"Perfect. Send me the location. I'm on my way," she replied.

Isabella Scott arrived at the Hermes boutique.

Her eyes immediately landed on two familiar figures.

Victoria Blackwood and Sophia Reed were already inside.

Their presence felt like a dark cloud.

Victoria, draped in luxury, was seated on a plush sofa.

Store employees were presenting the newest handbag collection to her.

Sophia stood gracefully beside Victoria, offering a polished, polite smile.

The moment Victoria noticed Isabella, her face tightened.

Open hostility flashed in her eyes.

The air in the room grew thick and heavy.

Isabella took a slow, steadying breath.

She had seen them, but she refused to let it shake her.

She needed to maintain her composure.

"Well, if it isn't Isabella Scott?" Victoria's voice was laced with venom. "I'm surprised you're still here after three years."

"It has been a long time, Mrs. Blackwood," Isabella responded, keeping her tone neutral.

"Really?" Victoria sneered, looking her up and down with contempt. "I thought you'd vanished for good. Found another wealthy man to latch onto? Feeling brave enough to show your face again?"

"You should watch your words, Mrs. Blackwood," Isabella countered, her own expression turning cold. She was not the timid woman from three years ago.

Victoria let out a mocking laugh. "You were thrown out of the Blackwood family. What gives you the right to demand respect from me? If it weren't for Ethan's momentary foolishness, do you honestly think you would have ever married into this family?"

Isabella drew a deep breath. Arguing with Victoria was pointless.

"Cat got your tongue?" Victoria taunted. "What else can a woman like you do besides debase herself?"

Sophia gently tugged at Victoria's sleeve. "Let it go. She's not worth your energy."

Isabella gave a cold scoff, her gaze fixed on Sophia. "How saintly of you, Miss Reed. Anyone unaware might think you're a true angel."

"What are you implying?" Sophia's face fell.

"You know exactly what I'm implying," Isabella shot back. "Don't think your actions are a secret."

"How dare you!" Sophia snapped, her anger flaring.

Seeing Sophia's reaction only infuriated Victoria further. "You wretched girl! How dare you speak to Sophia that way!"

In a flash, Victoria's hand flew up, aiming for Isabella's face.

But Isabella was ready.

She sidestepped smoothly, avoiding the slap, and caught Victoria's wrist in a firm grip.

"Have some dignity, Mrs. Blackwood," Isabella said, her voice icy.

Victoria hadn't expected resistance. She winced as pain shot through her wrist.

Her face flushed with rage. "Release me this instant!"

A sales assistant, caught in the middle, rushed forward nervously. "Ladies, please, this is a public space…" She was in an impossible position, trapped between a Blackwood and this formidable woman.

The assistant hesitated, unsure how to proceed.

Refocusing, Isabella released Victoria's wrist and moved past her.

She addressed the assistant, her tone softening slightly. "Excuse me. I called ahead about the orange Kelly bag. Could you please bring it for me?"

Relieved, the assistant quickly retrieved the handbag and presented it respectfully.

Victoria seethed, watching Isabella's calm demeanor.

She couldn't stand it.

This was not how things were three years ago.

Isabella used to be submissive.

The shift in power was unacceptable.

Her anger boiled over.

"Wait!" Victoria's sharp command cut through the air. She pointed at the orange bag. "I want that one. I'll pay double for it."