She paused briefly before adding, “Everyone assumed Mr. Blackwood would propose to Miss Reed any day now.”

“Is that so?” Isabella responded, her tone distant and uninterested.

“Yes,” Chloe continued, absorbed in the gossip. “It’s odd, really. Three whole years and still nothing…”

Inside, Isabella felt a storm of emotions, but she kept her expression neutral. “Maybe they have their own reasons,” she suggested, eager to steer the conversation back to business and leave the past—and the rumors—far behind.

Just then, the meeting room door swung open.

Ethan stepped inside.

He wore an impeccably tailored black suit that emphasized his tall, lean frame, making him appear even more commanding. His face was unreadable.

Chloe paled at the sight of him. She scrambled to her feet, stammering, “M-Mr. Blackwood.”

“Leave,” Ethan commanded coldly, his gaze locked on Isabella.

Chloe hurried out, closing the door firmly behind her. Alone with Ethan now, a chill ran down Isabella’s spine. She had expected a meeting with someone from the marketing team, not the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises himself.

“For such a minor collaboration, your personal attendance is quite an honor, Mr. Blackwood,” Isabella said, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words.

Ethan’s expression darkened. He had overheard her conversation with Chloe just outside the door. Three years had passed, yet she remained as composed and detached as ever. Her indifference stirred a deep, unsettling feeling within him.

“You misunderstand,” he replied, his voice steady and firm. “Blackwood Enterprises approaches every partnership with rigorous scrutiny. There are no exceptions.”

“Exceptions?” The word felt like a sharp sting. Of course, exceptions were reserved only for Sophia, weren’t they? Isabella took a slow, deep breath to suppress her rising emotions, then pulled out a chair and sat down.

“So, Mr. Blackwood, what kind of design did you have in mind?”

Ethan’s gaze was intense and unreadable.

“This project is crucial for Blackwood Enterprises’ future. It requires a deeper level of collaboration. I want you to start working at our headquarters tomorrow to ensure seamless communication.”

“Work at Blackwood Enterprises?” Isabella almost laughed. He wanted her to work there? Was this for the sake of convenience, for closer supervision, or perhaps… a way to keep her under his control?

She began gathering her things, ready to leave. “Have you considered the penalty for breaching the contract?” Ethan’s voice remained even, yet carried undeniable authority.

Isabella’s hand froze mid-air. Anger surged through her. The penalty! Given her studio’s current financial strain, paying any penalty was utterly impossible.

Reluctantly, she turned back. “Fine. I agree,” she forced out through gritted teeth.

As she turned to leave again, Ethan spoke. “It’s almost lunchtime.”

Expecting him to discuss project details, his mention of lunch caught her off guard. She paused, then offered a bitter smile. “Mr. Blackwood, I assume you’ll be having lunch with Miss Reed? I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed, his displeasure evident at her tone. “Our business discussion isn’t over. Lunch can be part of it.”

Frustration welled up inside Isabella. Was she merely a pawn to him, to be used and dismissed at his convenience?