At six o'clock sharp, William arrived with James as promised to pick up Elise from work.

"Mommy!"

That sweet, innocent voice never failed to melt Elise's heart.

She scooped the boy into her arms, settling beside him as they engaged in cheerful conversation.

William frowned, feeling thoroughly ignored.

"Aren't you happy to see Mommy?" James asked seriously, his little brow furrowing in concern.

"Of course I am," William replied coolly.

"But you're making this face," James said, mimicking William's stern expression perfectly.

He had always been a miniature version of his father, and the resemblance was uncanny when he frowned.

Elise burst into laughter, and even the chauffeur couldn't suppress an amused smile.

William's scowl deepened, which only encouraged James further. "Mommy, don't mind Daddy. I think he's having one of his mood swings."

Elise laughed even harder at that—perhaps William had educated their son a bit too well!

Fortunately, the restaurant was nearby, and they arrived quickly.

Any longer, and William might have actually had a stroke!

They settled at a window table in the elegant restaurant, with Elise still joking with James while William placed their order.

Why did he feel like the third wheel here?

"William?" A woman's voice called out, drawing the attention of all three.

"Oh, it really is you!" the woman exclaimed delightedly before introducing herself. "Do you remember me? I'm Isabella Lynd, Victoria Stuart's cousin. We met when you were studying abroad with her."

"Vaguely," William replied, finally placing her.

Isabella seemed undeterred by his aloofness, growing even more enthusiastic. "What a coincidence! I just came from Rockville to meet my boyfriend, so I didn't expect to see you here. By the way, did you hear? My aunt mentioned that Victoria will be returning to the country soon."

"I wasn't aware," William said flatly.

"Victoria didn't tell you?" Isabella appeared genuinely surprised. "You two aren't fighting, are you? When I saw the news about you returning to Crestwood alone, I thought—"

"Ms. Lynd," William interrupted sharply, cutting off her rambling. "We're about to start our meal."

His dismissal was clear, and Isabella understood immediately.

"Alright, I won't disturb you then," she said, visibly chagrined.

As she turned to leave, she cast a subtle glance toward Elise, who was seated beside William.

Elise noticed the look, but when she met Isabella's eyes, the other woman quickly averted her gaze and departed.

Returning to her own table, Isabella immediately texted Victoria.

[Victoria, I just ran into William at a restaurant. He brought his son and a woman who I believe is Elise Scott.]

Having seen Elise's face in various news articles recently, Isabella recognized her immediately.

But why was Elise here with William?

And why would William, who always maintained such privacy, be involved with someone with Elise's complicated past?

Overseas, Victoria's eyes narrowed as she read the message.

She never should have let William return to Zidonia alone. She had underestimated Elise!

Back at the restaurant, William, James, and Elise began their meal.

Elise continued focusing most of her attention on James, helping him with his food.

William finally couldn't resist asking, "Am I invisible to you, Ms. Scott?"

Elise was speechless.

He was a grown man, yet he was jealous of his own son?

Could he be more childish?

Still, seeing that James was managing fine on his own, she finally turned her attention to William. "Victoria Stuart... as in the Stuarts who practically own Rockville?"

William blinked at Elise, momentarily taken aback.