Elise guided James to a quiet corner of the grand ballroom. His bodyguard followed at a respectful distance.

James had always preferred his personal space, disliking anyone getting too close.

"Sis, you brought him here?" Sophia's voice cut through the air sharply.

She stood nearby with Amanda, both holding delicate dessert plates. Though earlier events had left them seething, they'd managed to compose themselves—only to encounter Elise again.

Elise's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Sophia Mitchell, your father made it clear you shouldn't embarrass yourself tonight. Push me again, and I won't hesitate to create a scene you'll regret."

Sophia's face paled visibly. She knew better than to test Elise's limits.

Amanda, however, remained unfazed. Her attention had already shifted to Ethan Parker's arrival across the room.

He was the real reason she'd endured this tedious evening.

Ethan was a renowned director under Windmill Studios, a subsidiary of Levine Holdings. More importantly, he was directing the series from which she'd been abruptly removed. Normally, a mere director wouldn't qualify for this exclusive event, but Ethan held a unique position—he was the orphan Henry Levine had raised as his own.

Henry's favor granted him access everywhere.

"Mr. Parker," Amanda greeted, stepping into his path.

Ethan paused, recognition flashing in his eyes. Their paths had crossed frequently in entertainment circles.

"Ms. Mitchell," he replied with polite detachment.

"Why was I suddenly removed from the project?" Amanda demanded, bypassing pleasantries.

"That decision came from above. I'm not privy to the details."

"But you're a shareholder in Windmill Studios."

"Levine Holdings made the call," Ethan clarified coolly.

Amanda's expression darkened. "So it was Nathan Davis after all."

Windmill Studios typically operated with autonomy!

And when she'd confronted Nathan previously, he'd denied everything.

"Why not ask him yourself?" Ethan gestured behind her, where Nathan Davis and Andrew Saunders had just entered the ballroom.

Ethan clearly had no interest in dealing with Amanda, much like the rest of their circle disliked these formal affairs. They'd only attended because it was William's important day, despite their habitual tardiness.

"Mr. Parker—"

Amanda blocked his escape route.

Impatience flickered in Ethan's eyes, though he masked it well.

"I know your connections with Levine Holdings. You could intervene, even if Nathan is behind this." Amanda slipped a folded note into his hand. "My number. I'd appreciate a private conversation later."

She offered him her most seductive smile, but Ethan simply returned the paper. "Filming begins tomorrow, Ms. Mitchell. The cast is finalized. There's nothing I can do."

Amanda's smile vanished.

Years in the industry had allowed her to avoid casting couches, thanks to family connections—though her personal life told a different story.

This role, however, meant everything to her. Being replaced was an insult she couldn't accept.

Even offering herself had yielded nothing but rejection?!

"My apologies," Ethan said, attempting to step around her.

Her hand closed around his wrist.

As Ethan frowned, she pressed the note back into his palm. "Keep it. You might find a role that suits me someday."

A slender figure materialized beside them, releasing a contemptuous chuckle.

Both turned to see Elizabeth York striding past them, her hips swaying with deliberate arrogance.