The driver paused for only a moment before obeying, not daring to question the order.

Isabella stared out the window as the car accelerated through the quiet streets, the estate disappearing behind them. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. She knew she had to choose her battles carefully.

The drive was thick with tension. The silence between them stretched, becoming almost unbearable.

As the city skyline appeared in the distance, Isabella saw her opportunity.

"Stop the car," she said firmly, her voice steady. "Whatever point you're trying to make ends here. I can get home on my own, Mr. Blackwood."

Ethan's gaze shifted toward her, cold and unreadable. He remained silent. The driver hesitated, glancing at Ethan through the rearview mirror, uncertain whose order to follow.

Isabella's stomach tightened. Something felt wrong.

The city lights blurred past as the car moved farther from the nearest subway station. Panic seized her. Liam was waiting at home—she needed to return.

"I said stop the car!" Isabella's voice sharpened with anger. She slammed her hand against the door. "Let me out!"

Ethan's expression darkened further, his silence more disturbing than any words. Outside, the imposing silhouette of the Grant Group's headquarters grew closer.

Ethan finally spoke, his voice cold and cutting. "Is Lucas really that important to you?"

Isabella's breath caught. She clenched her fists, frustration boiling over as she met his gaze with fiery defiance.

"Yes!" she exclaimed, her eyes reddening with suppressed emotion. "He's very important to me."

The moment the words left her mouth, Ethan pulled her to him with brutal force, knocking the air from her lungs.

Shock widened Isabella's eyes as she looked at the man before her, confused by his sudden aggression.

Ethan breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His stormy, unreadable gaze locked with hers.

He suddenly lowered his head and captured her lips in a punishing kiss.

The kiss was overpowering and fierce, filled with punitive intensity, as if he meant to consume her completely.

Isabella tried to free herself, pushing against him, but his unyielding arms held her tightly, making her struggles futile.

The driver, witnessing the scene in the rearview mirror, was so startled he immediately averted his eyes. He silently activated the privacy screen, enclosing them in a secluded, intimate space. Only the muted sounds of Isabella's restrained cries and Ethan's labored breathing filled the car.

The atmosphere was charged with palpable tension, tinged with a confused, almost sensual energy.

A soft whimper of pain escaped Isabella, and she suddenly became acutely aware of her predicament.

In a desperate move, she bit down on Ethan's lip, tasting the sharp metallic flavor of blood that instantly spread between them.