"Ms. Sinclair, would you like to walk out on your own, or should I call security to remove you?"

Amy's expression remained icy, her voice steady. "Alexander requested my presence."

Isabella's lips curled into a mocking smile, as if she were watching a pitiful spectacle.

"Apologies, Ms. Sinclair, but Mr. Blackwood hasn't informed me of your visit."

With a flick of her wrist, she signaled the guards nearby. "Well? Escort her out."

The two men stepped forward, their postures rigid with authority.

Amy leveled Isabella with a sharp glare. "An executive assistant who lets personal bias dictate professionalism is hardly fit for her position, Isabella. You'll regret this."

Isabella merely smirked, her disdain palpable.

Amy didn't waste another breath. She turned on her heel.

Isabella had climbed the ranks at Blackwood Enterprises from a junior secretary to the CEO's right hand. Competent, yes—but she had never hidden her contempt for Amy. Like Nathan, she believed Amy was unworthy of Alexander and made no effort to conceal her hostility.

Just then, a soft voice floated from the entrance.

"What's happening here?"

Isabella's demeanor instantly softened.

A polite smile graced her lips. "Ms. Langley, here to see Mr. Blackwood?"

"Yes, Alex asked me to stop by," Victoria said, her gaze flickering to Amy in surprise. "Is there a problem?"

Irritation flashed in Isabella's eyes as she shot Amy a pointed look. "Mr. Blackwood has made it clear Ms. Sinclair isn't welcome. Last time she showed up uninvited, security nearly lost their jobs. Now she's causing another scene. We have no choice but to remove her."

Nathan, leaning against the reception desk, snorted. "Maybe we should put up a sign: 'No trespassing—especially for certain people.'"

"Nathan," Victoria cut in sharply, "that's enough."

He rolled his eyes at Amy. "Relax, it was a joke."

Victoria sighed, turning to Isabella. "Isabella, I've known Ms. Sinclair for years. Let her leave with dignity, alright? She can go on her own."

Isabella hesitated. "But Mr. Blackwood's orders—"

Victoria smiled reassuringly. "I'll explain it to Alex. He won't hold you responsible."

Relief smoothed Isabella's features. "Very well." She nodded at the guards. "Stand down."

The men retreated.

Nathan shot Amy a sidelong glance. "Victoria just saved you from humiliation. Not even a thank you?"

Amy offered a faint, unbothered smile.

"Mr. Prescott, last I checked, you're still on thin ice, aren't you? If you slip up again, no lawyer will save you. Maybe instead of clinging to Ms. Langley, you should focus on making amends—if you still can."

Nathan's face darkened. "Amy, you—"

"That's enough, Nathan." Victoria tugged his arm. "Alex is waiting. Let's go."

With one last icy glare, Nathan turned away.

Inside the elevator, their conversation shifted to the upcoming gala.

"Alex really outdid himself," Nathan mused. "Securing the most elusive headliner just for you? You keep saying he's changed, but honestly? I think he's only gotten better—for you."