"What type of woman does he prefer?"

"That's irrelevant. The point is, he won't accept you. If you want to avoid humiliation and emotional pain, you should return home and tell your mother you have no feelings for him. Convince her to abandon this idea." Ethan's voice was detached and cold.

Cora's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.

She was new to this social circle, and gathering the courage to take this first step had been difficult.

Making connections was her initial attempt at integration.

Yet Ethan was shutting her down so decisively.

"But I don't want to disappoint my mother. She's doing this for my benefit," Cora responded anxiously.

"Your romantic life shouldn't be dictated by others."

"I just want her to be happy..."

"Do you want fame?" Ethan asked abruptly.

Cora stared at him in surprise, feeling the chill in his demeanor.

His question felt like an icy blade.

"Give up on Nathan, and I'll make you famous." Ethan presented his offer.

Cora felt a spark of excitement.

She had returned to the Levine family seeking approval, constantly trying to please everyone. But what she truly desired was her own career. Entering the entertainment industry and acting had always been her dream. She had watched Elizabeth's success with envy. Even as just a stand-in, she recognized Ethan's directorial talent.

If Ethan was willing to support her, stardom would come quickly.

"Consider it." Ethan didn't pressure her.

They soon arrived at Levine Manor.

As she stepped out of the car, she gathered her courage and asked, "Uncle Ethan, you're not lying to me, are you?"

"No." His response was firm.

"Alright then. I'll tell Mother I don't have feelings for Nathan."

"Good." Ethan nodded. "I'll contact you soon. You'll be an A-list celebrity within six months to a year."

"Thank you, Uncle Ethan."

"Goodbye."

"See you, Uncle Ethan."

Ethan drove away.

While navigating the streets, he began making calls, leveraging his connections to secure opportunities for Cora.

After several conversations, Nathan called. "Did you drive her home?"

"Just dropped her off."

"Did she say anything?" Nathan inquired.

"I'll be there shortly. We can talk then."

"Alright."

Ethan drove to their usual meeting spot. Entering the private room, he found both men there. Nathan was singing terribly.

Seeing Ethan, he immediately put down the microphone. "Finally here."

"I spoke with her. Her mother does want to match you two," Ethan stated directly.

"I have a girlfriend. Why would I want her?" Nathan sounded frustrated.

"I know. That's why I asked her to tell her mother she's not interested in you."

Nathan looked stunned before asking with agitation, "She agreed?"

"Yes." Ethan nodded.

He didn't mention the other details.

"Why did she agree so quickly? I thought she liked me." Nathan muttered to himself before doubting his appeal. "Am I not attractive to women? I've lost twenty-two pounds and even developed abs."

As he spoke, he lifted his shirt to display them.

Andrew teased from the side. "You've never been lucky with women. Just accept it."

"Don't act so smug! Do you think all women around you are genuine? They're just after your money," Nathan retorted.

They began arguing.

Ethan didn't join their bickering. He was accustomed to their childhood squabbles.

They always reconciled after their fights.

This time was no different. Their argument ended with drinking.

They behaved as though they wouldn't stop until the other was drunk.

Ethan didn't drink that night. His stomach felt unsettled, and he wasn't a good drinker anyway. They never forced him.

He simply sat quietly beside them, keeping them company.

"When will William return?" After several drinks with Andrew, Nathan suddenly complained, "I was looking forward to his return, but since he came back, we haven't gathered properly. Is he serious about Victoria?"