Ethan Blackwood had already lost his focus once tonight aboard the luxury yacht.
If Isabella Sinclair had been a fiery rose, sharp with thorns that day, her composed demeanor now made her resemble the moon outside—soft, luminous, yet untouchably distant.
The initial awe faded, leaving only a hollow unfamiliarity.
The Isabella he once knew never bothered with makeup, her eyes warm and inviting.
Now, those same eyes were cold, as if he were nothing more than a stranger.
No lingering affection.
Not even resentment.
For reasons he couldn’t name, an inexplicable irritation coiled inside him.
Noticing his distraction, Sophia Kensington bristled, her gaze flickering with jealousy.
“Eleanor, are you alright?” Sophia stepped forward, her hand soothingly stroking Eleanor’s back.
“Isabella, whatever issues we have, we should settle them between us. How could you treat Eleanor like this? She’s the eldest daughter of the Blackwood family. Don’t you care about hurting her?” Sophia shot Victoria Chamberlain a pointed look.
Victoria caught the signal instantly.
“Exactly, Miss Sinclair! How heartless can you be? You’re just an orphan with no family, aren’t you? If the Blackwoods hadn’t taken you in, where would you be now? Even after Mr. Blackwood divorced you, he didn’t leave you empty-handed. You walked away with four million! And this is just about an invitation, isn’t it? Yet here you are, causing Eleanor so much distress. It’s obvious someone like you could never compare to Miss Kensington’s grace!”
Watching them gang up on her, Isabella wasn’t surprised. Victoria was Eleanor’s loyal lapdog—without Eleanor’s approval, she wouldn’t dare act so boldly with Sophia.
Eleanor coughed weakly, playing the wounded saint.
“I’m fine. Isabella has always been respectful. She wouldn’t do something like that.”
Victoria quickly added, “Madam has been so kind to you these past three years. Even after the divorce, she treated you like family and gave you that bracelet—”
“Ah, the bracelet.” A mocking laugh escaped Isabella’s lips. “If I recall correctly, that bracelet is part of a set, isn’t it? And the other one should be wrapped around your wrist, Victoria. Tell me, has Eleanor treated you like a daughter too?”
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
Victoria’s face drained of color, her voice trembling as she stumbled over her words. “Madam, don’t listen to this lunatic! I’ll throw her out right now. How dare she cause trouble in the Blackwood family?”
Isabella smirked, her tone cool but razor-sharp. “You speak so boldly for someone with sticky fingers. Of all things to steal, you went for Eleanor’s favorite bracelet.”
Victoria paled further.
Isabella continued, “How does it feel, sleeping surrounded by stolen jewels? I bet that box under your bed is so full it barely closes.”
Victoria froze. She had been so careful—how had Isabella found out? Her legs nearly gave way as she stammered, “Th-that’s absurd!”
But Eleanor was sharp. She pieced it together instantly.
“Get out!” Eleanor snapped, her voice icy. “I’ll deal with you later.”
“Eleanor, don’t upset yourself over this,” Sophia rushed to soothe her, but panic edged her tone. She had invested so much in bribing Victoria, Eleanor’s maid, just to secure her place in the Blackwood family. And now, with a few words, Isabella had ruined it all.
Isabella turned to Sophia, offering a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“I don’t need anyone’s permission to take back what’s mine. And considering that someone like me—an orphan with no connections—still secured the Webway invitation…” Her voice was light, almost indifferent, as she addressed the room.
“Once married into the family, you should at least manage that much. So, Eleanor, don’t worry. With such a resourceful new daughter-in-law, the Blackwoods will surely reach greater heights.”
Sophia was speechless. She had walked right into that trap.
Isabella’s words were a carefully placed thorn. If Sophia couldn’t contribute anything meaningful, she’d never hold her own in the Blackwood family. The comparisons would never end—she’d always be found lacking next to Isabella.
Just the thought made Ethan’s blood boil.
But Eleanor’s eyes gleamed, a knowing smile curving her lips.
“Of course, Sophia’s parents are more than capable. Not only will they support their daughter, but they’ll ensure the Blackwood family thrives. So, Isabella, think carefully—are you really willing to sever all ties with us?”
Her words carried both a veiled threat and a promise.
