Alan's gaze from the stage was a silent command.

The black-clad bodyguards positioned throughout the hall immediately converged on William.

He had no opportunity to resist.

Strong hands seized his arms, forcing him away.

He watched Elise vanish from his sight.

His eyes burned with frustration.

His knuckles turned white from clenching his fists too tightly.

Elise exited the banquet hall with remarkable composure.

There was no panic in her movements.

She walked steadily, lifting the hem of her gown gracefully.

Her pace was measured, neither hurried nor slow.

She raised her hand in a casual gesture.

A sleek black luxury sedan pulled up before her outside the venue.

She had sent Robert home earlier, anticipating a late night.

The chauffeur stepped out and opened the rear door for her.

She slid inside without a backward glance.

Looking back would only invite disappointment.

Where hope died, disappointment couldn't flourish.

She leaned back against the plush leather seat.

Her eyes traced the glittering nightscape of Crestwood through the window.

A faint, ironic smile touched her lips.

Her instincts had been correct.

Everything felt different since her return to Crestwood.

Her smile faded as she noticed their route.

"This isn't the way to my apartment," she stated, her voice cool.

The chauffeur's response was crisp and clear. "No, Ms. Scott. Master Henry Levine instructed me to bring you to Levine Manor."

His tone was respectful, yet carried an undeniable edge of authority.

It brooked no argument.

Elise's fingers tightened instinctively.

She considered reaching for her phone to call for help.

The chauffeur anticipated her. "Master Levine means you no harm. However, resistance might… complicate matters."

His words were a cool, deliberate warning.

Elise's heart gave a sharp, nervous thud.

She weighed her options.

In Crestwood, the Levine family could make anyone disappear without a trace.

She wasn't willing to gamble with her life.

The car eventually glided through imposing wrought-iron gates.

Levine Manor sprawled before them, a testament to immense wealth.

The front yard was vast, more a private park than a garden.

Such opulence was staggering in a city where land was worth a fortune.

The car halted before the grand entrance.

A servant awaited her, ushering her inside.

They passed through a magnificent lobby, its scale intimidating.

They ascended a sweeping staircase to the second floor.

She was shown into a lavish study.

The servant gestured for her to wait. "Master Levine will be with you shortly, Ms. Scott."

"Very well," Elise replied, her voice even.

The servant departed, returning moments later with a tray.

It held a delicate porcelain teapot, a cup, and an assortment of fine confectionery.

Elise didn't refuse.

Formal banquets often left one starving.

She ate a little, the sweet pastries a small comfort.

She waited.

The clock on the mantelpiece ticked steadily towards 10 PM.

Finally, noise echoed from the main entrance below.

She rose from her chair, smoothing her gown.

The study door opened.

Henry Levine was wheeled inside by his butler, Charles.

Charles closed the door softly, leaving the three of them in the spacious room.

He assisted Henry into the high-backed chair behind the massive mahogany desk.

Charles then took his place, standing silently behind his master.

For a long, heavy moment, both men simply stared at her.

Their combined gaze was intense, unnerving.

Elise pressed her lips together.

Some individuals possessed a natural, commanding aura that was impossible to ignore.

"Please sit, Ms. Scott," Henry finally said, his voice breaking the prolonged silence.