Elise left Crestwood on Monday morning. Every media outlet was flooded with images of William seeing her off at the airport, their parting painted as heartbreakingly reluctant.

Elise wondered if there was truly no other newsworthy event in Crestwood. Had the entertainment industry run dry of scandal? For an entire week, William and Victoria's images dominated every headline, their faces unavoidable no matter which platform she browsed.

She set her phone aside and entered the executive conference room. The meeting focused on Stellar Group's launch of a new luxury brand line.

Since her identity as 'Lovely' had been revealed, countless businesses were knocking on their door, seeking collaboration. This presented Stellar Group with a significant opportunity. With their current limited resources, expanding marketing through strategic partnerships and increased financing could create a win-win scenario.

The challenge now was selecting the ideal partner.

Elise spent the entire afternoon in back-to-back meetings. She engaged in lengthy discussions with the senior management team.

Her phone remained on silent throughout. Only when she finally returned to her office did she notice the missed calls.

Some were from William. Others were from Samuel.

She chose to ignore them and dove straight back into her work.

The next time she looked up, it was past 9 PM.

They had finally shortlisted three promising potential partners. The team agreed to proceed with a tender process to make the final selection.

Elise stretched her arms, feeling the day's tension. She grabbed her bag and car keys, ready to head home.

The parking lot was her next stop.

Most employees had long since departed. The vast space was eerily quiet and nearly empty.

Elise pressed the unlock button on her key fob. She reached for the car door handle.

A figure lunged from the shadows. A rough hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream. She fought back, struggling against her attacker's iron grip. Her efforts seemed futile against his strength.

She twisted violently. Her muffled cries were swallowed by his palm.

He dragged her sideways, toward a waiting van. He intended to force her inside.

Suddenly, another man charged forward. A powerful kick landed on her attacker, forcing him to release her.

Terror seized Elise. Her only coherent thought was escape.

The two men immediately erupted into a vicious brawl.

Once her initial shock subsided, Elise finally got a clear look at the combatants. The man who had attacked her was Brandon. The one who had saved her… was Samuel.

Elise swiftly called the police.

By the time officers arrived, both men were battered and bruised. Samuel appeared to have sustained more injuries.

Everyone was taken to the Crestwood Police Station to give their statements.

Brandon was detained. Elise and Samuel were eventually released.

It was already 1 AM.

The streets outside were cold and deserted.

A chilly October wind whipped through the air. Elise shivered, sneezing.

"Are you cold?" Samuel immediately shrugged off his jacket, offering it to her.

"I'm fine," Elise declined instantly, her tone firm.

Sensing her clear resistance, Samuel didn't press further. He simply nodded, pulling his jacket back on.