“It’s a delicate situation, Miss Reed,” Zoe said, her brow furrowing slightly as she wrestled with an ethical conflict. “Given that Isabella and I were once colleagues and still cross paths regularly, it wouldn’t feel right for me to simply turn on her.”
Sophia remained silent, observing the subtle shifts in Zoe’s expression. She recognized this wasn’t a refusal, but an invitation to negotiate.
She laughed, a cold, sharp sound. “Miss Tremblay, we’re here today because our interests align, correct? Isabella obstructs both our ambitions. Isn't it time we removed that obstacle?”
Zoe stopped twisting the ring on her finger. Her gaze locked with Sophia’s, intense and calculating.
“What exactly are you proposing, Miss Reed? I have principles. I require a justifiable reason to act.”
“A justifiable reason?” Sophia’s voice was icy. She let out a hollow chuckle, as if hearing a pathetic joke.
Her eyes narrowed on Zoe. “Have you already erased the Starlight Gala from your memory? Olivia—that insufferable meddler—publicly humiliated me to defend Isabella. I haven’t forgotten. And Isabella…” Sophia scoffed. “She parades around as the industry’s golden child, constantly overshadowing you and sabotaging your career. Is that something you’re content to tolerate?”
A flash of raw anger crossed Zoe’s face.
Her expression tightened. She stayed quiet for a long moment.
“I am open to a collaboration, Miss Reed,” Zoe stated finally, her voice steady, her gaze sharp and direct. “But I require proof of your sincerity.”
Sophia lifted her wine glass with elegant precision. She took a slow, deliberate sip. The dark red liquid left a faint stain on her lips as she placed the glass down, her fingers tracing its stem. A dangerous glint of amusement flickered in her eyes.
“And what form would this… sincerity take?” she purred, her tone smooth as silk.
“I don’t want empty promises,” Zoe said bluntly. “I need something tangible. Something that proves your commitment is real.”
Sophia arched a perfectly sculpted brow, intrigued. “Oh? Do elaborate.”
“The Blackwood family’s resources.” Zoe didn’t hesitate. She leaned forward, her intent clear and uncompromising. “I plan to win the International Jewelry Design Competition. For that, I need significant funding, influence, and the right connections. The Blackwood empire possesses all of that.”
Sophia chuckled, a low, knowing sound. It was as if Zoe had just confessed a delightful secret.
“Ambitious, Miss Tremblay.” She tilted her head, studying Zoe like a specimen. “But tell me… why should I believe you are capable of destroying Isabella Scott?”
A slow, confident smile spread across Zoe’s lips. “Isabella’s designs are distinct, but flawless? Hardly.” Contempt dripped from her words. “I will have whispers of plagiarism circulating before she even senses a threat. Her peers will turn on her. Brands will sever ties. Her credibility will shatter.”
She paused, letting the venom hang in the air between them.
“I won’t just tarnish her reputation—I will ensure she is completely erased from this industry.”
A spark of genuine approval lit Sophia’s eyes. She leaned back, a satisfied smile gracing her features.
“Good. I appreciate your audacity,” she said, as if sealing a dark pact. “You’ll have what you need. Once I marry Ethan, the Blackwood resources are at your disposal.”
Zoe’s eyebrow shot up in skepticism.
“Marry Ethan?” Her tone was thick with doubt. “Miss Reed, do you genuinely believe you can accomplish that?”