Samuel Wilson was acting on William Levine's direct orders to assist Elise Scott.

William was occupied with other pressing matters, unable to handle the situation personally.

Still, he observed from a distance until everything was resolved.

Just as he departed, Elise blinked—the woman standing beside William turned her gaze toward her.

Her expression held neither animosity nor warmth, merely a casual, fleeting glance.

Yet, Elise's intuition prickled with an inexplicable tension.

The banquet hall grew increasingly vibrant, and at precisely 8 PM, the guest of honor made his entrance.

Henry Levine had narrowly survived the tragic loss of his son and daughter-in-law, but the ordeal left him paraplegic, confined to a wheelchair.

Elise suddenly recalled what William had shared during their trip to Ayro Island. He had spoken with detached calm about the family tragedy and the immense pressure that followed.

It must have been an unbearable burden for him then, and her heart ached at the thought.

Then she spotted William, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his presence commanding as he wheeled Henry into the elevator on the second floor.

They descended toward the central stage, bathed in brilliant floodlights.

Accompanying them were William's aunt and uncle, Nancy Levine and Ivan York.

James was notably absent, and Elise surmised it might be inappropriate for a child to attend such a formal celebration.

Elizabeth was also not with William and the others.

Elise glanced upward and found Elizabeth leaning against the handrail, champagne flute in hand, offering a subtle toast.

It was as if she sensed Elise seeking her out.

Though they had only recently met, Elise felt an inexplicable connection between them.

She returned Elizabeth's gesture, taking a delicate sip from her own glass.

Then, Elizabeth motioned for Elise to focus on the stage, perhaps concerned she might miss her cousin's defining moment.

Elizabeth had always idolized her older cousin, after all.

Onstage, William approached the podium while the rest of the Levine family remained in the shadows.

As he spoke in his resonant, captivating voice, the massive LED screen behind him chronicled Levine Holdings' sixty-year evolution.

It showcased their numerous accolades, remarkable achievements, and profound contributions to society.

The hall fell into a hushed reverence for thirty minutes—a masterful public relations display, yet every moment felt essential, holding the audience spellbound.

While the crowd marveled, captivated by the presentation, Elise quietly watched William at the podium.

This was her first time witnessing him in his professional element.

His tall stature, confident posture, handsome features, and solemn expression… Men truly appear most attractive when fully immersed in their work.

Once William concluded his address, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

He then handed the microphone to Henry, who struggled to contain his proud smile.

Henry had always known his grandson was exceptional, but William had spent much of his youth abroad.

Henry had seen his academic records but never witnessed his business prowess firsthand.

Since William's return, Henry had observed his grandson's strategic brilliance up close, filling him with immense pride.

After expressing his gratitude, Henry declared, "Today marks Levine Holdings' 60th anniversary… I recall my father entrusting this company to me when I was forty. Thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Now at seventy, it is time for me to step down! I introduced William at my birthday celebration, but tonight, I formally announce that he will assume full management of Levine Holdings!"

The moment he made the declaration, celebratory crackers exploded overhead.

A breathtaking spectacle unfolded as endless streams of confetti showered the applauding crowd.

Amid the roaring applause, Henry continued, his voice trembling with exhilaration, "Lastly, I have one more crucial announcement to make!"

He was visibly shaking with overwhelming excitement!