“It’s just a milkshake. Why are you making such a scene?”

“Sophia was only trying to be nice. There’s no need to be so harsh.”

Every word felt like a shard of ice piercing Isabella’s heart.

She forced a brittle smile, struggling to keep her composure. Taking a slow breath, she steadied herself and locked eyes with Sophia.

“This is exactly what you wanted, isn’t it?”

Her voice was clear and unwavering, cutting through the office whispers.

Silence fell. All eyes shifted between the two women.

Sophia didn’t look offended. Instead, her smile widened, glowing with triumph.

It was a silent declaration of victory—a smirk that said Isabella was no match for her.

Leaning in, Sophia let her lips brush Isabella’s ear. Her voice was a low, venomous whisper. “That’s right. Taking everything from you would be effortless.”

Her warm breath sent a cold shiver down Isabella’s spine.

Isabella’s fists clenched. Her nails dug deep into her palms.

She wanted to slap Sophia—hard.

But this was the office. Ethan was just next door, behind a thin wall. Losing control now would only backfire.

Sophia savored the moment, relishing Isabella’s restraint.

There was a dark pleasure in watching her rival seethe, powerless and trapped.

Straightening up, Sophia smoothly resumed her polished facade. She cleared her throat lightly and raised her voice so everyone could hear.

“Isabella, I know you haven’t been well lately. Ethan and I both think you should take some time off to recover.”

Her tone was sickly sweet, layered with false concern.

A cold wave of anger rushed through Isabella. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“Who gave you the right to decide for me?” she shot back, teeth clenched.

Rage burned in her gaze.

How dare Sophia interfere? How dare she speak for her at work?

Sophia adopted a wounded expression. Her eyes reddened slightly, but her voice remained soft and controlled.

“Don’t misunderstand, Isabella. I only want what’s best for you. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard while you’re unwell. I don’t want you collapsing from exhaustion.”

She paused, then glanced toward the door with feigned helplessness. “Ethan and I discussed it. Isn’t that right, Ethan?”

No one had noticed him standing there.

Ethan stood tall in a sharp black suit, his posture stern, his aura icy. He gave a faint nod.

“Working while ill helps no one,” he said coolly. “It only becomes a burden to the company.”