“Isabella, what’s our plan? The International Jewelry Design Competition is a serious commitment. The preparation alone is immense. And we’ve just taken on Sterling Industries’ project for this quarter! We don’t have the bandwidth or resources to handle both.”

Isabella drew a slow breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

Entering the competition wasn’t the issue. Her studio’s current situation was.

The Sterling Industries project was critical. Any delay, for any reason, would have severe consequences for their reputation.

“Understood. Don’t panic, Victoria. I’m on my way back to the studio. We’ll sort this out.”

Despite her reassuring tone, a heavy dread settled in Isabella’s chest after she hung up.

The system’s unexplained malfunction. The sudden competition registration. The timing was far too convenient to be a coincidence.

Her phone rang again. The screen flashed with Zoe’s name.

Isabella answered. Zoe’s sharp, triumphant voice pierced the silence immediately.

“I heard you signed up for the International Jewelry Design Competition. Trying to compete with me, Isabella? Really?”

Isabella’s lips curved into a cold, knowing smile. Just as she suspected. Zoe was behind this.

“Let’s not play games, Zoe. Was this your doing?”

“Of course it was,” Zoe replied, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction. “What are you going to do about it?”

“Isabella, I’ve always wanted to beat you. This competition is our final battle! I will prove I’m the true design queen!” Zoe declared.

“You’re pathetic, Zoe!” Isabella bit back her rising anger. “Using underhanded tricks to force me into this won’t change the fact that your skills will never match mine!”

“We’ll see about that!” Zoe retorted, ending the call abruptly.

Isabella’s grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles turning white.

Zoe’s provocation ignited a fire within her, but she knew reacting emotionally would be a mistake.

She needed a clear head. A solid strategy.

She hailed a cab outside the airport and gave the driver her studio address. During the ride, her mind raced.

The competition and the Sterling project were both paramount. She needed a flawless plan to succeed in both.

“Please, can you go faster?” she urged the driver, her anxiety palpable.

The driver glanced at her tense reflection in the rearview mirror and silently accelerated.

Isabella leaned back, closing her eyes. She took a deep, steadying breath, trying to focus.

When the cab pulled up to her studio, Isabella quickly got out.

Light spilled from the slightly open studio door onto the sidewalk. She pushed it open.

The scene inside was chaotic. Design drafts were scattered everywhere. Fabric swatches and tools cluttered every surface. A thick tension hung in the air.

Victoria was pacing frantically.

“Isabella! You’re back!” Victoria exclaimed, rushing toward her as if grabbing a lifeline.