Amanda could clearly see Elizabeth was about to strike her. She never imagined Elizabeth would do it so publicly.

Just as panic surged through Amanda, someone abruptly pulled her aside. Elizabeth's stiletto heel came down hard on Ethan's leg instead.

Elizabeth knew exactly how much force she had put behind that kick. With heels that sharp, she could vividly imagine Amanda's agony. Instead, she had struck Ethan.

Ethan flinched slightly from the impact but otherwise endured the pain silently.

Elizabeth stared at him, completely stunned.

Amanda was equally shocked that he had come to her rescue again. Her heart began racing wildly, leaving her dazed and mesmerized.

Elizabeth clenched her fists, watching Ethan with an icy glare. He straightened up, scooped Amanda into his arms, and carried her away right before Elizabeth's eyes.

He had fallen for Amanda after all.

Though Elizabeth couldn't see his expression clearly, her eyes welled with tears. She lowered her gaze, fighting desperately to hold them back.

No. She wouldn't cry over Ethan. Her tears weren't that cheap.

She had already cried enough for him.

Slowly, she returned to her seat as if nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, Ethan placed Amanda in her chair and immediately turned to leave.

"Mr. Parker..." Amanda caught his wrist, stopping him.

"Let go unless you want me to turn against you," he growled threateningly.

Amanda could feel his fury radiating from him. She was confused—why had he saved her moments ago only to now seem to despise her?

Gritting her teeth, she released him. He walked back to his seat without a single glance back.

The incident sparked whispers throughout the venue even before the gala officially began.

"I thought those were just rumors, but Ethan Parker really is dating Amanda Mitchell!"

"He doesn't seem that serious about her though... but he's still so protective! That princess carry? So romantic!"

"He's incredibly handsome! When I first worked with him, I actually mistook him for a new actor. That's how good-looking he is!"

"Amanda really hit the jackpot, didn't she? Her family's wealthy and influential, her acting career is taking off, she's不缺钱. And now she has an ideal boyfriend like Ethan... This is too much!"

Elizabeth listened to their conversations, a bitter smile touching her lips as memories of her past with Ethan surfaced.

Her maternal grandfather had brought ten-year-old Ethan into the Levine family.

She was only five at the time and didn't understand much—she just thought Ethan was very handsome.

Before his arrival, she had been the only child in the entire manor. William was usually abroad, and whenever he returned, he would only hang out with Nathan and the others, rarely playing with her. So Ethan became her only companion, and for the longest time, she followed her 'uncle' everywhere.

Yet Ethan had always remained emotionally distant from her.