“They hold significant sway in the industry. Landing their contract would be a major boost for our studio’s growth,” Julian replied.

Isabella gave a firm nod. “I’ll complete the design drafts immediately. We must ensure they are thoroughly impressed.”

The following days saw Isabella completely absorbed in her work. She practically lived at the studio, pushing herself relentlessly.

“Miss Scott, you haven’t slept properly in two days. You must rest,” Julian said, approaching her with a steaming cup of tea.

Rubbing her tired eyes, Isabella offered a weak smile. “I’m fine. This is our studio’s first major project. It has to be perfect.”

Just before the deadline, she finally finished the last design draft. A wave of relief washed over her as she handed the portfolio to Julian.

“Julian, I’ve been away from the local scene for a while. Could you review these and send them to the client? I desperately need some sleep,” she said, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

“Of course, Miss Scott,” Julian replied, his expression momentarily unreadable.

Isabella simply nodded and retreated to the lounge. She was asleep almost the moment her head touched the pillow.

As she left, a sly smirk twisted Julian’s lips. He pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Miss Reed, I have the drafts.”

“Excellent. Proceed as we discussed,” a cold voice answered from the other end. Julian then anonymously uploaded all of Isabella’s design drafts to the internet.

Meanwhile, at Blackwood Enterprises headquarters, Ethan was wrapping up his work. He massaged his temples, preparing to leave for the day. Walking down the corridor, he paused upon hearing Sophia’s voice by the window. Her tone was icy as she spoke on the phone.

Ethan distinctly caught the name “Isabella” and frowned.

“Who are you talking to?” he inquired, his voice deep and demanding.

Sophia spun around, nearly fumbling her phone at the sight of him. “Oh… It was… It was Mrs. Blackwood…”

Ethan eyed her with clear skepticism. “Mrs. Blackwood…?”

She took a sharp breath to compose herself. “She called, asking about Isabella,” Sophia explained quickly. “She heard Isabella was back… and wondered when you and I might come to Blackwood Estate for dinner.”

Sophia watched Ethan’s reaction closely, her anxiety barely concealed.

Ethan’s expression remained utterly impassive. After a brief, tense silence, he responded indifferently, “Is that so?”

“Yes… yes, that’s right,” Sophia said, forcing a tight smile.

Ethan said nothing more, his penetrating gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. “You can go by yourself, then.”

He turned and stepped into the elevator without a backward glance. Sophia watched the doors slide shut and finally released the breath she’d been holding.

Her grip on the phone was vice-like, her palms damp with sweat.

Down in the underground parking lot, Ethan settled into the back seat of his Maybach.

“Mr. Blackwood,” Benjamin said respectfully, handing him a file. “The latest update on Miss Scott’s studio.”

Ethan skimmed the documents casually. Every detail was meticulously recorded: the studio’s location, staff, even the specifics of their first clients.

“She’s moving quickly,” Ethan observed.

“According to our sources, the first project for Miss Scott’s studio is complete. The client is reportedly very satisfied,” Benjamin added.