Isabella looked surprised.

She glanced at Liam, who was playing with his toys. “Don’t worry. Emily will come during the day to help.”

Eleanor nodded after a moment of silence.

Back in her room, Isabella took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She opened her laptop and continued refining her brand logo design. The company registration was almost complete and would be finalized in about two weeks. Time was running out, and she needed to focus entirely on launching her brand.

“This has to work,” she whispered to herself.

But the memory of Ethan’s forceful kiss haunted her. Annoyed, she rubbed her temples, struggling to concentrate. She spent the night tossing and turning, unable to find peace.

The next morning, dark circles under her eyes, Isabella grabbed her purse and headed out, determined to push through.

“Grandma, I’m going to look at some office spaces. I might not be back for lunch,” she said.

“Alright, dear. Be careful out there,” Eleanor replied, her voice laced with concern.

Isabella then contacted the real estate agent she had spoken with earlier, reiterating her requirements.

“Miss Scott, I found a few office spaces in the city center that fit your budget. Would you like to view them?” the agent suggested enthusiastically.

They toured several buildings together. One particularly stood out due to its excellent lighting and ideal size.

“What do you think? If it suits you, we can proceed with the contract,” the agent said.

Isabella hesitated. “It’s not bad. But…”

“Do you have any concerns, Miss Scott? Actually, there’s another space that might be even better. It’s near Blackwood Enterprises—prime location, and the price is similar,” the agent added.

Isabella’s heart skipped a beat. She almost said, “No, this one is fine.”

She wanted nothing to do with Blackwood Enterprises.

“Alright, Miss Scott, I’ll prepare the contract,” the agent said, noticing her reluctance to explore other options.

Isabella took the documents for the chosen office and followed the agent to the agency to sign the contract. Sitting in the waiting area, she reviewed the terms, trying to ignore the unease growing inside her.

“What a coincidence, Isabella.”

Sophia’s sharp voice cut through the silence. Isabella looked up to see Sophia striding in on high heels.

“What brings you here, Miss Reed?” The agent quickly stood up, offering a polite smile.

Sophia glanced at Isabella disdainfully, her lips curling into a mocking smile. “Ethan said he’d buy me a place and let me choose.”

Isabella’s fingers tightened slightly around the contract, but her expression remained neutral.

“Oh? Tired of living at Hawthorne Residence?” Isabella asked.

Sophia’s demeanor stiffened, her gaze turning icy. “Isabella, enough with the sarcasm! What right do you have to be so arrogant now?”

Isabella let out a soft, cold laugh, locking eyes with her. “I’m just curious, Miss Reed. It’s been three years, and you still haven’t moved into Hawthorne Residence?”

The tension between them thickened, both women standing on the brink of confrontation.

The real estate agent shifted uncomfortably, sweat beading on his forehead as his eyes darted nervously between Sophia and Isabella. “Uh… you’re both valued clients. Let’s discuss this calmly—”