Innocence?! William?!

What innocence could he possibly claim when his son was already five years old?!

Though Elise pretended to pout, a genuine smile escaped her lips.

Being cherished and respected felt incredibly satisfying.

Elise woke naturally the next morning.

Despite her entire day's disappearance, only Elizabeth had called—not even her workplace reached out.

After freshening up, she slid open her bedroom's glass door.

Brilliant sunshine greeted her, accompanied by the ocean's gentle breeze.

She stepped onto the spacious balcony, gazing at the crystal-clear waters below where the seabed was perfectly visible.

Looking downward, she spotted the muscular man swimming laps in the private pool beneath her balcony.

He suddenly paused, as if sensing her observation, and rose in the pool's center. Water cascaded down his torso, accentuating his prominent Adam's apple and sculpted chest.

He ran a casual hand through his damp hair while looking up, fully revealing his striking features.

That raw masculine appeal hit her with undeniable force, making Elise swallow hard as she quickly averted her gaze.

"You're awake, Ms. Scott," William greeted in his characteristically magnetic voice.

"Indeed," she replied.

"Do you swim?"

"Not really."

"But you know how?"

"Yes, but—"

"I'll be waiting."

Elise sighed inwardly. She'd clearly said she didn't swim!

Yet when it came to him, her resistance always crumbled—as long as her principles remained intact.

She could never match his overwhelming determination.

After changing into swimwear and wrapping herself in the hotel's plush bathrobe, she descended the balcony stairs leading directly to the pool area.

William remained in only his swimming trunks, lounging on a beach chair beside the water.

He made no attempt to cover his bare torso, not even with a towel.

"Enjoying the scenery?" he teased.

"Nothing particularly special," she retorted.

"You're a terrible liar."

"Have you forgotten how I vomited in your hospital room, Mr. Levine?" Elise countered, even mimicking the gagging motion.

William's expression darkened instantly. He sprang up and pulled her against him.

Before she could react, he'd tugged her bathrobe away, sending them both tumbling into the pool.

She surfaced coughing—how ridiculously petty could he be?!

Gasping for air, she finally reached the pool's edge... only to notice his intense stare.

Glancing down, she remembered her leopard-print bikini...

Elise immediately crossed her arms over her cleavage, blushing furiously as he watched in amusement.

"Ms. Scott," he murmured, "I never suspected you harbored such... fiery passion."