Episode 109

In a shadowed corner, Sandra watched the unfolding scene, her eyes burning with a mixture of resentment and excluded frustration.

Elizabeth glided into the event, her light-green long dress cascading elegantly, catching the diamond light. She had dressed to make a statement, with a necklace from Elijah catching the eye, hoping to command attention among the elite.

Yet, in this gathering of wealthy socialites, her carefully crafted image seemed to dissolve. The high society crowd regarded her with a detached indifference that cut deeper than outright dismissal. Despite her rising stardom, she remained an outsider—the women casting subtle, judgmental glances, the men maintaining a calculated distance out of respect for Elijah.

Only a few aspiring actors and actresses, desperate to network, acknowledged her presence. The rest of the room seemed to look through her as if she were invisible.

Unconsciously, Sandra’s fingers tightened around her wine glass, her grip reflecting her growing frustration.

She couldn’t help but contrast her situation with Elizabeth’s. When Elizabeth had married Elijah, even though many had initially overlooked her, the prestigious families had eventually extended a grudging respect. Now, about to be divorced and stripped of the Norris name, Elizabeth was just another unknown in the entertainment world. Somehow, she had still managed to capture Soren’s attention with her effortless charm.

Sandra had worked tirelessly, even stumbling into rare opportunities, yet she could never achieve the ease with which Elizabeth seemed to navigate these social minefields. The unfairness burned within her.

Scanning the room, she spotted Billie and Kailee’s arrival.

Billie had always been critical of women around Elijah who didn’t meet her strict social standards. Sandra knew better than to directly challenge her, but an opportunity for subtle manipulation presented itself.

After a brief hesitation, she glided toward Kailee, making her move as seamlessly as a chess player advancing a pawn.

Pausing by the drinks table, she feigned delight as her eyes met Kailee’s. “Kailee! My goodness, it’s been ages. You look stunning, as always,” she said with a smile as smooth as cream.

They say a soft approach defuses the sharpest blades, and Kailee’s guarded expression relaxed slightly. Having recently used Sandra to antagonize Elizabeth, Kailee was willing to entertain her for now.

“Ms. Sandra,” she replied politely, though her tone remained cool. “It has been a while.”

Sandra then turned toward Billie, her voice dripping with deference. “Good evening, Ms. Sophia. You’re looking radiant tonight.”

Billie barely acknowledged her with a curt “Hmm,” already preparing to walk away.