Leaving Blackwood Enterprises was her only option.

The city held too many painful memories, too many shadows of a broken family.

She knew Ethan would never accept their child.

A sudden idea flashed through Isabella's mind.

The Oakridge Industries collaboration project—this was her chance!

That project was incredibly lucrative. The planning department had failed to secure it. If she could land this deal, it wouldn't just mean a huge bonus. It could be her ticket out of Blackwood Enterprises and a way to restart her design career.

Determination ignited in Isabella's eyes. She opened her laptop, diving deep into research about Oakridge Industries. The blue screen light cast sharp shadows across her focused face.

"Found it!" she exclaimed, snapping the laptop shut. Triumph flickered in her sharp gaze. The breakthrough had arrived.

The morning flew by as Isabella gathered intel on Alexander King, the elusive CEO of Oakridge Industries.

Her big break came just before noon. Alexander was scheduled for an afternoon of golf at an exclusive club.

Isabella grabbed her bag and dashed out, heart racing with anticipation.

She arrived at the golf course with minutes to spare.

She took a deep, calming breath and scanned the luxurious surroundings. Alexander was nowhere in sight.

A skeptical voice stopped her. "Miss, do you have a reservation?"

The staff member eyed Isabella's casual outfit—a simple white T-shirt and jeans—clearly out of place in the glamorous venue.

Isabella steadied herself, refusing to show any vulnerability.

"I'm Mr. Ethan Blackwood's secretary from Blackwood Enterprises," she stated, her voice calm and firm. "He sent me to discuss a potential collaboration with Mr. King from Oakridge Industries."

The staff member's expression changed instantly. Wariness melted into respect.

"Oh, you're with Mr. Blackwood. My apologies." The staff member smiled courteously and gestured forward. "Right this way, please."

Isabella released a quiet sigh of relief and followed, her heart lifting.

The golf course spread out before her, familiar terrain. She had walked these greens before with Ethan, giving her a sense of déjà vu.

She chose a secluded bench and sat down, pulling a meticulously prepared business proposal from her bag. She scanned the area with practiced ease, her anticipation growing. Alexander arrived soon after, accompanied only by his secretary. His presence confirmed her intelligence.

With no clients around, Alexander seemed to be there purely for leisure, making her task easier.

Isabella drew a deep breath, steeling herself as she approached Alexander, who was sipping his coffee casually.

She offered him a perfectly practiced, professional smile.

"Hello, Mr. King. I'm Isabella Scott, Mr. Blackwood's secretary." She introduced herself with calm dignity.