Isabella’s eyes widened in feigned surprise as she spotted Sophia. “Hello, aren’t you one of Ethan’s employees?”

Victoria chimed in, her voice dripping with venom. “Is that how my son introduced her? Look at her—what a mess. No wonder he’s embarrassed to admit they were involved.” She patted Sophia’s hand approvingly. “Thank goodness you’re back, dear.”

Sophia cast a sorrowful glance toward Victoria. “I’m so sorry I ever left for my studies abroad. It was a mistake. If I had stayed, you and Ethan wouldn’t have suffered like this.”

Victoria waved a dismissive hand. “Well, you’re here now. That’s what matters. It’s time for certain… unwelcome guests to finally leave.”

“Enough!” Arthur’s sharp tone cut through the room. His glare silenced Victoria instantly.

Isabella and Victoria had never gotten along.

Victoria always looked down on her, considering Isabella nothing more than a bankrupt social climber desperate to latch onto the Blackwood fortune.

In the past, Isabella had swallowed her pride and endured the constant slights.

But now, with divorce on the horizon, she refused to play the humble wife any longer.

Ignoring the icy atmosphere, Isabella strode confidently across the room and took a seat beside Arthur.

Just then, Ethan walked in.

Sophia immediately sprang up and looped her arm through his. “Ethan, you’re back,” she cooed, her voice sweet and wifely.

Ethan pulled his arm away coolly. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone frosty.

Before Sophia could answer, Victoria smoothly interjected, “I invited her. It’s been too long. We had some catching up to do.”

Two years ago, Victoria had lost a fortune in a failed investment scheme. It was Sophia who had stepped in and cleaned up the mess, quietly securing her place as Victoria’s favorite.

Sophia glanced sadly toward Isabella, her voice trembling. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come. I should go. I don’t want to cause any trouble.” She made a show of turning toward the door.

Ethan, visibly annoyed yet restrained, stopped her. “Don’t overthink it. Stay.”

Isabella watched their exchange, her heart sinking with bitter irony.

She was still Ethan’s legal wife, yet she felt like an intruder in her own life.

Restlessness prickled under her skin. She couldn’t stay passive any longer.

“Shall we go to the study, Arthur?” Isabella suggested, her voice steady.

Arthur leaned heavily on his cane, his expression stern. “I may be old, but I’m not blind. Isabella is my only granddaughter-in-law. The rest don’t even come close.”

He paused, his tone hardening. “And let me be clear—if anyone here hurts her, they can forget about my shares.”

At his words, Sophia’s fists clenched. Her nails dug into her palms, jealousy flashing in her eyes.