Amanda didn't care about the director's identity, but she still felt irritated after Samuel ignored her at Henry Levine's birthday celebration.

After what felt like an eternity, Ethan finally arrived on set. After a brief discussion, filming commenced.

"Action!"

Ethan sat before the monitor, but his expression quickly darkened.

"Cut!" he snapped abruptly.

Amanda's face immediately contorted with displeasure at the sudden interruption.

"What's wrong, Director?" the assistant director inquired hastily.

"She's facing the wrong direction and her positioning is completely off. She lacks screen presence, and both her appearance and costume are unsatisfactory," Ethan stated bluntly. "The final result won't achieve the desired impact."

Amanda's scowl deepened at his words—no one had ever dared speak to her like that, given her family's status!

"Props team, fix her look. I won't tolerate that generic internet celebrity aesthetic. As for the actors, review your scripts again to better understand your roles," Ethan finished curtly. "I need to check on the other set. I'll return shortly."

As he turned to leave, Amanda charged toward him, shouting, "Ethan Parker!"

Never in her entire acting career had she received such harsh criticism!

When Ethan paused, she snapped, "Since you have so many opinions about my performance, why don't you demonstrate what you want yourself?!"

"I'm a director, not an actor," Ethan replied flatly. "And while I could certainly show you, I'm pressed for time." With that, he turned to leave again, leaving Amanda fuming.

Fueled by past grievances and fresh humiliation, she strode forward and grabbed Ethan's shirt.

Caught off balance, he stumbled and crashed into a nearby scaffolding.

The structure wasn't built for durability since the shoot was only scheduled for one day, and the steel pipes began collapsing from the impact.

"Watch out!"

While everyone stood frozen in shock, Amanda remained paralyzed, watching as the steel pipes came crashing down toward her.

But at the critical moment, Ethan suddenly lunged forward, pushing her to the ground and shielding her with his body as the steel pipes slammed onto his back...

News of Elizabeth signing an endorsement deal with Stellar Group sent shockwaves through both the entertainment and business worlds.

No one could have predicted that Elizabeth would collaborate with such a mediocre company like Stellar Group.

Precisely because it was so unexpected, it quickly topped trending searches, rapidly generating buzz for Stellar Fashion.

Meanwhile, Samuel sat scowling in his office.

Was this Elise's plan—to use this unprecedented situation to drive click-through rates?!

But even if it was, what did it matter?

Stellar Group's fashion line would never sell anyway, and the hype would only be temporary.

Once it faded, it would all prove to be a waste of time, effort, and money.

Picking up his phone, Samuel made a call. "Amanda? Why aren't you at the studio yet?"

"I have a short film to shoot today, Samuel," Amanda Mitchell replied. "I'll come by tomorrow."

"Couldn't you have mentioned that earlier?" Samuel huffed in frustration.

"I just received the call myself," Amanda responded. "Anyway, I have to go. They're starting soon."

She hung up immediately.

Samuel felt genuinely disappointed in her.

The family had invested heavily in her entertainment career over the years, yet she remained permanently stuck as a B-list actress. She could have achieved so much more if she just put more effort into her acting!

However, the family had spoiled her since childhood, and she only ever followed her own whims.

Naturally, she hadn't been informed at the last minute—she had completely forgotten about the commercial shoot for her own family's business!

As it happened, the short film was being shot near the set of Pomp and Circumstance, and Amanda was still seething about Elizabeth stealing her role.

Just then, an assistant director approached and informed her, "Get ready, Amanda. Director Parker will be here soon to oversee the shooting."

"Wait, Ethan Parker is directing?"

"It was supposed to be Director Cammy, but something came up and the company had to find a replacement. Don't worry though—Director Parker's highly professional, recognized by everyone in the industry."