Several days later, at The Northern Kitchen, Elizabeth found herself invited to dinner with Asher. After days of relentless rain and crisp air, she dressed in a lightweight, off-shoulder white sweater that gracefully highlighted her neck and shoulders. She completed her ensemble with snug black jeans and sleek high heels, exuding effortless sophistication.

As she passed by, heads turned, captivated by her striking appearance. Approaching the private dining room, Elizabeth overheard snippets of Asher's conversation through the slightly ajar door. "Should I go pick her up?" he pondered aloud. Beside him, his manager, Godwin Shaw, pressed a hand to his forehead, a mixture of amusement and exasperation evident. "Relax," he said, "just stay here. Your idol can handle herself just fine."

Despite Godwin's reassurances, Asher remained visibly restless, frequently glancing at his phone to check the time. Elizabeth was about to enter when a voice called out, "Elizabeth?"

She turned to see Stewart emerging from another private room across the corridor, followed by Sandra and a group from the Blazing Sun project. Ignoring Sandra, Elizabeth smiled warmly, nodding politely at Stewart and the director, Bart Yates. "Mr. Lopez, Mr. Yates," she acknowledged.