Episode 109

In a shadowed corner, Sandra watched, her eyes burning with resentment and frustrated exclusion. Elizabeth glided into the event, her long, light-green dress cascading elegantly, catching the diamond-like light. She'd dressed to make a statement, a necklace from Elijah a focal point, hoping to command attention among the elite. Yet, in this gathering of wealthy socialites, her carefully crafted image seemed to dissolve. The high society crowd regarded her with a detached indifference that wounded more deeply than outright dismissal. Despite her rising stardom, she remained an outsider—the women casting subtle, judging glances, the men maintaining a calculated distance, perhaps out of respect for Elijah. Only a few aspiring actors, desperate to network, acknowledged her. The rest of the room seemed to look right through her.

Unconsciously, Sandra's fingers tightened around her wine glass, her grip reflecting her mounting frustration. She couldn't help but contrast her own situation with Elizabeth's. When Elizabeth had married Elijah, though initially overlooked, the prestigious families had eventually extended a grudging respect. Now, about to be divorced and stripped of the Norris name, Elizabeth was just another unknown in the entertainment world. Yet, somehow, she had still managed to capture Soren's attention with effortless charm.

Sandra had worked tirelessly, seizing rare opportunities, yet she could never achieve the ease with which Elizabeth navigated these social minefields. The unfairness burned within her.

Scanning the room, she spotted Billie and Kailee arriving. Billie had always been critical of women around Elijah who didn't meet her exacting social standards. Sandra knew better than to challenge her directly, but an opportunity for subtle manipulation presented itself. After a brief hesitation, she glided toward Kailee, moving as seamlessly as a chess player advancing a pawn. Pausing by the drinks table, she feigned delight as her eyes met Kailee's.

“Kailee! My goodness, it’s been ages. You look stunning, as always,” she said, her smile as smooth as cream. They say a soft approach defuses the sharpest blades, and Kailee's guarded expression relaxed slightly. Having recently used Sandra to antagonize Elizabeth, Kailee was willing to engage, at least for now.

“Ms. Sandra,” she replied politely, though her tone remained cool. “It has been a while.”

Sandra then turned toward Billie, her voice dripping with deference. “Good evening, Ms. Sophia. You’re looking radiant tonight.”

Billie barely acknowledged her with a curt “Hmm,” already turning to leave.