Elise didn't waste any time. She got straight to business. "Since you're being direct, Ms. York, I'll do the same. You might not know this, but Stellar Group was under my father's management until recently. I've taken over now. What I mean is, while Stellar Fashion's previous designs were mediocre, that's changing immediately. Here are our templates for next season. Please take a look."

Elizabeth studied Elise carefully.

She didn't know much about Elise personally, but she'd heard all the rumors. The dramatic stories circulating about her. Elizabeth had assumed Elise was just another socialite relying on men, especially after learning about her history with Samuel Mitchell.

But Elise's straightforward confidence was changing Elizabeth's perception. She was clearly capable, direct, and knew how to stand her ground.

Apparently, rumors were just that—rumors.

Elizabeth accepted the tablet Elise offered. Her eyes immediately widened when she saw the designs.

She'd agreed to this dinner mostly out of obligation. Earlier, bored in her trailer, she'd browsed Stellar Fashion's online catalog. Nothing had impressed her. She knew she couldn't refuse this endorsement deal anyway—not with her own brother pushing for it.

But these new designs completely transformed her opinion of Stellar Fashion.

Elise's earlier statement—'that's changing immediately'—was clearly no exaggeration.

"These are impressive," Elizabeth acknowledged with a nod.

Elise pressed her advantage. "Since our products meet your standards and you're willing to endorse us, let's discuss your fee."

"What's your offer?" Elizabeth asked.

"Your standard endorsement rate is three million dollars, correct?" Elise maintained eye contact. "We're prepared to pay that amount."

"You can have a discount," Elizabeth said bluntly.

Elise was taken aback.

"I'm worried I might literally break a leg if I don't," Elizabeth joked lightly.

Elise grew even more surprised.

"Just pay me half. Otherwise my management company will protest. One point five million—that's my price for becoming Stellar Fashion's brand ambassador." Elizabeth paused meaningfully. "Exclusively."

Meaning she wouldn't endorse competing brands while representing Stellar.

Elise felt both delighted and uneasy.

Elizabeth was clearly doing her a huge favor—far beyond what she'd expected.

She'd thought the best outcome would be a polite refusal from Elizabeth, especially since she'd attended Henry Levine's birthday banquet.

Elizabeth must have seen William defending her that night. That alone should have ruined any chance of negotiation!

"Meet my manager Linda tomorrow with your contract. I'll notify her in advance."

"Thank you, Ms. York. Here's to a successful partnership for both of us." Elise extended her hand.

Elizabeth shook it warmly. "Let's be friends from now on. Call me Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth," Elise responded immediately. "And please call me Elise."

Elizabeth nodded, then asked, "Do you drink?"

"Of course."

"Can you handle your liquor?"

"Reasonably well."

"Then let's get properly drunk tonight. It's a special occasion," Elizabeth proposed.

"Don't you have filming tomorrow?" Samantha reminded her.

"That's in the afternoon. My morning is completely free." Elizabeth waved dismissively. "I invited you here to drink, remember?"

Samantha knew Elizabeth too well. Nobody was leaving sober tonight.

They began drinking enthusiastically.

At first, Elise held back, still unfamiliar with the other women. But after several drinks, and discovering how down-to-earth Elizabeth was compared to her public persona, the atmosphere became lively and cheerful.

Female friendships formed easily, especially over good drinks.