She couldn't stand it any longer.

If Blackwood Enterprises managed to deliver the jewelry to Olivia Sterling before the Starlight Gala, their powerful connection would guarantee she wore it. Sophia desperately wanted to see Isabella's reaction when the spotlight inevitably remained fixed on her.

In her studio, Isabella set aside the design draft she had been studying and rubbed her tired eyes.

She had intended to take a short break outside.

But when she noticed Victoria Lee and Patricia Clark still working diligently, she paused in surprise.

She thought everyone had already left for the day.

"Why are you two still here?" Isabella asked.

Victoria finally looked up from her desk, adjusted her glasses, and smiled warmly. "We're staying, Miss Scott! We built this studio from nothing together. How could we possibly leave you to work alone?"

Patricia nodded in firm agreement. "Absolutely! And let's be honest, where else would we find a boss as incredible as you?"

Their words filled Isabella with a deep sense of gratitude. She smiled at them, her eyes glistening slightly. "Thank you. We will absolutely succeed with this project."

Unexpectedly, Victoria leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Miss Scott... The car that dropped you off this morning was a top-tier Maybach. Very impressive!"

Isabella froze for a moment as the memory of the butler arranging her transportation that morning flashed through her mind.

She brushed off Victoria's comment casually. "Oh, it's just my friend's car." But Victoria gave her a knowing look, her lips curling into a playful smirk.

Fortunately, Victoria didn't press the matter any further.

Isabella sighed inwardly. She had wanted to drive herself that morning in her own car, but the butler insisted it was safer to have a chauffeur. He had arranged for one of Ethan's vehicles to take Liam to kindergarten first before dropping Isabella off at the studio.

Isabella knew the truth, however—the butler, and likely the entire staff at the residence, was simply taking precautions to prevent her from running away.

"Alright then. Let's get back to work."

Isabella collected herself and returned to her office. The studio fell silent again except for the relentless clacking of keyboards as her employees typed furiously.

Isabella picked up the draft she had set aside. The Starlight Gala was approaching rapidly.

As night deepened, Hawthorne Residence remained brightly lit.

Isabella entered Liam's room and found him sound asleep beneath the covers.

"Mommy..." the boy murmured, his small hand reaching out and clutching hers. Isabella smiled and leaned down to press a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Sweetheart, it's dinner time. You need to wake up and come downstairs."

She waited until Liam got out of bed before quietly leaving the room.

Liam could already dress himself and come downstairs independently.

As Isabella reached the staircase, she overheard a group of servants whispering amongst themselves below.