Amanda had no alternative but to depart, clenching her jaw tightly under Ethan's watchful gaze.

Still, she always obtained whatever she desired!

The fashion gala commenced with celebrities appearing on the red carpet according to a predetermined schedule.

Typically, Amanda would be scheduled early in such events, but due to her family's powerful connections, most organizers positioned her later. Since Mitchell Corp served as one of the event's primary sponsors, she secured the second-to-last slot.

When her turn arrived, however, she declined to walk, citing sudden health concerns.

The red carpet remained empty for ten minutes, yet organizers couldn't compel Amanda—nobody dared challenge her family's influence.

Left with no options, the organizers urgently requested Elizabeth to salvage the situation.

Elizabeth maintained no diva reputation and agreed immediately, despite clear disapproval from Linda, her manager.

Just as she prepared to step onto the crimson pathway, Elizabeth overheard a crew member accidentally mention Amanda's plans.

So Amanda intended to appear last?!

Elizabeth immediately halted and informed the crew, "I'll walk the red carpet, but the event must conclude after my appearance—nobody follows me. That was the organizers' original promise!"

The crew hesitated, well aware Amanda feigned illness to secure the final spot.

"This isn't negotiable." Elizabeth stood firm.

Even Linda felt surprised by Elizabeth's determination, though secretly pleased—she'd frequently advocated for Elizabeth, who possessed every right to assert herself.

Her protégé had truly matured.

Consequently, the crew reported Elizabeth's demands to their superiors.

After considerable delay, Linda's phone rang with her boss's call.

"What?!" she exclaimed sharply. "Why should Amanda Mitchell appear after Elizabeth?! Does her name carry any weight in this industry?!"

"The organizers called—Mitchell Corp pressured them. It's unfortunate, but Amanda possesses privileged lineage we can't challenge," her boss explained. "Please calm Elizabeth—I'll treat her to an exquisite dinner afterward, my personal apology!"

Linda couldn't dispute further after her boss's plea, reluctantly ending the call to inform Elizabeth, "The boss insists we proceed."

Elizabeth's expression darkened, while Linda sighed ironically. "Amanda benefits from influential parentage, and rumors swirl about her involvement with Ethan Parker. Even without Levine inheritance claims, he remains family—every industry player grants him deference. With Amanda attached to him, she struts with impunity."

Linda grew increasingly irritated discussing Amanda, despising the woman's theatrical arrogance.

"Incidentally, doesn't Ethan collaborate with you? How did that opportunist Amanda surpass you?!" Linda seethed with frustration. "If only you'd leverage connections, Elizabeth... Amanda possesses nothing compared to you!"

"Let's proceed." Elizabeth refused to hear another word.

She had stubbornly entered the entertainment industry, vowing independence from Levine resources.

Ethan remained the only industry professional aware of her true identity.

Thus, she had no choice but to endure this humiliation.

After Elizabeth completed her red carpet circuit, Amanda materialized at the entrance, smirking triumphantly. Entering the venue, she glided beside Elizabeth, pausing to whisper venomously, "My apologies, Elizabeth. I never intended to claim your position, but I felt unwell. Surely you understand?"

"Completely," Elizabeth smiled faintly. "After all, should I bite back when a bitch attacks first?"

Amanda's face contorted.

Did Elizabeth just label her a bitch?!

Simultaneously, Elizabeth scoffed. "Additionally, you obstruct my path. Please move—well-trained canines understand basic commands."

Amanda's eyes flashed with malice before she suddenly collapsed onto the floor directly before Elizabeth! As spectators watched, Amanda gazed tearfully at Elizabeth. "You tripped me... I never wanted to take your place..."