Elizabeth remained silent, her mind racing as she processed Michael’s persistent questions.

"Elizabeth," Michael began, his voice laced with a worry he couldn't hide. "Don’t you understand the risks? You’re not at the villa, and security is compromised. If someone with bad intentions managed to bypass the grounds, you’d be vulnerable. Doesn't that concern you?"

Elizabeth toyed with the hem of her dress, her voice soft. "You’re making it sound like a thriller, Michael. I’ll be more careful, I promise."

But Michael wasn't finished. "Are you still planning to take Samuel’s investment?"

"What does it have to do with his personality?" Elizabeth countered, confused. "Samuel believes in the Super Brain system. He’s presented a legitimate business plan. Why should I doubt a five-hundred-million-dollar opportunity?"

Michael sighed heavily. "It’s not just about the money. Once he holds that level of investment, he’s a partner. He has a say in your father’s legacy. If he uses the Jones Group as a front for something less than legal, you’ll be the one left holding the responsibility. You’re being too trusting."

"Don't make this personal, Michael!" Elizabeth snapped.

"I’m looking out for your well-being," Michael said gently, his eyes searching hers. "If you can’t walk away from that amount, let me match it. I’ll offer a billion dollars to buy out the shares. Just stay away from Samuel."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Is it always about winning with you?"

Before she could finish, a knock sounded on the gallery lounge door. Michael’s bodyguard spoke from the hallway. "Mr. Thomas, your mother called. She’s at the villa and is furious that you’ve checked yourself out of the clinic early. We need to head back."

Elizabeth’s eyes widened in shock. She stepped closer and touched Michael’s forehead. He was burning with fever. "You have a high temperature! How could you sneak out like this? And your leg injury—you should be on an IV, not in a gallery!"

Michael caught her hand, his gaze intense despite his pallor. "Elizabeth, remember what I said. Refuse Samuel’s deal. Not for me, but for the Jones Group."

As the bodyguard wheeled Michael away, Elizabeth stood in the gallery, her heart a tangle of conflicting emotions. She left the exhibition shortly after, her mind elsewhere.

While waiting for a taxi, her phone rang. It was Charles Wilson.

"Elizabeth," Charles chuckled, "I heard you’re courting Zenith Investments. Don’t get your hopes up. My team is about to launch a product that will make your Super Brain system look like a crude prototype. When we’re done, you’ll be facing plagiarism charges."

Elizabeth remained calm. "A traitor will always see betrayal everywhere, Mr. Wilson. But perhaps you should worry more about the consequences of your past actions."

Charles sputtered, "What are you talking about?"

"The incident in Vegas with Anthony," Elizabeth said, taking a gamble. "The Thomas family doesn't forget who causes them trouble. You thought you could hide behind the shadows, but justice has a way of finding people."

Charles’s voice turned into a panicked shout. "You have no evidence! I had nothing to do with what happened to him!"

"I never said what happened to him, Charles," Elizabeth said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Yet you seem to know exactly what the injury was. The Thomas family will be in touch. Good luck."

She hung up, feeling a wave of relief. She had finally called his bluff.