A soft knock echoed through the room moments later.

The door opened to reveal a young woman.

It was Vanessa Croft, the deputy director of the design department.

Her makeup was flawless today.

A sharp, professional suit emphasized her confident posture.

Isabella’s gaze swept over Vanessa, assessing her.

“Hello, Ms. Croft.”

“Miss Reed, hello.” Vanessa stepped forward, offering a slight, respectful bow.

She understood perfectly.

Isabella held significant influence within Ethan’s inner circle.

Potentially his future wife.

Crossing Isabella meant risking her entire career at Blackwood Enterprises.

“Ethan has arranged for my business trip,” Isabella stated coolly. “Sadie—Isabella Scott, who just joined, is in the storeroom. She’s my… dear friend. Do you grasp my meaning?”

A tense silence fell.

Vanessa felt a trickle of sweat on her temple.

The storeroom was notorious.

Dark. Damp. Entirely unfit for an office.

Isabella’s intention was clear.

Make Isabella’s life difficult.

Vanessa’s expression remained neutral, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Absolutely, Miss Reed. I will ensure Ms. Scott receives… special attention.”

Isabella nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. “You’re perceptive. Handle this well, and the director position is yours.”

Ambition ignited within Vanessa. “You can rely on me. I will not disappoint.”

Meanwhile, in the dim storeroom.

Isabella Scott sat at a simple desk.

Clutter surrounded her.

The air carried a faint, musty odor.

Inadequate lighting made the space feel oppressive.

Design drafts were spread before her.

A pen rested in her hand, yet she found it impossible to focus.

She rubbed her temples, releasing a heavy sigh.

The environment was overwhelming.

Frustration boiled over.

She dropped the pen onto the desk.

It landed with a sharp clack.

A nearby wastebasket overflowed with crumpled paper.

Just then, a knock interrupted the silence.

“Come in.”

The door creaked open.

Vanessa entered.

Isabella looked up, her expression unreadable.

Three years ago, when she was Ethan’s secretary, she had known Vanessa.

Then, Vanessa was just an ordinary employee.

Now, she was deputy director.

Vanessa’s eyes scanned the shabby office.

A mocking smirk briefly touched her lips before vanishing, replaced by feigned concern.

“Isabella, are you settling in alright?”

“Thanks to Miss Reed’s generosity, it’s… manageable,” Isabella replied dryly.

Vanessa feigned shock. “Manageable? This is one of Blackwood Enterprises’ prime offices!”

Isabella didn’t respond.

She simply offered a knowing, half-smile.

Vanessa shifted uncomfortably under her steady gaze.

She cleared her throat. “There’s a department dinner tonight. Will you be joining?”

“No, thank you,” Isabella answered without hesitation.

“Oh, come now! We were colleagues once. It’s only polite to greet everyone!” Vanessa’s tone was light, yet held an underlying insistence.

Isabella understood.

Refusal would give Vanessa further reason to complicate things.