Episode 112
In reality, screenwriters of Katrina’s caliber were extremely rare in the entertainment industry. Sandra’s claim was transparently fabricated; even if she sought out one of those screenwriters herself, securing an audience would be nearly impossible.
Elizabeth responded with a calm smile. “I’m quite satisfied with my current show’s screenwriter.”
“Wow, I didn’t realize you were so loyal to your current screenwriter,” Sandra said, her surprise seemingly genuine but her tone carefully calculated.
A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she continued, “If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t Soren Rodgers also a screenwriter? Though his works have never quite hit the mark. I suppose you’re working with one of his scripts this time. Given your close relationship, it makes sense you’d want to support him. My apologies for being presumptuous.”
Elizabeth instantly recognized Sandra’s true intention: to subtly undermine her reputation by insinuating an inappropriate relationship with Soren.
“What? You’re associating with another man? Elizabeth, you’re already married!” Kailee’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper, her expression contorting with exaggerated shock. She darted furtive glances around the room, clearly desperate to avoid drawing public attention to Elizabeth’s marital status.
Elizabeth’s face darkened. “My personal affairs are none of your concern,” she responded coldly, her composure unwavering. She recognized Kailee as nothing more than a pawn in a larger strategic game, too naive to understand the manipulations unfolding around her.
“You!” Kailee huffed, stomping her foot in frustration. She turned to Billie, her lips pursed in a dramatic pout. “Auntie, look at how she’s behaving!”
Billie, who had maintained a stoic silence until now, finally spoke. Her stern voice cut through the tension. “You might claim it’s none of my business, but it is certainly mine.”
Billie’s blatant favoritism toward Kailee bordered on the absurd. Her bias was so transparent it was almost comical.
Elizabeth had long suspected Billie was the type who blindly prioritized family loyalty above all else. Yet, as time passed, she realized the dynamics were far more complex. Even Cory seemed desperate to marry his daughter into some powerful family and benefit from it. So that was just family tradition.
Elizabeth parted her lips but remained silent. Instead, she lowered her head, embodying demure submission.
Billie’s reprimand was sharp and calculated. “You’re bringing embarrassment to our family. I don’t care about your private conduct, but here, in public, as a Norris family member, you must maintain our reputation. You represent our image and must be cautious. This isn’t a casual ladies’ luncheon. It’s inappropriate to be seen with a stranger, let alone follow him here. Now, come with me.”
“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth apologized, her tone respectful and seemingly obedient as if nothing had fundamentally changed.
