Arthur's words crashed over Isabella like a storm surge.

The air grew heavy, thick with unspoken implications. A high-pitched ring filled her ears, muffling all other sound. Her own heartbeat thundered against her ribs—wild, frantic, terrified.

Blackwood Enterprises… Ethan… a bargain price… coincidence…

The fragments swirled, coalescing into a truth too sharp to deny. “This… it doesn’t make sense…”

Her voice was a thin, fractured whisper. All color fled from her face.

Why would Ethan do this? He helped Sophia secure the Starlight Stone, only to sell it to her for a pittance. Was it some cruel joke? A deliberate humiliation?

Or… was there a deeper motive?

Arthur released a slow breath, his tone gentling. “I realize this is difficult to process, but the evidence is clear. Believe it or not, Mr. Blackwood isn’t as detached as he appears.” His hand came to rest lightly on her shoulder, a brief offer of solace.

Isabella forced air into her lungs, fighting the mental turmoil. She straightened her spine, summoning a thread of resolve. “Thank you for telling me, Mr. Bennett. I’ll take it from here.”

After Arthur departed, Isabella stood alone in the studio, her eyes fixed on the fully restored “Dewy Hibiscus.” With meticulous care, she nestled it into a sleek, velvet-lined case. Without pause, she snatched her car keys and drove straight for Silverwood Estate.

The estate radiated its usual opulence behind imposing gates and flawlessly manicured gardens. Parking in the driveway, Isabella drew a steadying breath before exiting the car. She pressed the doorbell.

“Miss Scott, welcome!” The butler greeted her with polished courtesy, swinging the gates inward.

“Is Ms. Sterling at home?”

“Yes, she’s awaiting you in the gardens.”

Isabella moved through marble-lined halls, her heels clicking on the polished floors. The lavish interior gave way to an open garden terrace. There, Olivia sat, a vision of effortless grace. A glass of red wine rested in her hand, her crimson silk gown pooling around her like spilled blood.

Seeing Isabella, Olivia’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Isabella, you’re here.”

She set her glass aside, eyes gleaming with keen interest. “Well? Do you have it?”

Isabella gave a tight nod, passing her the case. “Here.”

Olivia’s fingers moved with precise elegance, lifting the lid as if revealing a national treasure. For a long moment, she simply stared. Pure admiration then lit her features. “It’s magnificent. The artistry, the detail—it’s utterly breathtaking.”

“I’m pleased you approve.” Isabella managed a strained, polite smile.

“What is it?” Olivia asked, head tilting slightly. “You look like someone who just lost a masterpiece, not completed one.” Olivia’s gaze sharpened, scrutinizing her.

Isabella wavered. Part of her wanted to lock it all away, to handle it alone. But another part needed to voice it, to make it real. She drew another breath and told Olivia everything. About Ethan. About Sophia. About the Starlight Stone.

“Ethan… he actually did that?” Olivia leaned back, her eyebrows rising in genuine astonishment.