Elise was completely taken by surprise, her heart fluttering wildly. After a moment's hesitation, she finally placed her hand in William's waiting palm.

His perfectly sculpted lips curved into a satisfied smile as he guided her through the parting crowd.

All eyes followed their departure, captivated by the scene unfolding before them.

Elise still wore that breathtaking diamond-blue gown that made her look divine. Standing beside the impeccably dressed man, they appeared like a scene from a romantic movie—a wealthy husband reclaiming his runaway wife. Except this was no screenplay; this was reality unfolding in real time.

The sight was so mesmerizing that journalists couldn't stop capturing the moment, their camera flashes creating a continuous strobe effect. Even as the helicopter ascended, they kept shooting, unsatisfied with the footage they'd already obtained.

Inside the helicopter, Elise watched through the window as the ground grew increasingly distant.

She desperately wanted to tell William that such dramatic measures weren't necessary to retrieve her.

He could have simply followed Ethan's approach—using a car!

Heaven only knew how much media coverage this spectacle would generate.

Despite her practical concerns, she couldn't deny the thrill coursing through her veins. Her heart raced with undeniable excitement.

"Congratulations, Ms. Scott," William's magnetic voice murmured close to her ear.

Elise turned to face his handsome features, finding him almost unbearably attractive in that moment.

As she blinked, a beautiful bouquet of flowers suddenly appeared before her.

He certainly knew how to create magical surprises.

Accepting the flowers, she smiled warmly. "Thank you."

"Mr. Levine personally arranged those flowers himself. It took him all morning," Samuel chimed in from behind them.

Elise started, surprised to realize they weren't alone in the helicopter.

She glanced between the vibrant red roses and William, who looked more captivating than the flowers themselves.

Overcome by sudden impulse, she leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek.

William's entire body went rigid with surprise. Elise immediately regretted her boldness as he stared intently at her, making her feel completely self-conscious.

She'd momentarily forgotten about Samuel's presence behind William... But in that moment, she'd been unable to resist the overwhelming urge to kiss him.

Biting her lip in silent embarrassment, she noticed William was also struggling to find words.

He swallowed hard before speaking coolly, "Samuel, have you completed your parachuting certification?"

Samuel remained speechless.

If it were possible, he would have grown wings and flown away right then and there!

Fortunately, the helicopter soon began its descent toward a private airfield. Elise frowned as she studied the scene outside.

"Are you traveling somewhere?" she asked, assuming William was heading for another business trip.

"Not me—we," William corrected sharply. "We're going to the Ayro Islands."

Elise was rendered speechless.

Now she understood why he'd brought a helicopter.

He'd been planning this all along.

"Ms. Scott, you promised me three months ago that you'd make time for me. You're not going back on your word, are you?"

Even if she tried to break her promise, he would simply bundle her onto the plane regardless.

"I didn't pack any luggage," she protested, making one final attempt to escape the situation.

"I've already packed everything for you, including your passport," he added smoothly.

It appeared nothing she said would change his plans!