A moment elapsed before she responded, “Are you suggesting that you'll permit me to impersonate A Fond Dream, but only if I cough up one hundred million dollars?"

Elva wouldn't mind acquiring such a substantial sum if A Fond Dream agreed; it could serve as the linchpin for her union with Gerard.

A Fond Dream countered, “If you insist, be prepared to part with a minimum of five hundred million dollars."

Elva retorted, "Are you joking?"

A Fond Dream responded, "You initiated the jest. A Fond Dream is my pen name. Why would I grant you permission to assume my identity?"

Elva found herself momentarily speechless.

She questioned whether A Fond Dream had been playfully toying with her from the outset.

Growing irritated, Elva believed A Fond Dream had crossed a Line.

Having failed with her softer approach, she opted for a more forceful tactic. Elva inquired, “Are you unwilling? Do you realize who I am?

I'm Gerard's girlfriend. I can ruin your standing in the industry with a word to him."

A Fond Dream replied, "Oh, I'm trembling. Please go ahead and ruin me. I'm eager to witness it."

"Damn!" Elva spat out vehemently.

She never envisioned A Fond Dream to be like this. She had presumed them to be an educated individual with a sense of dignity.

"As you wish! Do you know the Harris family? Crushing you would be child's play. Your fate is sealed," Elva retorted.

A Fond Dream responded nonchalantly, “Alright. I eagerly await it"

After sending those words, Lilah witnessed her phone screen fade to black. She found herself automatically logged out and subsequent attempts to sign back in proved futile.

Her account had fallen victim to hacking.

It dawned on Lilah that Elva had meticulously planned for this eventuality.

With the negotiation in ruins, Elva seized control of her identity, allowing her to masquerade as A Fond Dream and attend the fan meeting.

If A Fond Dream didn't know hacking techniques, she would have to compromise.

Elva had presented herself as a literary enthusiast, feigning gentility, a facade that thoroughly deceived Lilah.

Determined to impart a lesson, Lilah resolved to confront Elva.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Elva observed her hired hacker successfully pilfer A Fond Dream's social media account and contractual details, a satisfied smile gracing her face.

Her initial intent had been to extend an olive branch to A Fond Dream but the latter's reluctance made her determined to ensure regret.