Inside the CEO's office at Blackwood Enterprises, the air was thick with tension.

Benjamin Clark stood before the large mahogany desk, closing a folder.

"Mr. Blackwood, today's reports are finalized."

Ethan Blackwood's fingers drummed a silent rhythm on the polished surface.

His gaze remained distant.

"Is that all?" he asked, his voice low.

Benjamin hesitated, mentally reviewing his briefing. He had covered everything from stock fluctuations to new project launches.

Ethan's eyes lifted, impatience flashing within them.

"Isabella... has she been properly situated?"

Benjamin's throat tightened. A single drop of sweat traced his temple.

He quickly nodded. "Everything is arranged, sir. However... her current office is located within the logistics warehouse."

Ethan's expression turned to ice.

A cold silence filled the room.

"Dismissed," Ethan stated, waving a hand.

Benjamin turned to leave, relief washing over him.

"Wait."

The single word froze him in place. He turned back slowly.

"Mr. Blackwood?"

"The Northwood branch is finalizing a critical contract. They require immediate legal oversight," Ethan said, his tone devoid of emotion.

He paused, letting the implication hang in the air.

"Send Sophia Reed. Immediately."

Northwood. A remote, underdeveloped region known for its brutal conditions and complete isolation. This wasn't a assignment; it was exile.

Benjamin understood perfectly. He gave a sharp nod.

"Right away, sir." He didn't ask questions. He simply left, the directive ringing in his ears.

Later, Benjamin delivered the news to Sophia.

He turned to exit her office.

A violent crash echoed behind him.

A delicate porcelain coffee cup lay in pieces on the floor.

Sophia's face was contorted with pure fury. Her chest heaved.

"Northwood?!" she seethed. "He's sending me to that desolate hellhole?!"

"Miss Reed, please, try to remain calm," her assistant whispered, trembling.

"Calm?!" Sophia shrieked. "How can I be calm?!"

She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. She took a sharp, ragged breath.

The memory of Isabella's serene smile in the design department earlier that day flashed in her mind.

This was Isabella's doing. Ethan was punishing her on that woman's command.

The realization fueled her rage, burning through her with jealous fire.

Isabella would pay for this. She would make sure of it.

"Miss Reed... shall I begin preparations for the trip?" the assistant asked timidly.

Sophia's glare snapped toward her.

"Benjamin Clark delivered the message himself! Do you think this is a request?!" she barked.

The assistant flinched, bowing her head.

"Of course, Miss Reed. My apologies."

"Get me the deputy director of the design department. Now," Sophia commanded, her voice dangerously low.

The assistant scurried out without another word.