Elizabeth sat composedly in her luxury SUV while Penelope continued her agitated rant beside her. "Those ungrateful hypocrites, switching loyalties the moment Amanda bought them some cheap treats! Have they forgotten you've been treating them to afternoon tea every other day? The total cost far exceeds Amanda's petty offerings! And why won't you let me confront them, Elizabeth? Gossiping behind our backs... it's absolutely infuriating!"

"They have their own mouths. They can speak whatever they wish," Elizabeth responded calmly.

Penelope pouted dramatically. "But they're also questioning your relationship with Ethan..."

"And they're correct," Elizabeth stated flatly—she never made direct eye contact with Ethan unless absolutely necessary.

Penelope opened her mouth to protest further, but Elizabeth cut her off. "I need to leave early today, so I'll drop you at the intersection ahead. Take a cab home—you can expense the fare through Linda."

"Alright." Penelope nodded, genuinely appreciating Elizabeth's kindness in that moment.

After all, what other celebrity would personally drive their assistant home?!

In truth, Elizabeth always ensured Penelope reached her doorstep safely when time permitted. And in special circumstances like today, she authorized taxi fare reimbursement.

Honestly, how could anyone call Elizabeth arrogant?!

Elizabeth returned to Levine Manor unusually early, finding only her grandfather and parents in the grand living room.

She wanted to inquire about the dinner arrangements multiple times but remained silent under her mother's warning glances.

Yet, sitting idly felt both tedious and uncomfortable.

After brief consideration, Elizabeth rose gracefully. "Shouldn't I wait for William at the entrance? It would demonstrate proper respect."

Before Nancy could respond, Henry nodded, offering rare approval. "Proceed."

Elizabeth exited the living room cheerfully, though her true motivation was checking her phone away from her grandfather's watchful eyes.

Family etiquette prohibited phone usage in elders' presence.

Thus, she positioned herself at the main entrance, retrieved her phone, and began scrolling while awaiting William's arrival.

After some time, a familiar black luxury sedan pulled up outside.

Ethan emerged first, circling the vehicle to open the passenger door with gentlemanly precision.

Once his passenger disembarked, Ethan instructed her to wait outside while he parked in the garage.

However, Amanda's expression darkened immediately upon spotting Elizabeth casually using her phone at the entrance as if she belonged there.

Amanda thought her eyes deceived her... but it truly was Elizabeth!

What possible right did Elizabeth have to be here?!

Was Elizabeth so offended by Amanda mentioning her visit that she decided to crash the dinner?!

Was Elizabeth attempting to escalate the situation?!

How utterly shameless could she be?!

Yet Amanda refused to let Elizabeth ruin her introduction to William's parents.

With determined strides, Amanda approached Elizabeth and delivered a sharp, stinging slap across her face!

The unexpected blow left Elizabeth completely stunned and speechless!