Isabella narrowed her eyes, her expression thoughtful.

Sophia and Isabella went their separate ways to prepare for the upcoming competition. Only Olivia and Ethan remained in the gazebo.

“Ethan, who do you think will win?” Olivia asked, her sharp eyes studying him as if expecting a revealing answer.

Ethan’s gaze drifted toward the distant hills, his face unreadable. He remained silent.

Olivia chuckled softly and shook her head. “Still as reserved as ever, I see.”

From their first meeting, Olivia had recognized Ethan’s guarded nature. He was a man who rarely showed his emotions.

Meanwhile, Isabella hurried into a nearby hallway and quickly dialed the design team at Blackwood Enterprises.

Pacing anxiously, she began issuing orders as soon as the call connected. “I need designs inspired by Silverwood Estate. Send me multiple drafts by tonight.”

There was a hesitant pause on the other end.

“Miss Scott, with such short notice… I’m not sure we can…”

“Make it happen. I don’t care what it takes,” Isabella interrupted firmly.

She refused to let Sophia outshine her.

Just then, the butler appeared around the corner, holding three room keys.

Isabella quickly formulated a plan and approached him. “I can deliver those,” she offered with a convincingly polite smile. “I’m heading in that direction anyway.”

The butler hesitated briefly before handing over the keys.

Given her connection to Ethan, he saw no reason to refuse. Isabella subtly ran her fingers over the cards, already plotting her next move.

Tonight might finally provide the opportunity she had been waiting for…

It was time for Sophia to understand her true position. A flicker of anticipation ignited within her—tonight could change everything.

When Sophia returned to her guest room, she found the door slightly ajar, making the key unnecessary.

She settled into a quiet corner, unfolded her sketchpad, and began designing.

The soft sound of her pencil moving across paper filled the room as she outlined elegant, flowing shapes.

Completely absorbed in her work, Sophia shut out all distractions.

This was her chance to prove herself.

At noon, the dining room was lavishly set with an array of exquisite dishes.

Olivia was already seated, and Ethan was there as well, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the empty chair beside him, a faint concern in his eyes.

Sophia, preoccupied with her evening plans, missed the subtle shift in Ethan’s expression.

She retrieved the three room cards from her purse and placed them on the table.