“What? Blackwood Enterprises is going after the Grant Group because of her?”

“Is that even possible?”

“Who is she really? How can one person cause this much trouble?”

“I don’t believe it…”

The murmurs grew louder.

Every pair of eyes locked onto Isabella, stripping her bare under the harsh scrutiny.

She felt exposed. Vulnerable. Judged.

The pressure was crushing, suffocating.

She stumbled backward, bumping into the sofa behind her. She nearly fell.

“Lucas… Is it really because of me that he’s targeting your family?” Her mind spun. The realization hit like a physical blow. She never imagined things would go this far.

“Why that look? Scared now?” Eleanor mocked Isabella’s dazed, shattered expression. She felt no pity, only a twisted satisfaction. “Stop playing the victim! Do you think looking innocent will absolve you? Not a chance! You owe our family!”

Her relentless tone overwhelmed Isabella.

“I truly don’t understand…” Isabella stammered, trying to defend herself. But Eleanor’s sharp accusations and the crowd’s judgmental stares left her utterly helpless.

“You don’t? You think ignorance is an excuse? Do you believe we’re that easily fooled?” Eleanor scoffed, her gaze intensifying. “Listen, Isabella. You’re not leaving until you tell the truth.”

“Aunt Eleanor, please, try to calm down. Don’t let this consume you…” Daniel interjected. He stood close, supporting her cautiously, worried she might spiral. While he held some resentment toward Isabella, seeing her so distressed stirred a hint of sympathy. After all, she was the woman his cousin Lucas deeply cared for.

Just then, rapid footsteps echoed from the elevator.

“What is going on here?” A deep, commanding voice cut through the lobby’s chaos.

Lucas rushed in, his features marked with urgency and concern. When he saw the red palm print on Isabella’s cheek and the tears in her eyes, his heart dropped. He understood immediately.

“What are you doing, Mother?” Lucas confronted Eleanor, his voice laced with reproach. “Isabella isn’t to blame. Why did you hit her?”

His expression softened as he turned to Isabella, radiating pain and regret.

“Not to blame?! You’re still defending her?” Eleanor’s anger flared seeing her son take Isabella’s side. “Lucas! Have you lost your mind over this woman? Don’t you see it’s because of her that Blackwood Enterprises is coming for us? Do you understand how ruthless Ethan can be? Our family… We might not survive this…” Her voice broke. She was overwhelmed.

She pointed a shaking finger at Lucas, her face etched with fury and despair.

“Mother! Please, try to calm down! It’s not as bad as you think,” Lucas attempted to soothe her. “Don’t overreact. I’ll handle it…”

“You’ll handle it? How? With what resources?” Eleanor’s control shattered.

She pushed Lucas aside, her stance unsteady.

“Lucas! You’re going to be the death of me!”

Eleanor suddenly felt dizzy. Her vision blurred.

She collapsed to the floor.

“Mother!”

“Aunt Eleanor!”

Lucas and Daniel cried out in unison, rushing to her side.