Episode 110

But Sandra wasn't about to let the moment slip. Tilting her chin subtly toward Elizabeth, she asked with feigned innocence, "Oh, I just noticed Ms. Campbell earlier. Did you three happen to come together?"

Billie paused, her expression unreadable, but Kailee bristled, gripping her aunt's arm tightly. "She's here?" Kailee snapped, her annoyance sharp. "Aunt Billie, no wonder Elijah said he'd already given away my invitation. It must have gone to Elizabeth!"

Kailee's irritation boiled over. She had begged Elijah for an invitation to the banquet, only to be told he had none to spare. Left with no choice, she'd turned to Billie, who then brought her as a companion. Now, realizing Elizabeth had received Elijah's invitation, Kailee's pride stung.

Unbothered by Kailee's spiraling thoughts, Billie patted her hand soothingly. "Didn't I bring you here myself?" she said calmly.

Sandra, watching with veiled satisfaction, interjected with a small gasp. "Oh, so Elijah gave her the invitation? How surprising. I saw her arrive with Mr. Rodgers. I hear they're working on a new drama together and have grown quite close."

Kailee scoffed. "Using an invitation from our family to show up here with another man? What a joke! And it must be a second-rate drama. Does she think she can waltz into a place like this and be taken seriously? If anyone from the Norris family's circle sees her in the showbiz, it'll be Elijah's reputation on the chopping block."

Her indignation was sharp enough to sting everyone nearby, including Sandra. Though Kailee's words unintentionally included her in the same disdain, Sandra remained impassive.

"That's not entirely fair," Sandra replied, her tone measured and humble. "If she gets the right roles and manages to win a few awards, opinions might shift. I'd be happy to help her network—after all, I know a screenwriter who rivals Katrina in reputation." Her strategy was subtle—offering potential assistance while sowing seeds of doubt and discord.

Kailee laughed derisively. "Win awards? Please. She's been playing house for years. What acting chops could she possibly have? If she's here, it's to use the Norris name to score favors. Nothing more."

Sandra swirled her wine lazily, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Well, sometimes the right project can mask a lack of experience."