Elizabeth stepped into her luxury SUV and departed the film location.

They had just finished shooting an intense night sequence, and she remained deeply immersed in her character's emotional state.

Slowly emerging from her acting trance, she leaned back against the plush leather seat and closed her eyes.

Her manager Linda sat nearby, engaged in quiet conversation with her assistant Penelope.

"Did you watch the Solo Show finale, Linda?" Penelope inquired.

"I caught some clips while heading to the set," Linda responded.

"Me too! That confrontation between Elise and Sophia was absolutely explosive!" Penelope exclaimed with genuine excitement. "The twists were more dramatic than any scripted series! News outlets are flooded with articles about it. It's more thrilling than any historical epic!"

Elizabeth's eyelids fluttered open.

She had nearly forgotten today was Elise's competition finale—her filming schedule had been too demanding to follow events.

Opening her eyes fully, Elizabeth asked, "Did Elise win?"

"Yes, and it was spectacular! I absolutely admire her now!" Penelope gushed enthusiastically before quickly adding, "Though you'll always be my favorite, Elizabeth!"

Such flattery.

Still, Elizabeth felt pleased hearing about Elise's victory.

If Sophia had won, who knows how that witch would have gloated!

Penelope continued excitedly, "You probably haven't seen the news yet, Elizabeth, but Amanda Mitchell tried to sabotage Elise during the competition tonight. Elise exposed her right on stage! You can't imagine how satisfying it was to watch! That poetic justice was absolutely magnificent!"

"Really?" Elizabeth naturally enjoyed gossip too, sitting up straighter at Penelope's revelation.

Though exhausted, Elizabeth couldn't resist checking her phone for updates, immediately finding numerous articles about the competition trending.

The more she read, the more delighted she became. She had to give credit to Elise.

Exactly what she'd expect from the woman her brother admired. Even Elizabeth herself felt like worshipping at Elise's feet!

Just then, another new article appeared.

[Knight in Shining Armor: Ethan Parker rescues girlfriend Amanda Mitchell amid scandal!]

Elizabeth's fingers hesitated momentarily before she finally tapped the headline.

The article contained extensive text, which Elizabeth skimmed without full attention.

Her focus remained on the striking photographs showing a commanding Ethan cutting through the crowd, shielding a sobbing Amanda beneath his protective embrace as he guided her to his vehicle.

Elizabeth scrolled down to read the comments.

[I don't like Amanda and don't think she deserves Ethan, but the man is simply incredible! Love him!]

[I envy her so much for having a boyfriend like Ethan. When will I find someone so handsome and chivalrous?]

[I don't think they're well-matched, but I sense genuine love in how Ethan protected Amanda. True love transcends everything, and they have my support.]

"I'm speechless," Penelope grumbled, having apparently seen the same article.

Simultaneously, Elizabeth blinked, and a single tear escaped from the corner of her eye.

She discreetly wiped it away, exited the article, and reclined again, closing her eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, Penelope continued venting, "How deeply does that man love Amanda? He's sacrificing his own reputation for her! Doesn't he realize anyone associating with her now will face consequences?"

Linda glanced toward Elizabeth then, and despite her apparent disinterest, signaled Penelope to stop.

Penelope immediately understood. Ethan did share history with Elizabeth. Even though they never confirmed their relationship publicly, their awkward interactions during joint appearances suggested there was more to the story.

However, Ethan had chosen Amanda, leaving everyone else to pretend ignorance.

Though Linda and Penelope fell silent, they both felt indignant on Elizabeth's behalf.

Elizabeth was clearly a hundred times better than Amanda!

Was it about family influence? Was that why Elizabeth lost?

Men could be so materialistic!

Elizabeth returned to Elise's apartment.

If she had one regret, it was not becoming friends with Elise sooner.

She genuinely loved staying at Elise's home, assuming Elise would have returned by now, only to find the apartment empty.

Where had Elise gone?!