Elise studied Elizabeth carefully. "Is there something between you and Director Parker?"

"Not at all," Elizabeth replied, her tone deliberately casual.

Still, Elise sensed tension between Elizabeth and Ethan.

Why else would Elizabeth deliberately ignore his calls?

Under normal circumstances, wouldn't most actors feel obligated to answer a director's call?

Unless Elizabeth considered herself more important than the project itself.

The television series was only mid-tier production quality anyway.

With Elizabeth's current star power, she could easily land leading roles in blockbuster films.

But despite her status, Elizabeth didn't strike Elise as the type to throw tantrums. "I'm exhausted." Elizabeth stretched lazily. "I need to get some sleep."

"Of course."

Elise knew better than to pry into others' private matters, especially since she and Elizabeth weren't particularly close.

Yet here they were, sharing a bed like old friends.

The next morning, Elise prepared a simple breakfast for them both.

Elizabeth emerged from the bedroom, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Don't worry about me—I'm watching my weight anyway."

She spoke with such familiarity that Elise wondered if this was how Elizabeth treated everyone.

"But you ate quite heartily last night..." Elise pointed out gently.

"Exactly why I need to compensate today," Elizabeth declared as if this made perfect sense.

"Skipping breakfast isn't healthy."

"I know, I know. My assistant will bring me boiled eggs and low-fat milk for the car ride."

"Leaving already?" Elise asked.

"Director Parker made it very clear yesterday that punctuality matters. I wouldn't dare test his patience."

Elise's brow furrowed slightly.

But Elizabeth had deliberately ignored his call last night...

"Thanks for letting me crash here," Elizabeth smiled warmly at Elise, even adding a playful wink. "I'll send you an amazing wedding gift."

Elise could only stare blankly. Wedding? Whose wedding was she talking about?

News of Elizabeth York signing an endorsement deal with Stellar Group sent shockwaves through both entertainment and business circles.

No one could understand why an A-list celebrity like Elizabeth would partner with such a mediocre company.

The unexpected nature of the collaboration immediately trended online, generating massive publicity for Stellar Fashion.

Meanwhile, Samuel Mitchell sat scowling in his office.

Was this Elise's plan all along—using the controversy to drive engagement?

But what did it matter?

Stellar Group's fashion line would never actually sell well. This hype would be temporary.

Once the buzz faded, it would all prove to be a waste of resources.

Samuel picked up his phone and dialed. "Amanda? Why aren't you at the studio yet?"

"I have a commercial shoot today, Samuel," Amanda Mitchell replied impatiently. "I'll come tomorrow."

"You couldn't have told me earlier?" Samuel snapped.

"I just found out myself," Amanda retorted. "Anyway, I have to go. They're starting."

She hung up abruptly.

Samuel felt a wave of disappointment.

Their family had invested heavily in Amanda's entertainment career over the years, yet she remained permanently stuck as a B-list actress. If she just applied herself more to her craft, she could have achieved so much more!

But Amanda had been spoiled since childhood, always prioritizing her own whims.

She hadn't actually forgotten about the commercial—she simply didn't consider her family's business important enough to remember!

As it happened, Amanda's commercial shoot was located near the set of Pomp and Circumstance, and the mere thought of Elizabeth stealing her role made her blood boil.

Just then, an assistant director approached her. "Get ready, Amanda. Director Parker will be here shortly to oversee the shooting."

"Wait, Ethan Parker is directing?" Amanda asked, surprised.

"Director Cammy had an emergency, so the company brought in a replacement. Don't worry though—Director Parker is highly respected in the industry."

Amanda's lips tightened. This day just kept getting worse.