Isabella found Sophia’s sudden change in demeanor startlingly abrupt.

“Have this room cleaned and properly furnished,” Sophia instructed.

Isabella opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated.

She nodded respectfully. “Understood.”

Without another word, Sophia moved to the room’s only window. She pushed it open and took a deep breath of fresh air.

While the team hurried to prepare the office, Isabella checked her watch. She steadied herself with another breath and headed to Blackwood Enterprises’ design department.

She knocked lightly on the meeting room door. A voice answered from within. She entered.

Sophia sat elegantly, reviewing a stack of documents. Her champagne-colored suit complemented her delicate complexion. Her sleek hair fell gracefully around her shoulders, giving her an innocent appearance.

When Sophia noticed Isabella, her lips curved into a faint smile. She set the papers down.

Isabella paused, caught off guard.

“Miss Reed? I didn’t realize you had transitioned into design work,” she said, forcing a casual tone.

Sophia’s smile faltered for a second before she regained her composure. “Miss Scott, you must be joking. Ethan would never assign me such basic tasks.”

A sharp pang shot through Isabella’s heart.

She suppressed her unease. “Then, Miss Reed, what brings you to the design department?”

Sophia’s eyes locked onto hers. “This time, the theme is ‘Eternal Promise.’ It’s a wedding jewelry collection.”

“Eternal Promise…” Isabella echoed softly. Visions of Ethan looking at Sophia with affection flooded her mind. Ethan and Sophia’s wedding. The realization struck her forcefully.

It dawned on her that Ethan had made her stay here to design the wedding jewelry for his union with Sophia.

How bitterly ironic.

Isabella’s face momentarily lost color, but she quickly masked her emotions.

Sophia noticed the subtle shift. A slight smirk of victory played on her lips.

“Is something wrong? Are you considering backing out of the contract?” Sophia’s tone was gentle, but her underlying sharpness was unmistakable.

“You misunderstand,” Isabella responded, her voice steady. “I was simply contemplating what design could truly capture a concept as profound as ‘Eternal Promise.’”

“A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It requires exceptional attention. As for the budget, don’t concern yourself. Just ensure it’s unparalleled.”

Isabella observed her quietly, her expression thoughtful and enigmatic.

“Of course, this falls within my responsibilities. Miss Reed, you can rest assured,” Isabella said.

Sophia nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave. As the door closed, Isabella’s polite smile vanished. It was replaced by a cool, composed expression.

She recognized Sophia’s words for what they were—a subtle maneuver to exert pressure and provoke a reaction.

But Isabella was determined not to give Sophia the satisfaction.

Upon returning to her office, she found it had been tidied. Though not perfect, it was far more organized than before.