Elise Scott stared coldly at Brandon Miller.

She viewed him as nothing more than a casual acquaintance and hadn't anticipated he'd be such a creep.

"Everyone attending Levine Holdings' anniversary gala tonight is either wealthy or influential!" Brandon declared smugly.

"And?" Elise countered.

"That means I'm superior to everyone else!" Brandon snapped, his voice rising with anger.

Elise smiled sardonically—this was genuinely amusing.

"Am I not here?" she challenged.

Brandon faltered momentarily, recognizing her mockery, then quickly tried to bolster his ego. "You're only here because of your connection to Scott Enterprise. Meanwhile, I received a personal invitation."

"In that case, do you see any member of the Scott family present?" Elise inquired.

It wasn't just the Scotts either—the Mitchells were conspicuously absent, and given their status in Crestwood, they certainly warranted invitations.

If they had been invited, they would have arrived early, not be missing entirely.

Yet no representatives from either prominent family could be spotted in the banquet hall. They definitely wouldn't be upstairs either, since most guests remained on the first floor where socializing was optimal.

Would those two social-climbing families really miss such a prime opportunity?

The only logical explanation was they hadn't been invited at all.

As for why?

Elise felt certain William had personally intervened.

The thought warmed her heart.

Meanwhile, Elise's observation made Brandon realize he hadn't seen any Scotts all evening.

He'd been circulating for quite some time and couldn't possibly have missed them.

Still, he refused to back down, continuing to manufacture excuses while demeaning Elise. "What are you so arrogant about?! You merely gained temporary fame from winning Solo Show. That's why Levine Holdings reluctantly invited you—once your fifteen minutes end, you're nothing!"

"You're quite the hypocrite, Mr. Miller." Elise sneered. "You boast incessantly as if it's your birthright, while accusing me of arrogance when I've said nothing. Have you never received validation? Are you truly that desperate for admiration?!"

"Elise Scott!!!"

"I don't have time to waste on you. Do as you please, Mr. Miller," Elise concluded coolly, stepping around him.

Brandon's face contorted with rage from her mockery, and he immediately moved to block her path again.

This time, Elise scowled, her patience clearly wearing thin.

Undeterred, Brandon continued his grandstanding. "Let me make this clear, Elise Scott—I'm an executive at Levine Holdings, and my position carries significant weight. If you possess any intelligence, you'd know how many Crestwood companies desperately seek partnerships with Levine Holdings, and they must show us respect to conduct business. A insignificant company like your Stellar Group must demonstrate proper deference if you want to establish yourself here!"

"You mean, show you deference," Elise laughed, genuinely amused now as she spotted a familiar figure approaching behind Brandon.

"We happen to know each other and have distant connections," Brandon reasoned smugly. "I'm not completely heartless—be nice and show me respect, and I can ensure you operate comfortably in Crestwood."

"And what exactly do you propose?" Elise asked, her smile widening as the man behind Brandon drew closer.

"Well, our initial meeting was pleasant. I've been too busy to schedule another date, which is my oversight. However, fate has reunited us today, so I suggest we start dating. If you prove suitable, I might even consider marriage," Brandon declared, as if bestowing a great honor.

Elise remained silent, maintaining her enigmatic smile as William Levine finally reached them.