The call ended abruptly.

She rushed over to Victoria, her face pale with anxiety. "Victoria, we have a major issue."

Victoria set aside the design draft, her eyes narrowing. "What happened?"

"All our partners are calling to terminate their contracts with us," Victoria said, her voice trembling slightly.

A cold dread washed over Isabella. "Why are they withdrawing?"

"They claim our studio's reputation is ruined. They're accusing us of design theft, and..." Victoria hesitated, unable to continue.

Isabella pressed further. "What else?"

Victoria lowered her voice. "They said your personal life is causing scandal, which is damaging our studio's image."

Isabella's face lost all color. Her grip tightened around her pen until her knuckles turned white. "Who started these rumors?"

Victoria shook her head helplessly. "I don't know. They refused to reveal their sources."

Isabella forced herself to remain calm. "Understood. Ensure our remaining partners feel secure for now. I'll handle this situation."

"Understood." Victoria nodded and exited the office.

Isabella leaned back in her chair, her forehead creased with concentration. Her mind raced through countless possibilities. Then one name surfaced—Sophia. She couldn't think of anyone else who would be so viciously determined to destroy her life.

"I'll uncover your schemes!" Isabella muttered under her breath.

She grabbed her phone and dialed quickly. "Ethan? I need your help with something urgent..."

Isabella explained everything to Ethan and requested he trace the rumor sources as quickly as possible.

Shortly after hanging up, her phone rang again. It was Olivia.

"Isabella? I heard about the trouble at your studio. Is it true?" Olivia's voice overflowed with genuine concern.

"Yes," Isabella replied with a weary sigh.

"Don't worry! I've already launched an investigation into this matter," Olivia reassured her. "We'll have answers soon."

"Thank you," Isabella said sincerely.

Olivia chuckled lightly. "No need for thanks. Remember, we can't afford any mistakes during the Starlight Gala. The person you're meeting is a heavyweight in the design industry. This is your chance to showcase your talent."

"I understand," Isabella murmured.

When the call ended, her heart felt even heavier.

Meanwhile, across the city, Sophia sat in an elegant cafe opposite Julian.

"How is everything progressing?"

"Everything is proceeding according to plan, Miss Reed. I've spread the word throughout the jewelry industry. Isabella's studio reputation has crashed, and most of her partners have..."

"Already canceled their upcoming collaborations." Julian's lips curved into a cunning smile.