"Are you sure?" William asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Absolutely," Elise confirmed, knowing Henry Levine's seventieth birthday was tomorrow.

With that reassurance, James happily departed with Charles, while Elise quickly changed into her work attire and applied her makeup.

She had just settled at her desk when Matthew Johnson approached, holding an elegant envelope. "Ms. Scott? Mr. Henry Levine from Levine Holdings has sent you an invitation for his birthday celebration tomorrow."

Elise opened the invitation casually, her eyes immediately drawn to the exquisite calligraphy spelling her name. She felt certain William had personally written it.

The office door swung open suddenly, revealing Sophia. "We need to talk, sister."

Elise discreetly tucked away the invitation while dismissing Matthew from the room.

Sophia's temper flared instantly. "I left work early for personal reasons! Did you really have to report my absence on the company's administrative portal?"

The notification on the official company platform had infuriated her. As CEO, being publicly called out for skipping work was humiliating. Everyone would be mocking her behind her back.

"Company regulations apply equally to everyone," Elise stated calmly.

"Weren't you absent too?" Sophia shot back.

"I own Stellar Group," Elise replied with a cool stare. "The rules don't govern me."

Sophia's face turned pale with frustration, but she found no words to counter.

"If you find this arrangement unacceptable, you're welcome to leave the company," Elise added indifferently.

Sophia's thoughts raced. Of course—Elise was constantly looking for opportunities to force her out of Stellar Group!

But she wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

Swallowing her pride, Sophia conceded, "I was wrong to leave work without proper notice. It won't happen again."

Elise merely offered a faint, dismissive smile. "You may leave now."

Sophia turned to exit, her jaw clenched tightly, eyes burning with resentment. She would make Elise pay for every humiliation she'd endured—a hundred times over.

Even as she returned to her office, anger still simmered within her.

When her phone rang, it took several moments to compose herself before answering. "Hello, Amanda."

"Is Elise attending Henry Levine's birthday gala tomorrow?"

Sophia considered the question. "Father never mentioned bringing her—he's always been more concerned about maintaining appearances."

She implied that Elise's presence would embarrass their family.

"Besides," Sophia continued, "any event hosted by the Levines is exclusive. Only the most distinguished companies and individuals receive invitations. Stellar Group certainly doesn't qualify."

"That's reassuring." Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. "I was worried she might show up in that stunning gown."

Amanda had to admit that if Elise appeared in that dress, she would completely overshadow everyone else.

"Don't worry—she has no way of attending. She probably bought that gown just to feed her vanity. She's not worth your concern."

"True," Amanda agreed, her tone noticeably brighter. "See you tomorrow."

"Of course."

As she ended the call, a malicious smile spread across Sophia's face.

When tomorrow arrived, all Elise could do was watch from the sidelines and envy them!

By morning of the 17th, Henry Levine's seventieth birthday dominated Crestwood's trending searches and showed no signs of slowing down.

As evening fell, the most luxurious nightclub in Crestwood shone so brilliantly it seemed to set the sky ablaze.

A procession of luxury vehicles queued at the entrance while journalists scrambled for photos and interviews with each arriving guest.

The spectacle surpassed even the most glamorous award shows in scale and sophistication, radiating an air of refined elegance that captivated the entire city.