Episode 25

Eager to escape further painful exchanges, Elizabeth turned away. Elijah's grip on her sleeve stopped her, pulling her back into the very moment she desperately wanted to flee. His lips barely moved; a shadow of contemplation flickered across his face as he considered the recent fire. His pride remained unyielding, yet his voice, tinged with unusual softness, broke the tense silence.

"Elizabeth, I admit your response was overwhelming, but I empathize with the turmoil you've endured since the fire. If you decide to return, I'm prepared to overlook everything."

Sandra's advice had clearly left a profound impact on him. Elizabeth brushed aside his softened tone, focusing on one crucial detail: the fire. He knew about the catastrophe and yet had the audacity to wait for her confession and amends? While she grappled with life and death, Elijah was with Sandra, who'd indulged in excessive alcohol. Did he truly consider her grievances unfounded?

An epiphany struck Elizabeth with chilling clarity. In Elijah's world, Sandra's whims held more weight than Elizabeth's very existence. Even the most patient person would reach a breaking point under constant provocation. Both Elijah and Sandra had continually scorned and dismissed her.

Repulsed, Elizabeth jerked her hand free, as if shedding grime. Her voice was icy and sharp. "Return home? Do you and Ms. Nash share some twisted pleasure, Mr. Norris? Wasn't it enough that I stepped aside for you? Must I now play a part in your charade? You're running back to your first love, creating a tangled love triangle, Mr. Norris? You may enjoy it, but I find it utterly disgusting!"

Stunned by her words, Elijah's anger flared, but he was speechless.

"Elizabeth, you—"

Elizabeth refused to be entangled further. She turned sharply and stormed off, her voice cutting through the air. "Enough! You were never a decent husband, let alone a tolerable ex! Now that we're done, stick with your new love and stop pestering me. What a nuisance!"

A few strides away, she paused, spun around, and fixed him with a searing glare. She swiftly snatched the soda can from his hand—it was rightfully hers. Elijah had earlier watched her buy two cans, mistakenly assuming one was for him. Her reclaiming it sparked irritation on his face. Since when had Elizabeth become so petty, bickering over a soda can?

Reaching the elevator, Elizabeth bumped into Ruby.

"I was just digging up some information. It seems the role was almost yours, but Sandra wanted it. Her boyfriend, Elijah, used his influence, financially backing the production to secure her the lead. The director, however, favored you; he resisted the pressure enough to arrange a second audition for both of you."

Elizabeth's jaw clenched; her silence was heavy. She realized she could have seen this coming! Sandra and Elijah's presence wasn't a coincidence; Elijah had paved the way for Sandra's success. Only a fool would think they could rival Sandra—it was obvious. But why had Elizabeth stepped back?

A fierce determination ignited within her. She would contend for the role, even if it meant standing alone.

In the meeting room, the arrival of Elijah and Sandra together surprised everyone. Elijah's willingness to fund Sandra's entry into the production was no secret, but his personal escort to the audition was unusual in their circles.