The substantial bonus attached to the project was too tempting to ignore, pushing Isabella to fully commit to the challenge.

Ethan considered the situation for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the glossy table before he spoke with deliberate calm. “Please sit, Miss Scott. Did Mr. Blackwood personally prepare this proposal?”

His raised eyebrow showed clear surprise, giving Isabella a sense of relief as some weight lifted from her shoulders. She felt the momentum shifting in her favor, though she knew most of the credit belonged to Ethan.

It was ridiculous to think a secretary could represent the entire Blackwood Enterprises.

With a controlled smile, Isabella nodded. “Mr. King, your perception is impressive. Yes, Mr. Blackwood handled this himself. He isn’t feeling well today, so he sent me instead. I hope everything meets your expectations?”

Her voice stayed steady, but underneath, a quiet bitterness lingered.

For Ethan’s sake, she had put her own ambitions aside, content to support him from behind the scenes. Yet when it was over, her name was never mentioned, her efforts quietly recognized but never celebrated.

Alexander gave a slight nod, gently placing the proposal back on the table, his expression showing clear admiration as he looked at Isabella.

“Miss Scott, having someone as capable as you by Mr. Blackwood’s side must make things much smoother. I’m interested in learning more about this project. Could you provide a more detailed explanation?”

The tightness in Isabella’s chest eased at Alexander’s encouraging tone.

She offered him a confident, composed smile and replied smoothly, “Of course, Mr. King. Let me walk you through the specifics.”

Her voice was soft but clear, each word carefully chosen as she detailed the proposal’s complexities, adding sharp insights that clearly resonated with Alexander, who nodded in agreement at her points.

While Isabella enjoyed her growing sense of achievement, she remained completely unaware of two familiar figures approaching from behind.

“Ethan.” Sophia’s voice carried a playful, excited tone. “I heard there’s a new restaurant at Willow Creek. Should we try it tonight?” She held onto Ethan’s arm affectionately, her tone inviting. Ethan, however, didn’t respond. His gaze was fixed intently on the graceful figure not far away.

Isabella wore a stylish, professional suit, her long hair pulled into an elegant bun that highlighted her slender neck. She exuded a blend of competence and grace.

In that moment, she was turned slightly away, a confident smile touching her lips as she engaged in lively discussion with Alexander.

This was a side of Isabella that Ethan had never seen before.

Sophia’s eyes darted subtly toward Isabella, a sly smirk barely visible.

She brought a hand to her mouth, pretending shock. “Ethan, am I seeing things? Is that Isabella? What is she doing here?”

Ethan stayed silent, his intense gaze fixed on Alexander, who was eagerly conversing with Isabella. A shadow of doubt crossed his face.

Sophia’s jealousy flared when she saw Ethan’s attention locked on Isabella. Her emotions quickly turned to anger.

She gripped Ethan’s arm, her voice feigning surprise. “Ethan, is Isabella really discussing business with Mr. King? But I thought Blackwood Enterprises wasn’t working with Oakridge Industries right now. Am I wrong?”

“Sophia.” Ethan’s brow furrowed, his tone unmistakably displeased.