Elizabeth then remarked, "Your sheets have such a lovely fragrance."

Elise smiled softly.

After her bath, Elizabeth slipped into a pair of Elise's pajamas and began exploring the apartment. "There's only one bedroom..."

"You can still reconsider," Elise said as she prepared coffee at the kitchen island.

Being a habitual night owl, she felt wide awake despite the late hour.

Elizabeth, now fully alert after her unexpected awakening, showed no signs of drowsiness either.

"Reconsider what?" Elizabeth giggled playfully. "It's not like I'm losing anything here."

Elise suddenly fixed her with an intense stare, prompting Elizabeth to quickly clarify, "Relax, I'm completely straight."

With an amused smile, Elise handed her a freshly brewed cup. "I take mine black. Sugar cubes are right there if you prefer it sweeter."

"No need, I usually drink mine black too-especially when I'm exhausted."

They settled comfortably on the sofa as Elise switched on the television.

The screen illuminated to reveal an entertainment channel broadcasting a reality show featuring Elizabeth.

"You really are a fan of mine!" Elizabeth exclaimed with evident pride.

In truth, Elise only watched such programs as casual background entertainment.

Naturally, she kept this thought to herself.

They continued watching until well past midnight when Elizabeth's phone suddenly vibrated.

She glanced at the screen but let it ring through.

Moments later, Elise's phone began ringing instead. She answered promptly upon seeing the caller ID. "Mr. Parker."

Elizabeth seemed to briefly glance in her direction before refocusing on the television.

Ethan Parker's voice came through clearly. "I heard Elizabeth had her endorsement photoshoot at Stellar Group today?"

"Yes," Elise confirmed. "Are you trying to reach her? She's here with me right now."

"Really?" Ethan asked, his tone seeking verification.

"Absolutely," Elise replied. "We had a bit too much to drink, so she decided to stay over."

"Oh, I see," Ethan responded, his voice noticeably relaxing.

"Did you need to speak with her? Should I pass her the phone?"

"No, that's fine-it's just that she didn't answer my call earlier. Please remind her that tomorrow's scene is crucial, and she mustn't be late."

"Understood," Elise said, though she found it peculiar that he'd call so late just for a reminder.

She couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan had sounded genuinely concerned when she first answered, but now seemed completely at ease.

"That's all I needed. Goodnight then."

"Goodnight."

After ending the call, Elise turned to Elizabeth. "Director Parker says not to be late tomorrow since it's an important scene."

"Tch." Elizabeth clicked her tongue dismissively-she knew perfectly well that Ethan's call was really about her not returning to Levine Manor tonight.

Though only five years her senior, he certainly took his role as responsible guardian seriously