Amanda's face turned pale with rage as she watched Elizabeth's arrogant retreat.

How dare that woman show her face here tonight? Did she think getting a role in that Windmill Studios production gave her the right to attend Alan Levine's birthday celebration?

Even if Amanda wasn't a major star herself, her family name carried weight in Crestwood's elite circles. She could look down on anyone—even A-list celebrities like Elizabeth York.

And everyone knew Elizabeth had slept her way to the top during her long career. What gave her the right to mock Amanda?

"Have some self-respect, Ms. Mitchell," Ethan said coldly, refusing her note before walking away.

Amanda trembled with fury. This entire evening had been nothing but humiliation after humiliation.

Even Sophia kept her distance now. Not because she feared upsetting Amanda, but because she didn't want to be associated with her public disgrace.

Fortunately, the emcee's voice cut through the tension, signaling the start of the main event.

Guests instinctively moved toward the stage area. Just then, a man in black approached and quietly escorted James away after the boy had eaten several cake slices.

The emcee's voice boomed through the grand hall with practiced enthusiasm.

"Good evening, distinguished guests. I'm your host for this magnificent celebration. Thank you all for joining us tonight as we honor Henry Levine's seventieth birthday. Now, without further delay, let's welcome the man of the hour with a round of thunderous applause!"

The entire banquet hall erupted in applause. William wheeled his grandfather to the center of the stage while James stood nearby, looking unusually proper and well-behaved.

All attention focused on the Levine family.

Samuel's expression darkened as realization dawned. Something was very wrong here.

"Seventy years already? It feels like only yesterday!" Henry declared.

Though his voice showed his age, his presence remained commanding. "Since it's my birthday, I want to take this opportunity to formally introduce my grandson, William. He'll be residing in Crestwood permanently from now on, and I trust you'll all extend him your full support!"

The implication was clear—William would be taking over Levine Holdings.

The emcee handed the microphone to William, who surveyed the crowd with calm authority.

His devastating good looks and natural charisma made him appear almost regal.

"Good evening. I'm William Levine." His deep voice resonated through the silent hall.

Samuel nearly collapsed on the spot.

This was indeed William Levine—the very firefighter he'd been mocking all this time!

"Samuel? You told us he was just a firefighter!" one of the wealthy socialites whispered urgently.

"See? I knew it!" another quickly added. "No bodyguard carries himself like that!"

"Oh god, I hope I didn't say anything inappropriate earlier!"

Samuel's face drained of color as he remembered publicly greeting that other man as 'William Levine' while everyone watched. He'd told so many people that the real William was merely a firefighter...

The humiliation felt like a physical blow, both painful and degrading.

Every ounce of dignity he'd ever possessed evaporated in that moment.

Amanda and Sophia stood equally stunned, their mouths agape as they stared at the man they'd known as a firefighter—now revealed as William Levine, the future head of Levine Holdings.