Episode 60

Elizabeth crossed into the neighboring neighborhood through the back gate with deliberate steps. A gleaming silver Maybach parked at the curb caught the eyes of passersby, drawing admiring glances. She approached the car and reached for the passenger door, but Oliver had already opened the back door for her. Inside, Elijah, engrossed in his phone, sat on the opposite seat.

Chapter 30: Back to James Mansion

Elizabeth slipped into the backseat with a slight frown. Focused on establishing herself in the entertainment industry, she knew hesitation could attract unwanted attention; lingering by the car risked fueling online gossip.

"Drive to the mall first," Elijah remarked nonchalantly, glancing briefly at her outfit before instructing Oliver. "She needs a new outfit."

"No, thank you," Elizabeth replied firmly. "I just picked this one up."

"If that's what you want," Elijah smoothly conceded, dropping the matter. He then instructed Oliver, "Proceed to James Mansion."

As the car started, Elijah returned to his phone, effectively ignoring Elizabeth. Relieved to avoid an awkward exchange, she pulled out her own phone and scheduled a meeting with a contact at Silver Elephant Media.

The drive to James Mansion was quick, taking just over ten minutes. Stepping out of the car, Elizabeth noticed Elijah still absorbed in his phone. She gently nudged him. "We've arrived."

"You go ahead. I've got a conference call," he muttered, his gaze fixed on his screen.

Elizabeth said nothing, her eyes turning to the grand entrance of James Mansion. Each visit stirred a sense of unease, despite her joy at seeing Melany. The James family had always been eager to find suitable brides for Elijah, only to have Elizabeth unexpectedly become his wife. To them, she was an outsider from humble beginnings, met with subtle scorn and deliberate sabotage whenever Melany wasn't present.

The front doors of the mansion stood open, revealing a buzz of conversation.

"Aunt Billie, have you heard about Elizabeth's showbiz aspirations? If we'd known Elijah would choose a real-life Cinderella, he might as well have picked Sandra. At least she has the drive to succeed internationally, unlike Elizabeth…"

"Absolutely, Billie. Once Elijah is back, you really need to speak to him. Are we lacking resources to support Elizabeth?"