<h4>Chapter 365: Against Her</h4>


    "You’re right. I heard that her godmother, Mrs. Miller, adores her like she’s her own daughter. And her status... once she arrives in Country S, even top government officials would probably be treating her with utmost respect and going out of their way to amodate her. So, she’s likely to bring Mrs. Miller into this," Eric said coolly. "But whether they’re nobodies or nobility, she won’t get her way!"


    E turned slightly, rubbing her sore lower back. "You’re right, Mrs. Miller is her ace. But why do I feel like it’s not that simple?"


    "You’re overthinking it."


    "With Hannah’s personality, you’d expect her to be arrogant and brazen. But when she saw me, she looked fearful and timid, almost ying the victim," E said, shaking her head. "That’s not like her. Normally, she’d be proud—after all, given her status and her connection to such a high family, she’d naturally have a huge sense of superiority."


    "She was poisoned once by a maid, which humbled her a lot."


    Eric’s eyes shed with a cold gleam. E nodded; that was indeed when Hannah started to change.


    "Yeah, that was when she became so much more timid. That’s what the reports say," E sneered. "Looks like Hannah didn’te back for something simple this time. We’d better be cautious."


    "Time to get up, or you’ll bete!"


    E scrambled up, quickly got dressed, brushed her teeth, and began another intense day.


    Life like this was thrilling and fun—she didn’t feel an ounce of fatigue or resentment. Compared to her past life, this one felt much more meaningful; at least she was proving her strength and living with ir.


    The next morning, at precisely 8:50, E appeared in the LXL conference room. She usually didn’t attend meetings, but her presence today visibly startled everyone.


    Though they tried to hide it, E still caught a few disdainful, condescending nces.


    When LXL was founded, two of Eric’s friends—Richard and Brian—became shareholders. Two experienced directors also held stakes in LXL, which was part of HopeCore Group. Eric and E both believed that the entertainment industry, even more than other industries, was extremely profitable, which is why they focused so heavily on it.


    This meeting was to cast roles for the film *The Sinful Mountain,* so executives and directors from thepany were in attendance.


    E had specifically assigned the film to Austin Adams and Director Richard, who was young but had been friends with Richard since their college days.


    "Mrs. Nelson, this isn’t a party. I didn’t expect to see you here. What a surprise!" Sarah immediately smirked upon seeing E, her wordsced with slight disdain. But she dared not be too overt in front of Eric.


    The other executives also looked at E, their expressions suggesting she didn’t belong there.


    "Hello, everyone," E said calmly as she took her seat. "Today, I’m here as a shareholder because *The Sinful Mountain* is a project I signed personally, and I value it highly. Casting is critical; if the wrong actors are chosen, it could ruin the entire film. That would be a shame."


    Eric leaned back in his chair,zily ncing at the executives with their varied expressions.


    The executives of LXL hadn’t expected this at all. To them, E was just Eric’s wife. Little did they know she was actually a shareholder.


    Sarah’s expression soured with jealousy—this detestable woman wasn’t just Mrs. Nelson but also a shareholder here!


    "Mrs. Nelson, you’re a shareholder at LXL, so why don’t we see you at meetings more often?" another creative director, oblivious to the tension, asked with a grin.


    E cast her a calm nce. "The reason I haven’t attended before is that I felt other matters could be handled without me. My vote or decision didn’t make much of a difference."


    Her wordsplimented everyone’s abilities on the surface but also subtly implied that theirpetence might not be enough this time.


    Eric raised an eyebrow. "Any objections?"


    "No, none at all!" The group quickly responded, smiling, unwilling to offend Mr. Nelson’s wife.


    At that moment, Austin stood up. "For this casting, we’ve had multiple actors rmended for each role. I’ve selected a few for everyone to review."


    With that, a few celebrity headshots appeared on the LCD screen above.


    "This is for the supporting role of Ashley Moore," Austin exined. "Ashley is the team’s doctor with a decade of medical experience. She’s adventurous by nature, so when this expedition came up, she signed up immediately. Ashley’s personality is lively and captivating, but due to a traumatic childhood, she eventually takes drastic actions against the male lead. So, who do you all think would be suitable for this role?"


    A discussion broke out among the executives, while E and Eric exchanged an unreadable nce.


    "I think Melissa Johnson would be a great fit."


    "I agree—Melissa seems perfect!"


    The executives voted, voicing their agreement one after another.


    Eric turned to E with a smile, "And who’s your pick?"


    This was E’s first time attending a casting decision, meaning the final call was hers. Eric, along with Richard, Brian, and Austin, would back her up on whatever choice she made.


    "I think Tiffany is a good choice," E replied. "This role needs a character with a spirited toughness and underlying pride. Tiffany would bring those qualities beautifully."


    Her suggestion was met with immediate opposition from the higher-ups.


    Sarah was the first to jump in, ring at E. "Mrs. Nelson, are you serious? You want Ms. Fox—a star of her caliber—to y a supporting role?"


    "Exactly! How would that reflect on LXL?"


    "Ms. Fox is far too talented for such a minor role; she wouldn’t agree to it."


    The others echoed their disapproval, though Richard and his allies merely watched with amused expressions.


    E raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "Our casting isn’t about celebrity status; it’s about suitability. If no established actor fits the lead, we’d do better casting a neer to carefully shape the role to perfection. Though it may cost more, the benefits to LXL’s reputation are well worth it."


    Eric nodded lightly, "E is right—Tiffany suits the role of Ashley perfectly."


    Richard and Brian both agreed.


    The other executives’ expressions shifted, and one of the shareholder-directors stood, his gaze icy as he addressed E. "Mrs. Nelson, with no experience in this field, I must say Ms. Fox should be the lead, not a supporting character!"