Elise took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

Her dress wasn't exactly casual, but it certainly wasn't formal enough for this occasion.

Standing beside William, she felt noticeably underdressed.

He didn't seem to mind her attire at all.

He simply took her hand and led her toward the towering skyscraper.

The restaurant occupied the entire twentieth floor.

Naturally, William had chosen one of Crestwood's most exclusive dining establishments.

They entered the elegantly designed glass elevator together.

Suddenly, William removed his dinner jacket and bow tie.

He unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt.

His imposing presence softened into something more approachable.

"Hold these for me," he said, handing her the jacket and tie.

Elise accepted them without question.

She watched as he slowly rolled up his sleeves.

His muscular forearms were now visible.

The transformation was instant—he looked considerably more casual now.

Elise quickly understood what he was doing.

He was adjusting his appearance to match hers.

A pang of guilt shot through her.

He had probably expected her to dress up for his birthday celebration.

She hadn't put in that effort.

Now he was making accommodations for her oversight.

She pushed the guilty feelings aside.

She needed to focus on why she was here.

The elevator reached their floor.

William took back his jacket and bow tie.

A steward greeted them immediately.

They were escorted to a VVIP room.

Two stewards stood outside the double doors.

They opened them simultaneously.

The room beyond was extravagantly appointed.

Elise followed William inside.

She realized they weren't alone.

She recognized Ethan Parker immediately.

Nathan Davis and Andrew Saunders were also present.

Aside from Ethan being adopted into the Levine family, the other two came from old money dynasties.

"William," Nathan greeted enthusiastically. "You brought company."

William nodded. "Let me introduce my friends. You know Ethan Parker, my uncle?"

"Mr. Parker." Elise offered a polite smile.

Ethan returned the greeting with equal courtesy.

"Nathan Davis." William gestured toward the slightly stout man.

Elise studied Nathan briefly.

He wasn't conventionally handsome, but his features grew more appealing upon closer inspection.

Still, he paled in comparison to William.

"We went to the same school, remember?" Nathan said eagerly. "I was your senior in high school."

"Yes, Mr. Davis." Elise maintained her polite demeanor.

Nathan extended his hand for a handshake.

He quickly withdrew it when he caught William's sharp look.

How territorial.

"And that's Andrew Saunders."

Elise turned toward the man standing near the window.

He was the tallest in the room, standing at around six foot two.

His blonde buzzcut gave him a distinctive look.

He carried himself with natural style and confidence.

Her first thought was that he'd make an excellent fashion model.