Zoe studied Sophia with a thoughtful gaze. "I'm surprised you returned from Salzburg so quickly. Mr. Blackwood must still value you highly."

Sophia's expression tightened before she forced a polite smile. "You flatter me, Miss Tremblay."

Zoe raised an elegant eyebrow. "Let's have coffee. There's something I'd like to discuss."

After a brief hesitation, Sophia nodded in agreement.

They selected a window table at a nearby upscale café.

"Two lattes, please," Zoe told the waiter before turning back to Sophia. "Since you left the city, Isabella has become even more insufferable."

Sophia felt her stomach clench. "What has she done now?"

Zoe gave a light, mocking laugh. "Everyone in elite circles sees her as Ethan's perfect match. Her influence keeps growing. People fear her. Former chief designer at Apex Design Collective, now Mrs. Blackwood... she's become quite powerful."

Sophia's fingers tightened around her newly arrived coffee cup, her knuckles pressing white against the porcelain. "What gives her the right to act so superior?"

"Exactly." Zoe took a delicate sip of her coffee before setting it down. "Men always chase after new excitement. Once the novelty wears off, Ethan will come back to you."

Sophia hesitated, biting her lip. "But Ethan seems genuinely devoted to her."

"Devotion? That's just an act." Zoe scoffed dismissively. "Do you actually believe men are capable of true devotion? Look what changing yourself for him has gotten you."

Each word struck Sophia like a physical blow, leaving her sitting in painful silence.

"Will you just stand by while Isabella takes everything?" Zoe's tone turned coaxing. "Are you willing to lose to her?"

A fierce fire ignited in Sophia's eyes as she lifted her head sharply. "No. I won't let that happen. Ethan belongs to me."

"Precisely," Zoe responded with an approving nod. "We share a common enemy. Perhaps we should join forces again."

Sophia stared at Zoe, conflicting emotions flickering across her face.

"What kind of collaboration did you have in mind?"

"Are you familiar with the International Jewelry Design Competition?" Zoe asked.

Sophia remained silent, waiting for her to continue, her grip tightening slightly on her coffee cup.

"There's potential for her to shine there... or for us to intervene," Zoe said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Sophia frowned, perplexed. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

Zoe leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Imagine if something unexpected happened during the competition. Consider the implications."

A chill ran through Sophia as she envisioned scenarios of Isabella's potential downfall.

"You mean to suggest..."

Zoe raised her hands defensively, feigning innocence. "I'm merely pointing out that accidents can happen, right?"

Sophia's grip on her coffee cup tightened until her knuckles turned white, her mind racing with possibilities.

Would Ethan stay by Isabella's side if her reputation was destroyed during the competition?

The answer seemed obvious.

"I appreciate your advice, Miss Tremblay." Sophia exhaled sharply. "I've decided what to do next."

"You're welcome," Zoe responded, sipping her coffee with a subtle smile playing on her lips.