Sophia’s expression shifted from shock to blazing fury.

Her fingers tightened around her phone, knuckles turning white.

Blind with rage, she dialed Benjamin’s number. “Benjamin, what is this email about?” she snapped, cutting off any greeting.

Her usual polished tone was gone, replaced by raw irritation.

Benjamin’s voice was polite but cold. “Miss Reed, I advise you to remain calm. This instruction came directly from Mr. Blackwood.”

“From Ethan? Why would he fire me? What did I do wrong?” Her voice shook with confusion and pain, especially after she had tried so hard to show her care with the homemade soup.

After a brief pause, Benjamin replied calmly, “I’m not at liberty to say, Miss Reed. I only follow orders. You should speak with Mr. Blackwood directly.”

He ended the call abruptly.

The dial tone echoed in her ear, each beep sharp and painful.

Sophia trembled, gripping her phone so hard it might break.

Why was Ethan doing this? Was it because of Isabella?

No one else could influence Ethan’s decisions so drastically.

It had to be Isabella’s fault!

The more she thought, the more convinced she became. Or had Ethan discovered something?

A cold dread washed over her.

Desperate for answers, she decided to call Hannah immediately.

She scrolled through her contacts, found Hannah’s number, and called. The line rang repeatedly.

After a long wait, it was clear no one would answer.

Her heart sank. A chill ran down her spine.

She switched to WhatsApp and typed a message. “Where are you? It’s urgent. We need to talk.”

The message sent, but there was no reply.

Her anxiety spiked.

When she tried to message again, she saw only one grey check mark. She had been blocked.

At Blackwood Enterprises, the lights in Ethan’s office were bright, highlighting the stern lines of his face.

“Mr. Blackwood, the tasks are complete,” Benjamin stated formally, standing before the desk.

Ethan gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.

Benjamin watched him carefully, trying to decipher his mood.

Ethan tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk. “Benjamin, you may leave.”

“Yes, Mr. Blackwood.” Benjamin exited promptly.

Alone in the spacious office, Ethan stood slowly and walked to the window.

He massaged his temples, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. The boy’s surgery was over. Perhaps Isabella could finally find some peace.

Ethan sighed softly, grabbed his suit jacket, and left the office.