Chapter 159
Isabella stood there, her stance radiating icy composure, as if the world around her couldn’t touch her.
It only fueled Ethan’s fury further.
His expression darkened as Sophia’s words sank in—implying that Isabella had orchestrated the entire scandal to sabotage the company.
“Isabella,” he seethed, his voice a dangerous whisper, “I never realized just how venomous you could be. You’ve betrayed the Blackwood Group without a second thought.”
A bitter jealousy twisted in his chest as he remembered the young man who had defended her earlier.
“And now you’re conspiring with outsiders to manipulate the media?”
“Over a comic book?” His lip curled in disgust. “You’re betraying the very people who gave you everything. It just proves—trash will always remain trash.”
Isabella wasn’t surprised.
She had long since accepted that their moral compasses were irreparably broken.
Calmly, she pulled out her phone, scrolling through the latest headlines, her lips curving into a faint, mocking smile.
“Comic Artist Xavier Delmar Exposed for Plagiarizing Drafts to Boost Fame,” she read aloud.
“The Blackwood Group’s Jewelry Division Exploits Talent—Underpaying Designers While Profiting Millions.”
She tilted her head, meeting Ethan’s glare with cool amusement.
“Ethan Blackwood Collaborates with a Plagiarist? Fascinating.”
Ethan’s jaw clenched, but before he could retort, Isabella’s voice turned razor-sharp.
“You paid that designer three hundred dollars for work you sold for millions.”
“Honestly, Mr. Blackwood, I never took you for the cheap type.”
At this, Sophia stiffened, guilt flashing across her face.
The underpayment had been her doing—an attempt to assert dominance by squeezing the designer.
But she hadn’t expected it to backfire so spectacularly.
Ethan, however, was livid.
“What kind of lies are you spreading?!” He fumbled for his phone, but the moment he saw the trending searches, his face drained of color.
His own image filled the screen—reporters swarming him like vultures, hurling relentless questions.
“Isabella,” he growled, desperation creeping into his voice, “this is your last chance. Call off the media. Hold a press conference and claim this was all a misunderstanding.”
His eyes darkened with threat.
“I’ll make sure you’re compensated. But if you refuse… the Blackwoods won’t show you mercy.”
His words dripped with venom, yet Isabella remained unmoved.
Ethan stared at her as if he wanted to tear her apart.
“You did all this because you can’t stand that I’m marrying Sophia.”
“You’re sabotaging me out of spite.”
His fists clenched, his entire body trembling with suppressed rage.
“Don’t mistake my patience for weakness. This is your final warning.”
Isabella arched a brow, incredulous.
Was he truly this delusional?
Then again, Sophia was his perfect woman—forever the innocent victim in his eyes. Of course he’d believe every word she said.
“Your audacity is truly breathtaking,” Isabella replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.
She had never encountered an ex-husband who, after a divorce, demanded her help while still acting like she owed him something.
It was almost impressive.
“Fine,” she said mockingly, mimicking his earlier tone. “I’ll help you.”
“But I’ll need one of your legs in return.”
She paused, then added with a smirk, “Don’t be ungrateful, Ethan. After all… this is your last chance.”
Ethan stood frozen, stunned into silence by her ruthless retort.
His fists shook, fury boiling beneath the surface.
Then—
“Hurry! Mr. Blackwood is in the parking garage! This is breaking news—we can’t miss it!”
The distant shouts of reporters echoed through the garage as they rushed toward him.
Ethan’s expression twisted in panic as the voices grew louder.
Isabella smiled, her gaze shifting to Sophia, who had been stirring the pot this entire time.
“You’re the kind one, Sophia,” she said sweetly. “Why don’t you break a leg for him?”
“It’s not like you need to show your face in public anyway.”
“Lose a leg, save the Blackwood Group’s reputation. Seems like a fair trade.”
