.
“Sophia, do you really think this will break me?” she whispered into the darkness.
Her eyes hardened with fierce resolve.
The International Jewelry Design Competition loomed ahead.
It was her one opportunity to change her fortunes.
Isabella was determined not to let Sophia win.
She would turn the tables.
She would give Sophia a taste of her own medicine.
She would show everyone that Isabella Scott was not to be underestimated.
Ethan stood in the center of the living room downstairs.
His gaze remained fixed on the tightly shut door upstairs.
His face was a mask of conflicting emotions.
“Mr. Blackwood.” Henry approached Ethan quietly.
He broke the heavy silence.
He bowed slightly and spoke in a hushed tone.
He was cautious not to disturb the stillness. “The tonic soup you requested has been prepared. Should we send it up to Mrs. Blackwood now?”