A furious roar echoed through the studio, freezing everyone in place.

Elizabeth turned to see Nathan charging toward them, his face flushed crimson with rage. She stared in disbelief—never expecting to encounter anyone familiar in this place. He violently kicked over the camera equipment blocking his path. In the next moment, he swept her into his arms, making sure the towel concealed every inch of her body.

He seemed terrified the towel might slip and expose her to everyone's gaze.

"Who the hell are you?!"

The director stood stunned by Nathan's sudden appearance, finally finding his voice after a long pause. "This is a closed set! I'll have security remove you!"

"Call them!" Nathan snarled, his voice dripping with contempt. "Let's see who they arrest when they discover what kind of filth you're filming here!"

The director fell silent, completely defeated by Nathan's sharp retort. Without wasting another moment, Nathan turned his attention to Elizabeth. "Where are your clothes?"

"In the dressing room."

"Get dressed. Now."

"Nathan, wait—"

"It's just money, isn't it?!" he exploded, his patience completely gone. "I'll give you whatever amount you need! A million? Two? Name your price!"

Elizabeth could almost feel the heat radiating from his body. She considered telling him she only needed forty thousand, but knew that would only fuel his anger further. Besides, there was no chance they could resume filming now.

"Give me a moment," she said calmly.

Nathan reluctantly set her down but followed closely as she headed to the dressing room, as if afraid she might vanish. After changing, she emerged to find him waiting impatiently. He grabbed her hand and stormed out of the studio without another word.

Inside his car, the engine remained off. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white with suppressed emotion.

"What are you doing here?" Elizabeth finally asked.

The question seemed to ignite something in him. "You were really going through with it?" he demanded, his voice raw. "If I hadn't shown up, you would have let them film you like that?"

"I overheard some industry investors gossiping about you doing adult films. I thought I misheard! Then I called William and learned the truth!" His voice grew more agitated with each word. "Haven't you suffered enough? Why push yourself to this extreme?"

Though his words were harsh, his tone carried more heartbreak than judgment. He clearly never imagined she'd sink to this level for money.

"You've never experienced true hardship," Elizabeth countered bitterly. "How could you possibly understand my desperation?"

"I—!"

Nathan found himself speechless.

"I know you're trying to protect me, even if it means preventing me from earning money this way. That's why I'm not angry with you. But from now on, let's pretend we're strangers. I should go—"

"How much do you need?" Nathan interrupted sharply.

When she turned to face him, he continued, "My parents control my trust fund. I can access three hundred thousand immediately. Will that suffice? If not, I'll find more."

"No." Elizabeth's refusal was immediate. "I'll earn it myself."

She had no intention of accepting anyone's charity, determined to stand on her own.

"Then sell yourself to me!" Nathan snapped, his composure shattering. "It's the same transaction! At least you'd be dealing with someone you know!"

Elizabeth stared at him, completely stunned.

"Give me your bank details. I'll transfer the money immediately," he insisted, his determination unwavering.

"You don't need to do this for me, Nathan. I know you're being protective like a brother, but I've become the Levines' enemy. Supporting me will make you their enemy too. I don't want you to—mmph!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock as Nathan suddenly captured her lips in a fierce kiss.

Her mind went completely blank.

She'd known Nathan for years, always considering him one of the guys.

But this moment... this kiss...

She couldn't begin to process the storm of emotions it unleashed.