Sophia’s face went pale, her lips losing all color.

She wanted to deny Zoe’s words, but a part of her knew they held truth.

“Zoe,” she stammered, her voice shaking. Her thoughts were too scattered to form a reply.

“What?” Zoe pressed, her tone sharp and relentless. “Do you still think you matter? Look at yourself—you’re nothing now. Ethan doesn’t care about you. To him, you don’t even exist.”

Tears finally spilled from Sophia’s eyes.

Zoe listened to the quiet sobs on the other end without sympathy. Instead, she felt a cold satisfaction.

“Crying won’t bring Ethan back,” Zoe said dismissively. “You need to accept reality. He isn’t yours anymore. Even if you cry until you can’t see, nothing will change.”

As Sophia continued to weep, Zoe’s mind raced.

Aligning with Sophia offered no benefits.

The woman was falling apart, too emotional to be reliable.

If she could secure a position at Blackwood Enterprises and find a way to win Ethan over, everything would fall into place.

A sly smile touched Zoe’s lips as the plan formed.

“Stop crying,” she said suddenly, her voice softening. “It’s not hopeless.”

Sophia sniffled, slowly pulling herself together.

“Really?” she whispered, voice raw. “You’ll help me?”

“Of course,” Zoe replied smoothly.

“Sophia, you know Ethan well, don’t you?” Zoe’s tone was coaxing, layered with subtle intention. “What does he like? What does he dislike?”

Sophia hesitated. Uncertainty flickered across her face before she finally relented, pouring out everything she knew. Every detail, every preference—she laid them bare, offering up Ethan’s world.

Zoe listened carefully, nodding occasionally, her mind sorting useful information from the rest.

Then, as Sophia’s voice wavered, Zoe’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile.

“Alright, enough tears.” Her voice remained gentle, but carried a dangerous edge. “I’ll help you. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure you get Ethan back.”

As soon as the call ended, the warmth vanished from Zoe’s expression.

“Sophia, you really are a fool,” Zoe muttered under her breath, barely hiding her contempt. Then, with calculated calm, she dialed another number.

“Hello. Can you check Ethan Blackwood’s schedule for tonight?”

After a moment, Zoe ended the call, a slight smile playing on her lips.

“Château de Versailles… charity gala… I see.” Determination flickered in her eyes as she whispered, “Tonight is the perfect opportunity.”

She moved quietly to her wardrobe, scanning the collection of elegant gowns. After a moment’s thought, she selected a champagne-colored dress.

The fabric draped over her curves like liquid gold, tailored perfectly to highlight her silhouette. The soft hue complemented her fair skin, radiating both grace and allure.

At her vanity, Zoe applied her makeup with precision—her eyes lined to captivate, her lips painted a subtle, enticing shade. She twisted her long hair into an elegant updo, leaving a few strands loose to frame her face.

She admired her reflection. As a final touch, she reached for a bottle of perfume, spritzing a refreshing fragrance over her skin.