[Cancel Amanda already. She doesn't deserve to be a celebrity.]

[Didn't she break multiple laws? The authorities should investigate and penalize her properly.]

The competition had finally concluded. What was scheduled as a two-hour program stretched into four, yet viewership numbers soared to unprecedented heights.

With the recording finished, everyone began exiting the studio.

Elise made her way backstage to thank Maron before departing, escorted by studio personnel.

However, a massive crowd of journalists clogged the exit, swarming Amanda and Sophia, trapping them.

"Amanda, why did you frame Elise? Were you afraid she would win and damage Mitchell Corp?"

"Don't you find such behavior utterly despicable?"

"Do you expect to face consequences for your actions?"

"Amanda, say something!"

The aggressive questions pushed Amanda to her breaking point. She lost control, shrieking, "Enough! All of you, stop!"

The journalists remained relentless, capturing her meltdown with flashing cameras.

"Move! I'm leaving! Get out of my way!" Amanda yelled through her tears.

Beside her, Sophia continued her act of false sympathy. "Calm down, Amanda. They're just doing their jobs—don't make this harder!"

"Sophia Mitchell!" Amanda had finally reached her limit. She had wanted to confront Sophia on stage earlier but held back to avoid escalating the situation.

Now, Sophia's two-faced performance only made Amanda appear more unhinged and arrogant.

Enraged, Amanda slapped Sophia hard across the face.

Tears instantly welled in Sophia's eyes. She stared at Amanda with wounded vulnerability. "Amanda…"

"Amanda! How could you hit someone? That's vile!"

"My god… I've never seen such barbaric behavior! Were you raised without manners?"

"Sophia was trying to help you, and you attack her? You're a monster…"

The journalists' verbal assault shattered what remained of Amanda's composure.

Nothing she said mattered. No one would believe her.

She just wanted to escape, to flee, but she couldn't. Her manager, assistant, and bodyguards were nowhere to be seen.

It felt like the world had conspired to humiliate her indefinitely.

Then, a man emerged, pushing through the throng of journalists. He reached Amanda's side and swiftly escorted her away.

The journalists were momentarily stunned by his sudden appearance. By the time they recovered, Amanda was already inside a sleek black luxury car speeding off.

Nearby, Elise witnessed the entire scene. She wasn't mistaken—it was Ethan…

Ultimately, he was the one who betrayed Elizabeth's unwavering loyalty for him.