Gary Bryant burst into Elise Scott's office, his face flushed with panic. The sales director was breathing heavily, his composure completely shattered.

"Ms. Scott..."

Elise lowered her phone, her eyes meeting his frantic gaze. He cried out, "What's our plan, Ms. Scott? Every single customer is demanding refunds. Our physical stores are being overrun with angry shoppers. Shopping malls across the country are bombarding us with complaints, insisting we provide immediate solutions."

"Ms. Scott!" Timothy Hardy rushed in right after, his expression equally distressed. The purchasing director looked utterly overwhelmed. "Multiple suppliers are threatening legal action if we don't make immediate payments. They're giving us ultimatums!"

"Ms. Scott, our customer service department is collapsing under the pressure." Another executive joined the chaotic scene. "All phone lines are jammed. Customers refuse to listen to reason. We're losing control of the situation."

Elise pressed her lips together, observing her panicked leadership team. She maintained her calm demeanor despite the storm raging around her. "I'm calling an emergency meeting in ten minutes. Every department head must attend. I will present a comprehensive strategy to address this crisis. You're all dismissed for now."

"Yes, Ms. Scott," they chorused, though their worried expressions remained as they filed out of her office.

If this situation continued unchecked, and their autumn collection remained unsold, Stellar Group's financial stability would crumble. Bankruptcy would become an inevitable reality in the long term.

Elise continued scrolling through news updates on her tablet. She noticed Elizabeth York had been dragged into the scandal simply for being Stellar Fashion's brand ambassador.

Twitter was exploding with hateful comments about Elizabeth. Critics accused her of having no standards, of accepting any endorsement deal just for the money.

Suddenly, Elizabeth found herself at the center of the media storm. Angry netizens were organizing boycotts of all her current and future projects.

Recognizing the severe impact on her friend's career, Elise immediately called Elizabeth. The actress answered after a few rings. "Hey, Elise."

"I'm so sorry, Elizabeth. I never expected this situation would affect you so badly," Elise said sincerely. "You should issue an official statement terminating your endorsement contract with us. I'll fully support you through this PR nightmare and help minimize the damage to your reputation."

"What kind of person do you think I am, Elise Scott? Some fair-weather friend who abandons loyalty when things get tough?" Elizabeth snapped, genuine anger coloring her tone. "I know you were set up. Don't worry about me—I can handle the heat. I have plenty of loyal fans who won't abandon me over some bandwagon controversy. You focus on saving your company. Call me if you need anything—I'm ready to help however I can."

Elise felt genuinely stunned by Elizabeth's unwavering support.

At this moment, most people were scrambling to distance themselves from Elise and Stellar Group. As a public figure, Elizabeth stood to lose far more than anyone else by sticking with her!

"Also, my dear brother just called me—"

"Elizabeth, you're needed on set now!" someone shouted from Elizabeth's end.

"Sorry, I have to go. We're shooting some crucial scenes today. Just focus on your own battles. Don't waste energy worrying about me."

With that, Elizabeth quickly ended the call.

Still, Elise felt deeply moved by her friend's loyalty.

When you're standing alone against the world, even one voice of support can feel like a lifeline.

She stood up from her desk, preparing to head to the conference room. But her phone rang again before she could take a step. William Levine's name flashed across her screen, stirring complicated emotions within her.

She hadn't heard from him in weeks. Why would he call now, of all times?

After a moment's hesitation, she answered the call.

Silence stretched between them for several seconds.

"I have an emergency meeting," Elise finally said, convinced they had nothing left to discuss.

Some things didn't need explaining. Some relationships didn't require closure. The truth often mattered less than perception, and she owed no one any explanations.