The driver hesitated briefly before restarting the engine.

Isabella Scott’s mind was already racing ahead to Silverwood Estate. Its owner, Olivia Sterling, was notoriously difficult to impress. Securing her investment would not just stabilize Isabella’s studio—it would catapult it into an entirely new league.

The car climbed the winding mountain road as the rain intensified. Even at full speed, the windshield wipers struggled against the thick fog.

Halfway up the ascent, the driver slammed on the brakes.

“I’m sorry, miss. It’s too dangerous. The road is like ice,” he said, his face pale and voice shaking.

A cold dread settled in Isabella’s stomach. He was right. The narrow, steep path had become a treacherous slide.

She forced her voice to remain steady. “I’ll triple your fare. Please, just get me to the top.”

His refusal was immediate and firm.

“It isn’t about the money. I have a family. I won’t risk our lives.”

Isabella opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off. “This is as far as I go.”

Anxiety washed over her, though she understood. She paid him and watched the taxi disappear back into the rainy gloom.

Alone on the roadside, she stood still for a moment. She stared up the path, now completely swallowed by mist and rain, a profound helplessness gripping her. Her umbrella was useless against the driving rain. Her coat was soaked through, the chill seeping deep into her bones. Each step forward was a struggle through the thick mud.

But she clenched her jaw and pushed on.

A black Maybach emerged silently from the fog. A spark of hope ignited in her chest. She could still make it! She stepped directly into the road, waving her arms to flag down the car.

The vehicle slowed to a smooth stop. The tinted window slid down, revealing a face that made her blood run cold.

Ethan Blackwood sat inside, looking impeccably composed. His unreadable gaze swept over her drenched, disheveled form. Isabella froze, stunned. What shocked her more was the woman seated beside him.

Sophia Reed was there, her hair perfectly styled, her makeup flawless. She wore an elegant white dress that highlighted her figure.

Seeing Sophia free so soon after the police station was a blow Isabella hadn’t anticipated. A heavy weight pressed down on her heart.

She remembered Ethan waiting outside her apartment last night. He had undoubtedly been there because of Sophia.

Sophia’s eyes flicked to Isabella, gleaming with smug triumph.

But her expression quickly shifted into a mask of fake concern. “Isabella? What are you doing out here all alone? Where are you headed? Let us give you a ride. Ethan doesn’t mind,” she cooed, her voice sickly sweet.

Isabella remained rooted to the spot, silent.

Ethan’s intense gaze remained fixed on her, as deep and inscrutable as ever. Her lack of response made his expression harden.

His voice was icy. “If you’re not getting in, then stay there.”

Benjamin Clark, from the driver’s seat, glanced nervously between his boss in the rearview mirror and the shivering woman standing in the rain. He seemed utterly unsure of what to do next.