Zara's expression instantly darkened the moment she spotted Riya. She turned, ready to walk away.
"Running off so soon?" Riya scoffed with sarcasm. "Aren't you going to check the collections?" She circled Zara deliberately, blocking her path. "For a small designer like you, this must feel like a golden opportunity. You should cling to Edith while you can. Maybe she'll be generous enough to squeeze you in for a meeting with Shay."
She folded her arms across her chest, her chin tilted in disdain. Despite having a year-long contract with his company, she herself hadn't managed to meet him yet. The idea that Zara might be laughable.
"You—" Bree snapped, stepping up with fire in her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. Shay has—"
"Bree." Zara caught her arm firmly, pulling her back before she could finish. "Calm down."
Bree's brows pinched together, clearly unhappy. "But look at her. She is the one—"
"Go outside and wait for me," Zara cut her off yet again, this time more firmly.
