She would never reveal these thoughts to William.

The only thing William needed to believe was that she was completely unaware of their sudden engagement announcement.

She had to appear as if she was coerced into accepting it. She would even pretend to cooperate with William to call off the engagement.

Relationships were like business deals. Charging ahead blindly never worked—she needed strategy and careful planning.

noveldrama

“William, I just followed Elise on social media.”

William turned his attention to her.

It seemed mentioning Elise's name was the only way to get his focus.

“Should I explain our situation to her?” Victoria offered, sounding genuinely concerned.

“That won't be necessary.” William declined immediately.

“But she seems to have completely misunderstood our relationship.”

“That's exactly why you shouldn't.” William stated bluntly.

Victoria pressed her lips together.

His words stung more than she expected.

She couldn't believe how distant William had become in just six months!

What was so special about Elise?!

When she first saw Elise at Levine Holdings' anniversary gala, she had to admit Elise looked more striking in person than in photographs.

She had spotted Elise effortlessly in the crowd.

That was when she noticed how William gazed at Elise with such affection.

Today, she had observed Elise up close.

Elise wasn't dressed elaborately like at the gala. She wore no makeup, her face clean and natural, yet still breathtakingly beautiful.

But Victoria refused to believe William could be that shallow.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have remained single all these years despite countless beautiful women pursuing him—though she hated admitting Elise surpassed them all.

Victoria composed herself and smiled apologetically. “Alright. I wasn't thinking clearly.”

Silence fell between them as their conversation ended.

The Ferris wheel cabin reached the ground.

Elise had already left, hand in hand with James.

Under the city lights, their retreating figures created a warm, joyful picture.

By the time Elise brought James home, it was 9:30 PM.

They had ordered takeout on their way and ate immediately upon arriving.

After dinner, they rested briefly before Elise gave James his bath and tucked him into bed.

Exhausted from the day's excitement, James fell asleep the moment his head touched the pillow.

Though equally tired, Elise found herself unable to sleep.

She kept watching James sleeping beside her. His fair skin flushed pink, his little lips forming a perfect pout.

Tears suddenly welled in her eyes.

She looked away just as her silenced phone vibrated.

She hesitated for a moment before picking it up and stepping onto the balcony to answer.

“Elise Scott, you finally answered my call!” Her grandmother's voice boomed through the phone. Margaret sounded furious.

“What do you want?” Elise responded flatly.

“What's going on between you and William?! Did you know he's marrying Victoria Stuart now?”

“What are you really after?” She wasn't foolish enough to think Margaret actually cared about her.