The dinner continued with William and Victoria making pleasant conversation. Both families watched them interact with visible satisfaction.

Elizabeth was the only one struggling to maintain her composure. Her knuckles turned white around her silverware.

Thinking of Elise... Elizabeth took a deep breath. She needed to stay calm.

"How old are you now, Elizabeth?" Charles suddenly addressed her.

Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat. This couldn't be good. She forced a polite smile and set down her spoon.

"I'm turning twenty-five this year, Mr. Stuart."

"You've grown into such a lovely young woman. I hear you're making quite a name for yourself in the entertainment industry?"

"I wasn't cut out for academics," Elizabeth said lightly. "Acting seemed the natural path."

Charles chuckled warmly. "Plenty of people can study. Not everyone can captivate an audience."

"Then perhaps you could convince my grandfather. He keeps insisting I leave the entertainment world."

"I'll have a word with that stubborn old man," Charles promised, eyes twinkling.

The table's atmosphere remained cheerful.

Amanda pressed her lips together tightly.

She had always dismissed Elizabeth as someone who slept her way to success.

Yet here Elizabeth was, chatting effortlessly with the patriarch of Rockville's wealthiest family, even making him laugh.

Amanda burned with jealousy.

"Tell me, are you seeing anyone?" Charles asked Elizabeth.

"Who would want me?" Elizabeth replied with a practiced smile.

Ethan's grip tightened on his cutlery.

"Now you're just being modest," Charles said kindly.

"I'm quite serious," Elizabeth insisted. "No one seems interested in someone like me."

"Perhaps I could introduce you to someone?" Charles suggested.

Elizabeth froze.

"My grandson, James," Charles continued. "He's thirty, a bit older than you, but with excellent character. What do you think?"

He gestured toward James, who sat nearby wearing rimless glasses, looking every bit the refined gentleman.

"Oh, no, that's quite all right," Elizabeth refused hastily.

"Elizabeth," Henry warned.

"It's not that James isn't wonderful," Elizabeth explained quickly. "But he watched me grow up. He feels like an older brother. The idea seems almost... improper."

"Besides," she added, turning to James, "I'm sure you prefer quieter women. Isn't that right, James?"

James adjusted his glasses. "Not necessarily."

Elizabeth's eyes widened.

Victoria joined in. "I adore your energy, Elizabeth. You always brighten any room. My brother often mentions you and never misses any of your films or shows."

Elizabeth stared at James. "You... actually like me?"

James gave her a warm smile. He reached over and ruffled her hair affectionately. "I've always admired your spirit. I never said I was in love with you."

"But since we're both unattached," he continued, "if you're willing, I wouldn't mind exploring the possibility..."

"I'm not interested," Elizabeth stated flatly. "The industry doesn't allow casual relationships. Besides, with William and Victoria's engagement, things would become too complicated."

"Not at all," Charles said cheerfully. "It would only bring our families closer."

"Grandfather, you're making Elizabeth uncomfortable," James defended her.

"Elizabeth has a point," he added. "William and Victoria's wedding should be our priority."

"Their marriage is settled," Charles said airily. "Just a matter of choosing the date."

"You're not getting any younger," he told James. "Don't let opportunities slip away."

"I understand," James nodded, effectively ending the discussion about him and Elizabeth.

After dinner, the families gathered in the drawing room. Some enjoyed tea while others played chess.

No one showed any intention of leaving.

Seeing her chance, Elizabeth finally managed to catch William alone for a private conversation.