Elizabeth had no clue what those photographs contained.

She hadn't been intimate with any man recently. There was nothing scandalous for the paparazzi to exploit.

Making matters worse, her phone wasn't with her. Her manager and assistant were also absent.

"I have no idea what you're referring to," Elizabeth stated coolly. "If I were in a relationship, I wouldn't conceal it."

She attempted to push through the throng of journalists. They immediately tightened their circle around her.

Elizabeth's expression darkened visibly. They were deliberately blocking her exit.

As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, she had to maintain her composure in front of cameras.

"These photos are absolutely authentic, Ms. York. What are you trying to hide?"

"Why not just confess? Tell us who he is and define your relationship!"

"Don't keep your fans waiting, Ms. York!"

The relentless interrogation was wearing her down. She genuinely didn't understand their accusations.

Just as her composure was about to break, her manager Linda, assistant Penelope, and a team of bodyguards forcefully cleared a path through the crowd. They swiftly escorted Elizabeth into her waiting luxury vehicle, leaving the frustrated journalists behind.

"What's going on?" Elizabeth demanded immediately. Linda handed over her phone.

Elizabeth's brow furrowed as she scanned the screen. Suddenly, she burst into laughter at the scandalous article and accompanying photos.

She was utterly speechless. Linda and Penelope stared at her in complete bewilderment.

How could she laugh when they'd just exposed her having a sugar daddy?!

She had numerous television series, film projects, variety show appearances, and endorsement deals pending! Countless scheduling requests remained unresolved!

Wasn't she concerned about her career being destroyed?!

However, Elizabeth found it hilarious that someone had attempted to create a scandal between her and her own cousin.

Clearly, whoever was behind this feared William enough to blur his face. While most people wouldn't recognize him, Elizabeth remembered that location perfectly—the backyard of the banquet hall where Henry Levine had celebrated his birthday.

She recalled it distinctly because William had snapped at her, ordering her to return home.

Somehow, someone had captured that moment and twisted it into something sordid.

"Who is he, Elizabeth? Is he really your boyfriend?" Linda pressed anxiously.

"Absolutely not," Elizabeth denied instantly.

"Then who is he?" Linda persisted.

Elizabeth hesitated briefly before responding, "I can't tell you."

Revealing his identity would expose her connection to the Levine family.

That would mean immediate retirement from show business and a desk job at Levine Holdings.

She had signed that agreement with her parents and maternal grandfather before entering the entertainment industry. Her word was binding.

"Elizabeth!" Linda snapped, genuinely upset.

She had nurtured Elizabeth's career from its inception to its current success.

Yet Elizabeth was keeping secrets from her...

Elizabeth spoke with solemn determination. "Handle this through PR, Linda. Trust me, it's far better if we manage this ourselves rather than exposing that man's identity."

Linda felt deeply uncomfortable but recognized Elizabeth's resolve. She decided not to push further. "I'll coordinate with PR immediately."

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied.

The luxury vehicle dropped Linda and Penelope at the management office. The scandal meant working overtime.

"Oh, one more thing." Linda paused before exiting, remembering something important. "It was Ethan Parker who alerted me to bring bodyguards and extract you from the gala. That's how we reached you so quickly and saved you from those journalists—make sure to thank him later."

Elizabeth pressed her lips together briefly before responding, "I will."

With that, Linda and Penelope exited the vehicle.

Penelope watched the departing car and couldn't resist commenting, "Have you noticed, Linda? Elizabeth has refused to let us take her home ever since she returned to Crestwood. The luxury vehicle and chauffeur are both privately hired."

"I've noticed," Linda replied thoughtfully.

"Then where does she actually live?" Penelope exclaimed with burning curiosity. "Is there a reason we can't find out? Is she hiding her background because she comes from an important family?"

"Of course not! Why would she work herself to death in show business if she were born into wealth or power?!" Linda immediately dismissed the idea. "But I don't understand it either. Why aren't we permitted to know about her family circumstances? Or does she truly have a powerful backer, like the rumors suggest?!"

Both women stood completely perplexed by the mystery.