Sophia Reed's rage was palpable.

She pointed at the shattered photo pieces littering the floor.

"Is this your idea of a 'masterpiece'? It's a laughingstock! How dare you show your face here?"

The designer clutched his stinging cheek, completely breaking down.

Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

"Miss Reed..."

"Enough! You're fired! Get out of my company immediately!" Sophia commanded, her voice icy and devoid of any compassion.

Stunned by the sudden dismissal, the designer stumbled backwards.

He then hurried out of the room without another word.

Sophia's fury only intensified.

"Olivia Sterling! This isn't over! You will pay for this!"

The design department director stayed silent, watching cautiously.

Sophia suddenly stopped pacing.

A new thought seemed to strike her.

"Zoe..." she whispered, her gaze sharpening with calculation. "She and Isabella aren't exactly friends, either."

A scheme began forming clearly in her mind.

She issued a sharp order. "Contact Zoe Tremblay. Tell her I want to meet for lunch tomorrow. We need to talk."

The director nodded earnestly and immediately left to arrange the meeting.

Sophia stared out at the darkening evening sky.

Her lips curled into a sinister, cold smile.

"Isabella, just you wait. The real game is about to begin."

Meanwhile, Zoe was deeply engrossed in her work at her studio.

The recent Starlight Gala had left her utterly frustrated.

Olivia's unexpected defense of Isabella at the event had publicly humiliated her.

"Damn Olivia! Damn Isabella!" she exclaimed angrily.

She viciously crumpled a design draft and threw it into the trash bin.

Just then, her assistant entered the room.

"Miss Tremblay, Miss Reed has invited you to lunch."

Zoe paused, visibly surprised, then a slow smirk spread across her face.

"Sophia Reed wants to see me? How interesting."

After a brief moment of consideration, Zoe made her decision.

She instructed her assistant, "Inform her I accept her invitation."

The assistant acknowledged with a quick nod and departed.

Zoe turned to look out the window, her expression a mix of deep contemplation and intrigue.

She whispered to herself, "Isabella, Sophia... This should be very interesting to watch."

The following day, they met in the secluded elegance of a private dining room.

"Miss Tremblay, I've heard so much about you," Sophia commented, raising her glass with a perfectly fake smile.

"You flatter me, Miss Reed," Zoe responded, clinking her glass in return.

Her eyes sparkled with keen, undisguised interest.

Their glasses met with a soft, clear chime.

Each then took a slow, deliberate sip of the rich red wine.

"Miss Tremblay, I assume you understand why I asked to meet today," Sophia stated, her intent clear.

"Please, do enlighten me," Zoe answered, her tone remarkably steady and composed.

"It seems Isabella Scott is a problem for both of us," Sophia replied, her voice completely devoid of any warmth.

Zoe set her wine glass down carefully on the table.

She absently adjusted a ring on her finger, her eyes seeming to search the distance for a moment.

She then gave a theatrical, heavy sigh.

She affected a tone of reluctant acceptance.