Frustration surged through her.
She pressed her lips together.
“Ethan, I’m sorry,” she murmured softly. “I didn’t think it through.”
Ethan ignored Sophia’s apology completely.
His focus shifted entirely to Isabella.
She looked pale and half-conscious in his arms.
His eyes darkened with deep concern.
Gently, he guided her toward the private room.
Sophia watched his retreating figure.
Her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.
She didn’t even notice the pain.
She was determined to win against Isabella.
No matter the cost.
Inside, the private room felt opulent yet eerie.
A crystal chandelier cast a ghostly glow.
It shimmered over the polished mahogany table.
The unsettling aura in the room intensified.
“People rave about Miss Scott’s brilliance at Blackwood Enterprises,” a voice said. “But today, I see she’s nothing special.”
Julian Hayes spoke with palpable disdain.
His ample stomach brushed against the table’s edge.
His tone was openly mocking.
Marcus Lee, perched beside him, eagerly joined in.
His eyes gleamed with cruel amusement.
“I heard she closed million-dollar deals alone,” he added. “Proving she’s as ruthless and sharp as any man! For all her reputation, she can’t even hold her liquor! Ha!”
He laughed derisively.
“Women belong at home raising kids, not in business. She wants to play with the big leagues? One drink has her tapping out. Pathetic!”
Ryan Cooper had been quietly simmering.
He couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Mr. Hayes, please watch your words!” His voice cracked with emotion.
Julian gave him a condescending look.
He waved a dismissive hand.
“Oh, come on, Ryan. I get it. A man’s instinct to defend a woman he admires. But don’t let that blind you. Spoil a woman too much, and she’ll crumble when reality hits.”
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a sly whisper.
It was heavy with insinuation.
“Let’s not forget some women are masters of manipulation. They maintain an innocent facade while cunningly advancing their own agendas behind the scenes.”
Laughter rippled through the group.
Ryan’s expression didn’t waver.
“Mr. Hayes is absolutely right,” someone else chimed in. “A pretty face is a stepping stone these days. Makes you wonder what underhanded tricks they use to climb so fast.”
“Couldn’t agree more! Some women pretend to be saints in daylight. But once the doors shut, they know exactly how to seduce their prey!”
Their laughter grew louder and more obnoxious.
Suddenly, a piercing cold voice sliced through the noise.
“Let me get this straight.”
The voice was icy.
“According to you, Mr. Hayes, the women at Blackwood Enterprises are just eye candy?”
Julian’s smirk froze on his face.
He swiveled toward the door.
Ethan stood there.
His figure was outlined by a sleek, tailored dark suit.
It accentuated his commanding presence.
His features were sharp.
His expression was glacial.
He surveyed the room with a gaze so frigid it seemed to lower the temperature.
His arrival sent a palpable chill across the gathering.
What left them truly speechless was who he held.
Isabella—the woman they had just belittled.
Her cheeks were burning red.
She leaned hazily against his chest.
Their proximity exuded undeniable intimacy.
Murmurs instantly filled the room.
The previous arrogance turned into whispers of confusion.
Wasn’t Sophia the one everyone claimed was Ethan’s girlfriend?
Why was he suddenly playing hero for a mere secretary?