'Everything will be fine,' she whispered to herself.

'There's still plenty of time.'

Just because they had separated now didn't mean they couldn't reunite later. Her agreement to the breakup, and the benefits she gained from it, were merely strategic delays. She had never intended to give up Ethan Parker so easily!

The car pulled up outside Mitchell Villa.

The moment Amanda stepped out, Ethan spoke.

"I need a favor from you." Amanda was startled.

Ethan needed her help? "Please keep Elizabeth's identity confidential."

Amanda felt a surge of irritation. She harbored a deep-seated animosity toward Elizabeth, and even hearing her name was enough to annoy her.

"Revealing who she is won't benefit you." Ethan was direct.

"Do you have feelings for Elizabeth?"

Amanda stared straight into Ethan's eyes. Women were infinitely sharper when it came to romantic rivals.

"I don't."

"Then why are you so protective of her?"

"We're all part of the Levine family."

"Elizabeth doesn't treat you like family. Did you forget how she mocked you earlier?!"

"She's always been like that, ever since we were young. Blunt in her manner and speech." Ethan defended Elizabeth.

"Ethan, are you denying your feelings for her because Henry doesn't approve of your relationship?"

Amanda's voice was filled with conviction. Initially, she had attributed the subtle nuances in Ethan and Elizabeth's dynamic to their familial ties.

But now, thinking calmly, she recognized the tell-tale signs. Moreover, having faced Henry personally and witnessed his domineering presence, she knew no one could defy his decisions.

Ethan couldn't possibly go against Henry! "No. Stop speculating."

Ethan had no intention of continuing the conversation.

"Just remember what I said."

With that, he drove off without a goodbye. Amanda bit her lip hard.

Whatever the truth was, whether he had feelings for her or not, she would never let Ethan be with anyone else!

In the courtyard of Levine Manor, Elizabeth watched the black car disappear into the distance as she took a drag from her cigarette. She pulled out her phone and made a call.

"Elise."

Her tone was light and casual, a stark contrast to her brooding silence moments ago while smoking.

"Elizabeth."

Elise sounded equally calm and ordinary. Though if one listened closely, a trace of fatigue laced her voice.

"I'm not coming back tonight. My mother won't let me leave," Elizabeth complained.

"Sure."

"What are you up to?"

"Still working."

"Are you that busy?" Elizabeth's brows furrowed. It was past 11 PM.

"I did take a week off," Elise said lightly.

It didn't sound like she was avoiding what happened between her and William. Such composure was only possible if she had truly moved on.

"I saw my brother today."

Elizabeth decided to say it after a moment's hesitation.

Elise's fingers, which had been tapping on her keyboard, finally stilled. She held her phone, picked up the Americano on her desk, and stood up, walking toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.

After sitting all day, she needed to stretch her stiff joints.

"The Stuarts joined us for dinner today," Elizabeth continued, "My brother is under my grandfather's surveillance. He can't call or meet you. He wants you to wait for him."

"Okay," Elise responded.

Elizabeth thought she had misheard. She repeated Elise's reply in disbelief.

"You're willing to wait?"