While Sophia remained speechless, Samuel intervened.

"Elise Scott, why are you being so cruel? Sophia only cares about you. Even if you're uncomfortable after our breakup, we'll still be connected through family ties eventually."

"Samuel Mitchell, how many times must I tell you that you overestimate your importance? You have no influence over me anymore, and my dislike for Sophia isn't about you."

Elise paused briefly, then added, "Actually, it is—it accumulates, so I despise you even more now."

"Sis, you can say whatever you want about me, but not Samuel—"

Before Sophia could finish, Elise turned to leave again, the dismissal stinging deeply.

Sophia glared at Elise's retreating back, frustration bubbling within her.

Samuel didn't fare any better, feeling even more insignificant in her eyes.

"Elise Scott!" Benjamin Scott's voice cut through the tension as he appeared.

Elise pressed her lips together but turned around despite her impatience.

She knew all too well that dealing with the Scotts required facing them head-on.

"Come with me," Benjamin commanded, already striding away.

Elise suppressed her irritation and followed.

She suspected the Scotts hadn't invited her here just to mock her.

There had to be another agenda.

They reached the second-floor balcony garden of Scott Manor, where Benjamin stopped and asked coldly, "Was it you?"

"Was what me?" Elise feigned innocence.

Controlling his temper, Benjamin growled, "That video!"

"You give me too much credit, Father. I just started working at Stellar Group—there's no way I could have discovered your affair with Natalie Green."

"Enough!" Benjamin roared, too ashamed to hear more.

He had suspected Elise initially, but he and Natalie had kept their relationship completely secret. As Elise pointed out, she wouldn't know anything since she'd just joined Stellar Group, and Benjamin refused to believe she could suddenly become that capable.

"I'm introducing you to someone now, so behave appropriately," Benjamin said, getting straight to the point. "You know you can't afford to make mistakes, especially with your... history."

A man in a formal suit appeared then.

It was the same man who had been sitting beside her earlier.

"This is Brandon Miller, a distant cousin," Benjamin said. "He's thirty-five, so he's suitable for you."

Elise glanced at Brandon but remained silent.

Brandon extended his hand anyway. "Hello, Elise."

"That's Ms. Scott to you." Elise ignored his handshake, maintaining her distance.

"Brandon comes from a modest background, but he has a promising future working at Levine Holdings. He has a seven-year-old son. I've met the boy—he's well-behaved and polite—"

"If you think so highly of him, why not introduce him to your precious Sophia?" Elise snapped. "Am I not good enough for anyone better?"

"Know your place, Elise Scott!" Benjamin shouted, his anger flaring.

"I'm sorry, but I'm busy. I have to leave now."

"Stop right there!"

"Uncle Benjamin, perhaps I could speak with Elise privately?" Brandon suggested smoothly.

Benjamin shot Elise a warning look before storming off.

Elise stayed—not out of respect for Benjamin.

She felt it necessary to clarify her position to avoid future complications.

However, before she could speak, Brandon was already raising his voice. "Elise Scott! Everyone in Crestwood knows about your reputation—"