“Any plans tonight? Something you absolutely can’t move around?”

Just then, Ethan’s phone lit up. He glanced at the screen. The name ‘Isabella’ flashed. A new message appeared.

“Making dinner tonight. Will you be home to eat?”

He couldn't stop the slight curve of his lips. A quick, one-word reply was typed out. “Yes.”

Placing the phone down, his gaze returned to Sophia. His expression was unreadable once more.

“My apologies, Sophia. Tonight is simply impossible.”

Her face lost all color. Her grip on her purse tightened. Her nails pressed deep into her own palm.

She fought to keep her composure. Her voice trembled, betraying her. “Is it… Isabella?”

Ethan gave a single, slight nod. No words were needed. The confirmation was clear.

A storm of emotions threatened to break through. She stood, forcing a thin smile. “I understand.”

The moment she turned, the smile vanished. Resentment took its place. The office door slammed shut behind her. The sound was sharp and final.

Ethan’s face remained a stoic mask. His dark eyes held a universe of unspoken thoughts.

The soft glow of the phone screen illuminated Isabella’s face. It revealed the inner chaos she felt.

“Yes.”

That single word on the display felt like a shard of glass. She stared at it. Emotions churned within her. They were too complex for words.

This reaction from Ethan was unexpected. After their brutal morning argument, she had prepared for silence. Days of it. Perhaps even weeks.

The confrontation had been harsh. Wishing to avoid further imprisonment in that gilded cage, she had weighed her options all day. This message was her attempt at a truce.

She slipped her phone into her bag. She reached for her coat.

“Victoria, I have to deal with a personal matter. I’m leaving the rest of the day’s work to you,” she informed her colleague.

Victoria looked up, surprised. “Oh? Isabella, it’s still quite early. Is everything alright?”

A fragile, fleeting smile touched Isabella’s lips. “It’s fine. Just something I need to handle. Also, please keep a close watch on the Starlight Gala project updates.”

“Of course, Isabella.” Victoria, still slightly confused, nodded in agreement.

With that, Isabella hurried out of the design studio.

The entire ride home was spent in deep thought. She rehearsed different ways to approach Ethan. Upon arriving at Hawthorne Residence, she paused at the entrance. She took a steadying breath before stepping inside.

The grand foyer was eerily quiet. A maid bowed respectfully. “Welcome home, Mrs. Blackwood.”

Isabella acknowledged her with a nod. She moved directly to the kitchen to survey the space.

Everything was pristine and in perfect order.