"Well, well. The famous designer Isabella Scott, wearing someone else's creation." Sophia Reed's voice dripped with mockery as her eyes swept the room. "This estate isn't open to just anyone. Don't tell me you actually believe cozying up to Sterling Industries will suddenly make you worthy."

Isabella kept her head down, refusing to engage. She just wanted to escape this confrontation.

Sophia's confidence grew at Isabella's silence. She stepped closer, her expression full of contempt.

"Ethan only has eyes for me. No matter what I do, he always defends me. You mean nothing to him."

"You..." Isabella struggled to control her rising anger. "Stay out of my relationship with Ethan."

Sophia's smirk widened. "And who are you? Just his temporary distraction. Once he grows bored, he'll discard you without a second thought."

Isabella pressed her lips together, her face pale.

Deep down, she knew Sophia spoke the truth.

It had already been proven three years ago.

A relaxed voice floated from the doorway, casual and light.

"Why so much hostility, young lady?"

Both women turned quickly.

A woman stood at the entrance dressed in gardening clothes, smudged with dirt. She playfully wielded pruning shears, a teasing smile on her lips. Loose strands of dark hair framed her strikingly beautiful face.

Sophia's expression darkened. "Quiet. This is none of your concern. Since when do servants speak out?" Isabella felt a heavy weight in her chest; she didn't want to drag anyone else into her conflict with Sophia.

"Miss Reed, if you're so remarkable, why haven't you become Mrs. Blackwood after three years?"

Isabella looked at the "gardener."

"I'm sorry you had to see that. Thank you for intervening." The woman mistaken for a gardener wore a playful yet slightly puzzled expression as she glanced between them.

Anger and humiliation flushed Sophia's cheeks.

How dare Isabella!

"Typical. You're both lowly people. Isabella, you belong with the servants!"

Now, Sophia's disdain was completely visible.

Before Isabella could respond, the butler appeared at the entrance.

"Ms. Sterling, Mr. Blackwood is here."

Ms. Sterling?

Both Isabella and Sophia froze, their eyes locked on the woman in the doorway.

This disheveled, muddy woman was actually Olivia Sterling, the estate's owner?

All color drained from Sophia's face; she never expected to insult Olivia directly.