A sudden unease washed over Isabella.

She instinctively stepped back, trying to create space.

Ethan moved forward, closing the distance instantly.

His distinct cologne, warm and deep, drifted toward her.

It wrapped around her senses, making her pulse quicken.

She steadied herself, meeting his gaze directly.

A flicker of wariness remained in her eyes.

“Was there something else you wished to discuss?”

Ethan studied her for a long moment.

A slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips.

“I’m certain you haven’t forgotten what Liam said.”

Warmth crept up her neck.

Of course.

She should have known he wouldn’t let this go easily.

“How exactly would you like me to thank you, Mr. Blackwood?”

She took a measured breath and lifted her chin.

She forced herself to hold her ground.

His gaze flickered briefly.

A trace of admiration passed through his eyes.

“Shouldn’t you be the one deciding that?”

His voice was low, husky, edged with playful teasing.

He stepped closer.

The space between them vanished.

She became hyper-aware of his radiating warmth.

His gaze held a quiet intensity.

The air between them seemed to shift.

Her heart pounded even faster.

Logic told her to move, to step back.

But she didn't.

She remained still, appearing unfazed.

Her breath grew unsteady despite her efforts.

“What happened that night… I’m willing to move past it.”

“Let’s just pretend it never occurred.”

She turned her head away, refusing to meet his eyes.

She hoped it would make this easier.

Ethan’s expression darkened instantly.

He knew exactly what she meant.

“Move past it?”

His voice, once teasing, turned cold and sharp.

“Isabella, do you truly believe you can erase something like that from your heart?”

Her breath caught in her throat.

Why was he reacting this way?

Shouldn't he be relieved she was willing to let it go?

To not dwell on the past?

An unexpected voice interrupted them.

“Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood… dinner is ready!”

A maid stood at the dining room door.

Her posture was stiff, her expression uncertain.

She had clearly chosen the worst possible moment.

Isabella grasped the interruption like a lifeline.

“Alright. We’ll be right there.”

She pushed past Ethan forcefully.

She rushed out of the living room without a backward glance.

She couldn't endure another second of that tension.

Ethan watched her depart.

The smile on his lips vanished completely.

His expression turned dark and utterly unreadable.

A heavy silence hung over the dining table.

Liam had finished his meal and gone upstairs.

They were alone.

Isabella ate in silence, her eyes fixed on her plate.

She lacked the courage to meet Ethan’s piercing gaze.

Her heart raced uncontrollably.

She struggled to find any calm.

Ethan remained silent as well.

He simply stared at her, his intense gaze unsettling her completely.

“I’m finished, Mr. Blackwood.”

She placed her fork down and stood to leave.

She was desperate to escape his presence.

“Wait, Isabella.”

He called out, halting her retreat.

She paused, turning slowly to face him.

Confusion and apprehension filled her expression.

What could he possibly want now?

Ethan retrieved a plain white envelope from his suit jacket.

He held it out to her.

“What is this?”

She eyed the envelope with deep suspicion.

It offered no hints about its contents.

Ethan remained silent.

He merely held the envelope closer to her.

His inscrutable gaze revealed absolutely nothing.