“Isabella, your time is running out,” she whispered to herself. “Soon, everyone will see you for the fraud you are. Everything you’ve built will crumble. Just you wait.”
The car halted. Zoe stepped out, lifting her chin as she stared at the luxurious building ahead. A cold, triumphant smile touched her lips.
It wouldn’t be long now. She would ruin Isabella’s life and claim everything that was rightfully hers—including Ethan.
After dropping Liam at kindergarten, Isabella headed to her studio. But a persistent sense of unease lingered with her all day.
“Victoria, how is the design coming along?” Isabella asked, rubbing her temples as she glanced at her assistant.
Victoria held a thick folder tightly. “It’s all finalized. Just waiting for your final approval.”
Galaxy was Isabella’s passion project—a necklace meticulously crafted for the upcoming International Jewelry Design Competition. Every detail mattered. She took the folder and carefully reviewed the sketches and notes. “This looks perfect,” she said with approval. “The deadline is close. We can’t afford any mistakes.”
Victoria nodded firmly. “Understood. I’ll submit it first thing tomorrow.”
Satisfied, Isabella gave a few more instructions before letting Victoria return to her work.
As the office grew quiet, Isabella leaned back in her chair and exhaled slowly. The past few days had been exhausting.
The upcoming launch of the Galaxy collection filled her with excitement. She was certain it would make her stand out at the competition and completely overshadow Zoe.
Evening fell, and the city lights began to glitter. Victoria, having worked late, packed her things and prepared to leave.
Just as she stepped out of the office and reached for a shared bike, a sleek red sports car screeched to a halt in front of her.
The tinted window slid down, revealing a strikingly beautiful face.
It was Sophia.
Though she wore oversized sunglasses, Victoria recognized her immediately.
“Miss… Miss Reed?” Victoria stammered, caught off guard.
Sophia removed her sunglasses, her captivating eyes studying Victoria closely. A faint, unreadable smile played on her lips. “You’re Victoria, aren’t you?” Her voice was sweet, but carried an icy undertone.
Victoria felt a jolt of nervousness. Why was Sophia here?
“Y-Yes, that’s me,” she murmured, lowering her gaze to avoid Sophia’s intense stare.
“I heard… your mother has a serious gambling debt. She was nearly beaten to death. Still in the ICU, isn’t she?” Sophia’s tone was casual, as if discussing the weather.
But to Victoria, it felt like a thunderclap. Her body stiffened, and her eyes widened in shock. She stared at Sophia in disbelief. “How… how do you know that?” Her voice trembled.
Victoria had kept her mother’s financial crisis and hospitalization a secret from everyone, even Isabella. How did Sophia find out?
Sophia chuckled softly but offered no explanation. Instead, she reached into her designer bag and pulled out a check, waving it teasingly in front of Victoria.
“Fifty thousand. Enough to cover the hospital bills?”