Isabella surveyed the studio, her heart swelling with a sense of belonging as she took in the vibrant energy around her.

But the cheerful atmosphere quickly shifted.

Hushed whispers began to ripple through the room.

A young designer leaned toward her neighbor, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial hush. “Is it true? I heard Sophia Reed was terminated from Blackwood Enterprises.”

“You must be joking. She’s one of their top designers, isn’t she?”

“I’m serious. My source in their legal department confirmed it.”

“Does that mean… Mr. Blackwood and Sophia are finally getting married? Is she leaving to become Mrs. Blackwood?”

All eyes suddenly swiveled toward Isabella, filled with naked curiosity and expectation.

One bold colleague stepped forward, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. “Isabella, you’ve been at Blackwood Enterprises for ages. You must know all the gossip. What’s the real story with Mr. Blackwood and Sophia?”

Isabella froze, completely blindsided by the direct question.

She forced a tight smile but offered no reply.

She swiftly turned and retreated into the sanctuary of her private office.

“Enough gossip, everyone! Back to work!” Chloe’s voice cut through the murmurs with sharp authority.

The click of the office door closing muffled the noise from outside.

Isabella leaned against the cool, solid wood of the door and released a long, weary sigh.

She gently massaged her temples, her expression etched with deep fatigue.

Sophia was fired. And Ethan… his behavior today was completely out of character.

A series of soft, urgent knocks suddenly echoed at the door, snapping her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she called out, moving toward her desk.

The door opened to reveal Chloe, who stepped inside with a comforting presence. She carried a steaming cup of coffee.

“Isabella, are you okay?” Her voice was laced with genuine concern as she set the coffee down on the cluttered desk.

Isabella managed a weak nod and a faint smile. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired. What is it, Chloe?”

With a playful wink, Chloe settled into the chair opposite her. “I’m here to celebrate with you, of course. And I brought the payment receipt.” She paused, her eyes twinkling. “You know, every time I come here, it makes me want to quit Blackwood Enterprises and join your team. The talent here is incredible. The clients are unbelievably generous.”

With a theatrical flourish, she pretended to count stacks of money, her voice filled with awe. “Ten million dollars! My god! I’d never see that kind of money in my entire life!”

Their shared laughter was abruptly severed.

The studio door slammed open with a jarring crash.

Oliver, Isabella’s assistant, stumbled inside. His usual calm demeanor was shattered. His face was pale.

“Miss… Miss Scott, there’s terrible news,” he stammered, breathless from panic.