"What? They're really considering Elizabeth for the lead?" Elva exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief.

Sandra, caught off guard, faltered.

Elva, furrowing her brow, continued, "Do you think she's doing this deliberately? Given her strained relationship with Mr. James and their impending divorce, could she be trying to sabotage you?"

"Maybe not," Sandra murmured, biting her lip, torn between doubt and acceptance. "But if their breakup is truly connected to me, then she's justified in her anger. Ultimately, it all comes back to me. If she wants the role that badly, it's hers. It's a shame, though. The story truly resonated with me."

Despite her attempt at graciousness, a flicker of regret crossed Sandra's face.

Elva offered a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Oh, Sandra, you're too kind! Remember, Elizabeth was the one who interfered between you and Mr. James, not the other way around. She owes you an apology! And don't forget, you've sacrificed so much for this role, compromising your health. I'm the only one who truly understands your dedication. You deserve this part—why should you relinquish it for her?"

With a blend of anger and determination, Elva produced her phone, ready to act. Sandra's face registered shock.

"Elva, what are you doing? You're not seriously considering calling Elijah, are you? Let's not involve him in something so trivial."

"Don't worry about it," Elva said, dismissing Sandra's hand and dialing Elijah's number.

Sandra made no attempt to intervene, instead watching quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Soon, Elijah's clear, detached voice filled the phone. "Yes, what is it?"

After a brief pause, Elva explained, "Mr. James, I need to speak to you about Sandra. She's been relentlessly pursuing rehearsals, day and night, to the point her heart condition has flared up. She's even secretly visited the hospital several times without telling anyone. Regarding the role..."

Elijah immediately focused on the urgent matter. "Hospital? Why wasn't I informed?"

Elva sensed his concern and steered the conversation. "Mr. James, Sandra didn't want to worry you unnecessarily. But honestly, it's nothing life-threatening. You know about her delicate health. Even minor stress exacerbates it, and she tends to minimize it..."

She paused before returning to Sandra's passion for the role. "The real issue is her intense desire for this part. With her qualifications, she seemed a shoo-in, but unexpectedly, the production team changed their minds, and now..."

Elijah, ever perceptive, grasped Elva's implication and interrupted. "From now on, keep me informed about everything. Tell Sandra to relax. The female lead is hers. I'll visit her when I return to Orkset."

"Understood, and thank you for your consideration, Mr. James."

Elva ended the call with a grin and turned to Sandra. "It's settled. I told Mr. James he's too invested in you to ignore your situation."

With a soft sigh, Sandra lowered her gaze. "Thank you, Elva. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you and Elijah."

"Trouble? You're my talent, and your triumphs are mine as well. Who does Elizabeth think she is? She's out of the picture yet dares to challenge you. How can she not see that Elijah only has eyes for you? This is preposterous!"

Elva pocketed her phone. "But take it from someone who knows, Mr. James's attention extends beyond simple fondness. He seems willing to grant your every wish. For someone of his stature, that's rare. I don't know what caused the breakup, but perhaps it's worth reconsidering. Have you thought about rekindling things?"