Sophia, oblivious to his rising annoyance, leaned closer with a teasing grin. “Is there something going on between Isabella and Mr. King?”

She paused for effect, her tone heavy with suggestion. “But Mr. King is significantly older, isn’t he? Doesn’t that bother Isabella at all?”

The atmosphere around Ethan turned icy. His eyes narrowed into cold slits as he fixed a stern gaze on Sophia. “Stop this nonsense.”

Despite the clear warning, a thrill shot through Sophia. Her pulse quickened.

She suppressed a laugh, covering her mouth lightly as she hurried to match Ethan’s fast pace, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, delighted by the reaction she had provoked.

Alexander noticed them first. Though in his fifties, he carried himself with distinguished elegance. He stood gracefully, greeting Ethan with a warm, practiced smile and an extended hand.

“Mr. Blackwood, I heard you weren’t feeling well. I didn’t expect you to come personally.” Isabella hadn’t anticipated running into these two. Her expression shifted into one of awkward surprise.

Ethan’s eyes briefly scanned the business proposal spread across the table before settling on Alexander, who maintained an unreadable expression. In that moment, Ethan’s sharp instincts told him the situation was more complex than it appeared.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Isabella quickly cut in. “Mr. Blackwood, how are you feeling today?” Her voice held genuine concern. “I didn’t think you’d come in person. It seems you value the partnership with Oakridge Industries highly.”

Her words cleverly offered Ethan a clue. She acknowledged that her bold actions had arranged this meeting. Still, if it secured the deal with Oakridge Industries, Blackwood Enterprises would benefit equally.

Ethan, ever the shrewd businessman, understood her implications instantly.

He nodded, his response firm and carrying undeniable weight. “My apologies, Mr. King, for not being here sooner.”

Sophia’s lips curled into a tight, almost invisible sneer. Her eyes glinted with clear disdain. She saw through the act; today’s high-stakes negotiation was entirely Isabella’s doing.

Now, Isabella was skillfully shifting responsibility, forcing Ethan to clean up her mess—a clever strategic move.

Sophia watched as Ethan maintained a stoic, indifferent facade. There was no indication he intended to disrupt Isabella’s plan. Sophia couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.

It seemed Isabella had managed to sway even the typically calculating Ethan to bend the rules for her.

Alexander and Ethan took their seats on the luxurious sofas, ready to begin their business discussion.

Alexander leaned forward with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with sincere admiration. “Mr. Blackwood, your secretary is truly remarkable. So young, yet she understands the project’s complexities like a seasoned expert. It’s a rare find,” he noted, his voice rich with genuine praise as he nodded toward Isabella. “You’ve secured an extraordinary talent!”

Isabella allowed a small, humble smile. Her voice was soft yet confident. “Mr. King, you’re too kind. I’m simply doing my job and continually learning from Mr. Blackwood.”

Her posture remained impeccable, a testament to her professionalism. She anticipated successfully closing the discussion, which would secure her a well-deserved bonus.

The mere thought brought a subtle gleam of anticipation to her eyes.

On the sidelines, Sophia watched the exchange, her heart burning with envy.

There was no way she would stand by and let Isabella steal the spotlight.