Isabella drew a steadying breath, forcing her rising anger into submission. She masked her irritation with a perfectly practiced, serene smile. She settled into the seat beside Ethan with an air of graceful indifference.

Her voice was light, almost breezy. “Mr. King, perhaps there’s been a small confusion. The truth is, Ethan was the mastermind behind this entire proposal. I was simply the messenger delivering it. The most important thing, of course, is that you are pleased with the final work.”

Her words, cloaked in politeness, were carefully crafted. Their purpose was twofold: to correct the record and to subtly reduce her own contribution to that of a mere courier.

Alexander King, a man seasoned by years of judging character, instantly detected the hidden agenda in her cautious phrasing. His discerning gaze swept over her, and his features tightened into a subtle frown of displeasure.

He was well aware of the whispers surrounding Sophia’s history with Ethan. Her recent return had already set their social circles abuzz. Despite Ethan’s apparent lingering softness for his former lover, Alexander was resolved to pay her no mind.

He cleared his throat pointedly. His sharp eyes moved over Ethan and Isabella, finally anchoring on Ethan with significant weight. “Mr. Blackwood, I would like a private word with you regarding our potential collaboration. At your earliest convenience. Given your current… company, perhaps we should reschedule our discussion for another time.” His words hung heavily in the air, thickening the tension.

Isabella’s expression stiffened. A mix of regret and acute embarrassment flashed across her face as she realized her misstep had poisoned the atmosphere. She was just gathering herself to attempt damage control when Alexander abruptly stood and left the room.

“Mr. King…” Her voice was little more than a faltering whisper. She watched, a cocktail of anxiety and frustration churning inside her, as her chance to secure the deal seemed to walk out the door with him. Yet, she held her emotions in check in front of Ethan. Feeling utterly powerless, she could only stare at his retreating back.

Once Alexander was gone, she turned to Ethan. Her face was a picture of bewilderment. She ventured cautiously, “Mr. Blackwood, this is a critical moment to finalize the cooperation. Perhaps you could still…”

Ethan’s icy voice cut her off mid-sentence. “Isabella, who gave you permission to approach Mr. King on your own initiative?”

The question hit her like a physical blow. A tight, gripping pain seized her heart. A dull, creeping ache began to spread across her chest.

“Ethan, please, don’t be too hard on her,” Sophia interjected, her voice a soft, gentle murmur. It sounded protective, yet carried a faint undercurrent of criticism.

As she spoke, she subtly shifted closer to Ethan. Her arm brushed lightly against his, suggesting a familiar intimacy. “She only meant well for the company. Even if her methods were a little… unorthodox. Right?”

Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly. He shifted almost imperceptibly away from her touch but remained silent. He did not contradict her statement.

Isabella turned her face away. She could no longer bear to watch the exchange.

The fierce afternoon sun poured over her, yet it failed to warm the coldness seeping deep into her soul.

While she had buried herself in the proposal, pouring her entire being into the work, Ethan had been occupied, enjoying himself with the love of his life. The sheer absurdity of the situation was not lost on her.

She took another measured breath, quelling the storm raging inside. She addressed him with a veneer of cool composure. “Mr. Blackwood, our company places the highest importance on the Oakridge Industries project. When we successfully secure the deal, I trust you will honor the bonus you promised.”

Ethan’s gaze sharpened. His eyes became dark, unreadable abysses.

So, it all came down to the bonus for her. Was this her calculated move to sever ties? To think she had planned her exit with such meticulous care.

Unable to stomach the sight of Ethan and Sophia’s closeness a moment longer, Isabella decided to leave.

She swiftly collected the proposal documents from the table. She tucked them neatly into her bag and turned to go.