“Isabella!” Ethan’s voice cut through the tension, sharp with authority.

She froze mid-step, drew a slow breath, and turned. Her crimson lips parted slightly. Her voice was steady, though a faint tremor betrayed her. “Mr. Blackwood, do you require something further?”

Sophia watched Ethan cautiously, trying to read his mood. His anger was a physical force, thick and suffocating. She guessed Isabella’s boldness had provoked it.

“Isabella, every company operates by its own rules,” Sophia said, her tone soft yet laced with command. She already carried herself like the CEO’s wife. “Due to your conduct, your project bonus will be revoked.”

Isabella’s head snapped up. Her gaze was pure ice, fixed on Sophia. Delicate features twisted in fury, teeth clenched. “What gives you the right to decide that?” she demanded, her voice sharp.

Sophia subtly leaned into Ethan, playing the victim. Her eyes welled with manufactured tears as she looked up at him. “Ethan, did I overstep? If everyone at Blackwood Enterprises acted like her, there would be chaos.”

Ethan let out a dismissive snort. Impatience edged his words. “I have to side with Sophia on this. You really did cross a line, Isabella.”

Isabella’s fingers tightened around her bag strap. Her nails dug into her palm, but she felt no pain, only rising agitation.

She had worked tirelessly on this project. She wanted to impress Alexander King. She wanted to change her fortunes. Now, because of Sophia’s words, it was all crumbling.

“Ethan, it seems Isabella disagrees with the penalty,” Sophia murmured, her voice dripping with false regret. Her eyes, however, told a different story. “But without consequences, we set a dangerous precedent. Others might ignore our policies.”

“Mr. Blackwood,” Isabella interrupted, her composure breaking. She faced him directly, features hardening with resolve. Each word was laced with quiet ferocity. “If my bonus for this project is denied, then consider my proposal for Mr. King withdrawn. If he presses for details, do not expect my support.”

In that moment, Isabella decided she would rather face the fallout than let Ethan profit from her hard work. Why should she endure this injustice? All she wanted was a modest bonus. Something to secure a future for herself and her child after the divorce.

Why couldn’t Ethan just let her have this one thing?

Heart heavy, she turned to leave. Each step echoed her profound disappointment.

Her heels clicked sharply on the floor, a mocking rhythm of her shattered confidence.

Sophia watched her go, a smug smile curling her lips. Her eyes glittered with triumph. She savored this small, sweet victory. “Ethan, how could she say that?” she asked, her voice tinged with grievance. “She works for Blackwood Enterprises. Her project proposal belongs to the company.”

Ethan’s gaze followed Isabella’s retreat. His expression was unreadable. He gently removed Sophia’s hand, containing his inner conflict. “Sophia, go home,” he said softly.

Her smile vanished. Perfectly groomed eyebrows furrowed in frustration. She wasn’t ready to leave. It had taken immense effort to get this time with him. Isabella had ruined it.

Suppressing her irritation, Sophia leaned in again. She wrapped her arm around his with feigned tenderness. “Ethan, let me stay with you. It’s been so difficult for us to reconnect…” Her voice was sweet, but it carried a hint of reproach. She was blaming him for their scarce time together.