Chapter 59

Ethan cleared his throat with a fake cough, drawing everyone's attention to himself. The lights flickered on, illuminating the room, and the team gasped in surprise at his sudden presence.

Ethan walked towards Lily, his eyes locked on hers, and stood in front of her. His voice was firm yet calm, but his words were laced with a hint of mockery. "They're right; people will really trust this product when they see an aged woman look like a teenager when she uses it."

Lily's face darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. She took a step forward, her voice low and venomous. "Missing your old model, Mr. Gray?" she spat, her words dripping with sarcasm.

The air was charged with tension as Ethan's smile grew, his eyes glinting with amusement. The team watched in uneasy silence, sensing the animosity between the two.

Ethan's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Lily, you're so quick to assume I'm pining for someone else. But I'm just impressed by your... creative approach to aging. Tell me, how many layers of makeup does it take to cover up those fine lines?"

Lily's face turned red with rage, her eyes flashing with anger. "At least I'm not hiding behind a mask of arrogance and entitlement, like some people, and yes, I don't make up like your girlfriend," she shot back, her voice dripping with venom.

She turned to walk out but spun back around, her eyes sparkling with malice. "By the way, I'm 2 years younger than Sarah. I think you prefer big chests instead of talent." With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the room.

The room fell silent, with everyone trying to suppress their laughter. Ethan's face turned bright red with embarrassment, his eyes wide with shock. He looked like he'd been caught off guard, and his usual composure had deserted him.

The team exchanged awkward glances, trying not to burst out laughing. The tension in the room was palpable, and it was clear that the exchange between Ethan and Lily had left a lasting impression.

Mia followed Lily out of the studio and into Lily's cabin. As soon as they were inside, Mia turned to Lily with a grin. "You actually said that to his face? You are so arrogant, Lily!" she exclaimed, bursting into laughter.

Lily couldn't help but laugh too, and she fell onto the couch beside Mia. "I know, right?" she said, giggling. "I just couldn't resist. He's always so smug and self-assured; it's nice to see him squirm every now and then."

Mia laughed harder, holding her stomach. "And that part about preferring big chests instead of talent? Oh my god, that was priceless!"

Lily chuckled, shaking her head. "I know, I know, it was a low blow. But he had it coming." She grinned mischievously. "Besides, it's not like I didn't mean it."

Lily's expression turned serious, and she said, "You know, Ethan did wrong to me, and now karma is backfiring on him." Mia's curiosity was piqued, and she asked, "Why did she say that?"

Lily leaned in, a hint of a smile on her face. "Sarah came to my house last night, and you know what she asked for?"

Mia nodded, urging her to continue. "What did she say?"

Lily's eyes sparkled with incredulity as she recounted the conversation. "She asked me if she aborted her baby, would I stop the cancellation process of her contract with Gray Enterprises?"

Mia's eyes widened in shock, her jaw dropping. "Is she for real? She's choosing her career over her own baby? How can she stoop this low?" Mia's voice was laced with disgust and disappointment.

Lily shook her head, her expression a mix of anger and disappointment. "I know, right? It's like she's willing to sacrifice everything, including her own child, for the sake of her career."

Mia's voice rose in indignation. "She's unbelievable."

The door burst open, and Ethan strode in, his face twisted in anger. He marched towards Lily, his eyes blazing with fury. "What do you think of yourself, huh?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Lily stood her ground, her eyes flashing with defiance as she met Ethan's gaze. Mia took a step back, her eyes darting between the two of them, sensing the escalating tension.

Ethan's face reddened further, his anger boiling over. "You think you're so innocent, don't you?" He spat, his voice dripping with venom. "But I know all about your little comments, your snide remarks. You think you can just undermine me and get away with it?"

Lily stood tall, her eyes flashing with anger. "I'm just responding to your own behavior, Ethan. You started this little game, not me. Who started first? You did, with your condescending attitude and snide comments about me."

"You got more shares than me, Lily, so don't try to show off everywhere," Ethan sneered, his voice dripping with resentment.

Lily's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Stop crying like a baby over shares, Ethan. If you want, I can give you more, and we'll be equal. Is that okay?" she said, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Ethan's face twisted in anger. "Keep your charity to yourself, like my father gave you," he spat, his words cutting deep.

He turned to walk away, but just as he did, his mobile phone rang, shrill and insistent. He hesitated for a moment, his hand reaching into his pocket to silence it, but then he seemed to think better of it and answered the call instead. "What?" he barked into the phone, his tone short and curt.

"Hello, this is Dr. Riley Carson from City Hospital," the voice on the other end of the line said. "Do you know Sarah Mitchell?"

Ethan's expression changed from anger to surprise. "Yes, I know her," he replied, his tone cautious.

Dr. Riley's voice was direct and urgent. "Sarah Mitchell is hospitalized in the emergency ward. You need to come right away."

As soon as Ethan heard the words, his panic was palpable. His face went white, and his eyes widened in alarm. "What happened?" he demanded, his voice shaking slightly.

Dr. Rachel's tone remained professional. "Just come to the hospital, please. We'll discuss the details when you get here."

Ethan's panic turned to desperation. "I'm on my way," he said, already turning to rush out of the room. "I'll be there as soon as I can." He ended the call and hastily exited the cabin, leaving Lily and Mia looking at each other in surprise.