Ethan stopped walking when they reached the door to Henry's study.

"My father is waiting for you inside," he told her.

"Aren't you coming in with me?" Amanda asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"He specifically asked to see you alone."

"Ethan..."

Amanda's nerves were getting the better of her.

"Just be honest with him," Ethan reassured her.

"He won't bite your head off."

Amanda drew a deep, steadying breath.

Though this was her first visit to Levine Manor, she understood their strict household protocols couldn't be challenged.

She had no option but to gather her courage and knock firmly on the heavy wooden door.

As she stepped inside the study, she found Henry seated behind his large desk, sipping tea elegantly.

The door clicked shut behind her, amplifying her anxiety.

She looked cautiously at Henry and offered a respectful greeting.

"Mr. Levine."

"Take a seat," Henry instructed, his eyes briefly scanning her.

Amanda immediately moved to obey.

In her nervous state, her foot accidentally struck the leg of the mahogany chair as she sat down.

The chair scraped loudly against the polished floor, creating a sharp, grating sound.

"My apologies..." Amanda hurriedly said, her face flushing with embarrassment.

She looked completely flustered and uncertain.

Henry observed every subtle shift in Amanda's expression.

The last woman who had sat in that same chair speaking with him had been Elise Scott.

The contrast between the two women was striking.

As Crestwood's most accomplished businessman, Henry had mastered the art of concealing his emotions.

"Ms. Mitchell," he began, "during your visit today, you've had the opportunity to observe our family's circumstances firsthand."

"I have," Amanda responded immediately, clearly striving to make a favorable impression.

"Then you should possess enough self-awareness to recognize that the Levine family is beyond your reach." Henry's words were brutally direct, showing no concern for preserving Amanda's dignity.

Amanda's face paled instantly.

She could scarcely believe what she was hearing.

She had assumed this meeting with Ethan's parents implied their acceptance of her as his partner.

Never had she anticipated being told to step aside!

"The Mitchell Corp of previous years might have qualified for a marriage alliance with our family," Henry continued, "but since Elise Scott departed, I see no promising future for Mitchell Corp.

Moreover, the numerous scandals that have recently emerged have caused Mitchell Corp's stock value to plummet dramatically.

Combined with your own considerable share of controversies, our household could never accept you.

As compensation, I'm willing to grant you one request."

Henry got straight to the point, unwilling to waste time on pleasantries.

"Ethan and I share genuine love..."

"Not exactly," Henry interrupted sharply.

"This has been largely one-sided on your part.

Ethan is simply too kind-hearted to reject you outright, given how you've assisted him.

As his father, I must play the villain in this scenario."

Amanda found herself speechless.

Firstly, Henry's commanding presence was so overwhelming she couldn't possibly contradict him.

Secondly, it was true that Ethan's feelings for her weren't particularly deep.

"Ms. Mitchell, I'm presenting you with three options," Henry stated calmly.

"First, you leave Ethan voluntarily.

Part on good terms, and you might remain friends.

Second, accept what I'm offering you and leave Ethan.

Naturally, I won't inform Ethan about our arrangement, so his perception of you remains unaffected.

Third, I approach your father directly and have him intervene to end your relationship with Ethan."

Amanda bit her lip hard.

This was the first time anyone had backed her into such a tight corner, and the sensation was utterly dreadful.

"Time is passing, Ms. Mitchell.

I suggest you make your decision promptly," Henry urged, his patience visibly thinning.

"I want the lead female role in a major blockbuster film," Amanda finally declared through gritted teeth, her eyes red-rimmed with unshed tears.

"Agreed," Henry responded without hesitation.

He didn't particularly despise Amanda for choosing personal gain from this situation.

As a seasoned businessman, he was well accustomed to transactional arrangements.

However, Amanda's aspirations struck him as disappointingly limited.

He had clearly outlined Mitchell Corp's impending crisis, yet she remained focused solely on advancing her own career.

Such a narrow-minded woman had no place in the Levine family.