Elizabeth exhaled slowly, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. But it was short-lived. Anxiety quickly tightened its grip around her heart once more. "Wait, what is Grandfather planning for William? William would never agree to this engagement."

"I called you specifically to warn you about that," Nancy snapped sharply. "Do not interfere with William's engagement to Victoria! I know you're close friends with Elise, and I won't stop your friendship. But certain matters are beyond your reach—and you have no power to change them!"

"Mother…" Elizabeth groaned in frustration.

"And your grandfather has ordered you home for dinner tonight," Nancy added, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

"But why?" Elizabeth questioned, confused.

Henry had grown increasingly reclusive over the past few years. Family dinners were rare occurrences. He avoided social gatherings unless absolutely necessary.

It wasn't a holiday. Not Christmas. Not Thanksgiving. So why the sudden summons?!

"Victoria's grandfather is joining us for dinner. They'll be discussing William's engagement to her."

"What does that have to do with me?" Elizabeth pressed.

"Just be quiet and come home for dinner!" Nancy's voice was laced with impatience and anger.

"Fine," Elizabeth surrendered immediately. She didn't dare refuse. Offending her mother could jeopardize her entire acting career.

Then, a thought struck her. "Wait, will William be at dinner too?"

"What do you think?"

Elizabeth could vividly picture her mother's exasperated eye-roll through the phone.

"I mean, I haven't been able to contact William since last night. Grandfather has him confined, doesn't he? And if Grandfather is worried about me causing trouble…"

"Don't concern yourself. Henry never acts without certainty," Nancy stated assuredly.

Elizabeth wanted to say more, but Nancy cut her off. "Be home on time, or I'll break your legs. Let's see you land any roles after that!"

Elizabeth fell silent. She ended the call and quickly texted Elise.

[I won't be home for dinner tonight. Don't wait for me.]

[Okay.]

Elise's reply was instant. It worked out anyway, since Elise would be working late.

Elizabeth typed another message: [Dinner is at Levine Manor. I should see William there. Grandfather must have him confined; that's why I can't reach him. I'll relay anything he says once I see him.]

Elise didn't respond this time. Elizabeth pursed her lips thoughtfully.

No matter what, she needed to discover William's true feelings tonight.

After removing her stage makeup, Elizabeth hurried from her dressing room. She was eager to see William.

But as she opened the door, she came face-to-face with Amanda.

They locked eyes for a tense moment. Elizabeth moved to leave, but Amanda spoke first, boasting, "Ethan and I are truly in love. He protects me, even with all my scandals."

"And your point is?" Elizabeth turned back, scoffing dismissively. "That you're both snakes in the same pit? That you deserve each other because you're equally terrible?"

"Stop being bitter. There's no need to pretend. You have feelings for Ethan, don't you?" Amanda said with overconfidence. "You stole my role by sleeping with him, right?"

Elizabeth shrugged indifferently. "Why assume everyone is as blind as you? Or that they'd trade their dignity for a role?"

"Shut your mouth!" Amanda snapped, her anger flaring. "I'm warning you—stay away from Ethan! I can easily remove insignificant nobodies like you from the industry! And mark my words: I'm visiting his parents at his family home soon. Our marriage is practically arranged!"